Venues across Bath and North East Somerset will open their doors over the next two weeks to give people a chance to see inside hidden places and try out new experiences for free.
Now in its 30th year, the Heritage Open Days scheme is a unique nationwide celebration of history and culture.
Over that time a huge range of sites usually closed to the public – from temples to sewerage works – have thrown open their doors, while those that normally charge waive their fees or put on stages special events.
The packed programme in Bath and North East Somerset includes the chance to see churches, mills, cemeteries and more, enjoy exclusive talks and guided tours, and take part in family friendly activities and trails.
Highlights include:
Roman Baths Clore Learning Centre
Find out what it was like to live in Roman Bath with fun activities, crafts and crazy rituals. Friday 6 and Tuesday 10 September, 6-8pm
Roman Baths Local History Store – Lansdown 
Explore weird and wonderful objects on a store tour, pictured, from Victorian spa equipment to Georgian furniture. Wednesday 11 September, tours at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm
Bath Record Office
See inside the storerooms and discover how the Record Office looks after its unique collections. Monday 9 September, 10am-2pm
Victoria Art Gallery
Take a store tour and explore the collections housed there. Tuesday 10, Thursday 12 and Saturday 14 September, 12 noon
Gardens at the American Museum & Gardens
Enjoy free admission to the gardens on Sunday 15 September, 10am-5pm
Museum of Bath at Work
Join local historian Ann Cullis to hear fascinating tales about the museum, originally built as a ‘real tennis’ court in 1777. Friday 6 September, 11am and 2.30pm
Albert Mill
Visit the historic mill in Keynsham, which dates from 1700 and is now a private residence. Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September
Keynsham Abbey
See the remains of this medieval abbey and find out about its history, with a guided talk and a ‘monk’s trail’ for children. Saturdays 7 and 14 September, 2-5pm
Eyre Chantry Chapel
Explore the chapel, with its stunning stained glass windows and Minton tiled floor. Thursday 12 September, 11am-4pm
Prior Park
Visit the National Trust’s Prior Park for free on Saturdays 7 and 14 September, discover the recent renovation and learn about the archaeology of the garden. 10am-4pm, last entry 3pm
Church of Our Lady and St Alphege
Take a guided tour and discover this outstanding 1920s example of the work of Sir Giles Gilbert Scott – who also designed Battersea Power Station, the Chamber of the House of Commons, Bankside Power Station (now Tate Modern), and Britain’s famous red telephone boxes. Friday 6, Thursday 12 and Saturday 14 September, 2.30pm
Bath & North East Somerset cabinet member for economic & cultural sustainable development, Cllr Paul Roper, said the open days offered a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural heritage that make Bath and North East Somerset so special.
“This year’s programme is brimming with hidden gems and events that will captivate residents and visitors alike, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of this chance to experience our local history firsthand – all for free."
For full listings of places to visit across Bath and North East Somerset during the 10-day festival, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk or download the Heritage Open Days leaflet.
Advance booking is essential for some venues.
