Heritage Open Days - until 15 September

"England’s largest festival of history and culture" - a bold claim, and probably true! Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate the fantastic history and culture of this country. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore. 

Here are a few. Move fast!!!

Blossomgate Gazebo, Ripon. An 18th-century marvel, beautifully restored and hidden in the middle of the city. 7 September, 1300-1600, no booking required.

Cotherstone Quaker Meeting House, near Barnard Castle. 1654 meeting house in open country. 7 September and 14 September, 1000-1600, no booking required.

Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle. One of the most wildly OTT museums in Britain - and it's free! 7 September, 1000-1700, no booking required.

Easby, the Romantic Ruin. Just outside Richmond. The Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s saw abbeys across the country fall into ruin, but their history did not stop; rather, they entered another, fascinating phase, that of Romantic Tourism. 7 September and 11 September, free themed tours at 1400: must be booked! 

Escomb Saxon Church, Bishop Auckland. Built around 680AD - they don't come much older... 7 September, 1300-1700, no booking required.

Binchester Roman Fort, Bishop Auckland. 4th-century remains, including the commanding officer's house and an exceptionally well preserved regimental bath building. Free access daily, 7-15 September, 1000-1600 (last entry), no booking required.

​Nidderdale Museum, between Harrogate and Richmond. Less familiar round here than our own Richmondshire and Swaledale Museums, the Nidderdale cousin is an imposing Victorian Workhouse, where you can sit in an old school room or pub snug, walk down a mine tunnel, see the table laid for tea in a Victorian parlour, visit a complete Cobbler's shop (photo above), look in at the Dairy and Blacksmith's, or follow the Children's trail. 7 September, 1000-1630, no booking required.

---