Historic Places

The annual Heritage Open Days event runs from Thursday, 11 September until Sunday, 14 September and gives visitors the opportunity to take a look inside local buildings and sites for free.

In South Gloucestershire you can take a rare opportunity to visit the collections of the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust based at the original factory buildings in Patchway, take a guided walk around Thornbury Castle gardens or a tour of local geology and colliery sites.

In Bristol chose from a whole list of interesting attractions including a display of material from the Arnolfini's archives, finding out how sewage is converted into fertiliser at Avonmouth Sewage Treatment works and a chance to watch glass blowing at Bristol Blue Glass.

You can also step inside Charles Wesley's house, take a look at the tunnelled delights of the Clifton Rocks Railway or visit the 1930s Concrete House in Westbury on Trym.

Colston Hall is also offering a glimpse behind the façade of its multi-million pound, state-of-the-art new foyer development on Saturday.

From 10am to 4pm, visitors will have the opportunity to step on to the building site and get a sneak preview of the contemporary construction. Highlights of the tour include being able to stroll around what will become an additional performance and exhibition space.

In Clevedon the Curzon Community Cinema, believed to be the oldest, purpose-built, continuously operating cinema in the world, is holding special family fun and games and at Rangeworthy there are family activities at the Oldwood Pit Open Day.

Find out more details about the events - and if booking is necessary - at the link below.

National Trust

The National Trust is also getting into the open day spirit with a variety of events at its properties around Bristol and Bath.

From 8-13 September at Tyntesfield in North Somerset you can help conservators as they tackle the delicate task of cleaning the mosaic floor of the stunning Gothic Chapel. No caustic detergents or scouring pads here, just elbow grease and cotton buds! It’s running for the whole week with free entry on Saturday 13 September.

On Saturday, 13 September at Dyrham Park near Bath there is free entry to enjoy living history, as the Sealed Knot take over the Old Lodge Buildings for the weekend. See how they lived, worked and played. There are also Park Tracker packs and house activity sheets available for children.

And on  Sunday, 14 September you can enjoy free entry to Prior Park Landscape Garden in Bath. See the newly restored ‘wilderness’ areas of this 18th Century site and pick up a family tracker pack to help you learn about the garden and its wildlife.

Bath history buffs should also look out for details of the annual Heritage Open Week which traditionally takes place during the autumn half-term in October.

Museums in Bath & North East Somerset will be arranging a series of free events and activities for children and local residents. Details available on the council's website in the next few weeks.