Each September there’s a wonderful opportunity for us to discover Northamptonshire’s history for free. The Heritage Open Day scheme is England’s largest festival of culture and history, administered by the National Trust with funding by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Local organisations are encouraged to open their doors to the public at no charge, inviting visitors to to explore their heritage, history, and architecture. Heritage Open Days are an opportunity to explore many well known attractions, to see special exhibitions, and most excitingly to visit historic places not usually open to the public.

This year the Heritage Open Day scheme takes place over two consecutive long weekends, 6-9 & 13-16 September. It’s important to check who is taking part, and what they are offering, and to book if necessary. The official website is www.heritageopendays.org.uk. There’s a filtering system to help you find events to capture your interest. My particular passion is to explore places which are usually closed to the public - nothing makes me happier than to explore behind a door with a ‘no entry’ sign on it!

I have had a look to see what treats are available for us to explore this year. There are over 50 listed as I write, and more will be added!

For example, you could explore the surprisingly ancient Northampton & County Club, located on George Row, in Northampton, with its mediaeval vaulted cellars. Or 350 year old Weston Hall in south Northamptonshire, currently the family home of food critic William Sitwell, Or you could even explore the Victorian exuberance of Northampton’s very own Guildhall, full of gloriously gothic decoration.

It’s all for free, so what will you discover?
For further information visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk