Heritage Open Days

17th August 2009

Historic buildings across St. Helens will again be opening their doors to the public during the annual national Heritage Open Days on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September.

Heritage Open Days celebrate England’s fantastic architecture and culture by allowing visitors free access to properties or free events that are either not usually open, or would normally charge an entrance fee.

Heritage Open Days are co-ordinated nationally by English Heritage and locally by St.Helens Council.

Councillor Wally Ashcroft, St.Helens Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Sport & Heritage, says: “Heritage Open Days offer a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of free tours, events and activities, which bring to life local history and culture”.

During this weekend, buildings of interest will be open throughout. There will be a whole programme of tours and family friendly activities, so that everyone can enjoy their local heritage.

So discover your doorstep for free. Participating venues across St.Helens are:

• St.Helens Town Hall: free-guided tour and period costume performances

• St.Helens Local History & Archives: free-guided tour of the archives

• The Citadel (Saturday Only): a free one-hour performance based on the Pendle Witch Trials

• The World of Glass (Saturday Only): free-guided tours of the galleries and Cone Building

• St.Mary’s Lowe House Church (Saturday Only): free-guided tour around the church and tower

• Friends’ Meeting House: free-guided tour around the house and garden

• Fir Tree Farm: free-guided tours around the orchard, gazebo and farmhouse

• Smithy Heritage Centre: medieval banquet, exhibition and crafts

• Sutton Oak Welsh Chapel: free-guided tour around the Chapel and gardens

• Rainhill Heritage Exhibition: ‘Pictures from the Past’ exhibition

• Dream: free-guided tours provided by the Shining Lights Heritage Group

A free shuttle bus service will link St.Helens Town Centre with some of the venues open for Heritage Open Days. The bus service will depart from and return to the St.Helens World of Glass (outside the Cone entrance).

If you would like more information, contact St.Helens Tourist Information Centre on 01744 755150.