THERE will be a rare chance to see inside Great Malvern's Masonic Hall during special Heritage Open Days.

Historic buildings, many not usually open to the public, will welcome visitors for free from Thurs-day to Sunday, September 8-11.

The national event is co-ordinated by the Civic Trust, in conjunction with English Heritage.

Malvern Civic Society is spearheading the initiative locally and free Heritage Walks will be available on the Saturday at 10.30am and 2.30pm and Sunday at 2.30pm.

Walks will explore the buildings and personalities of our Victorian spa town and start from the Tourist Information Centre. Places can be booked on 01684 892289.

The Masonic Hall, Belle Vue Terrace, is open on the Saturday, from 10am to 5pm. The Priory will also be open on the Saturday, between 1pm and 6pm, with fine stained glass, carved misericords and medieval floor and wall tiles.

Not normally open is the Council House, in Priory Park, home to Malvern Hills District Council. In a former life, it was a fine Victorian Gothic mansion dating from 1874 and still contains beautiful carved wood fittings and stained glass. It will open on the Saturday, from 1pm to 3pm.

In Ledbury, buildings in the programme include St Katherine's Chapel, open on the Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Of particular interest is fine medieval tiles, similar to those in St David's Cathedral.

Another venue will be Ledbury Parish Church, open throughout from 9am to 5.30pm. The Market House will be open from 11am to 4pm on Thursday and Friday, and from 2pm to 4pm on the weekend.

Ledbury Heritage Centre will be open from 10.30am to 4.30pm on the Thursday, Friday and Satur-day, and from 11.30am to 3.30pm on the Sunday.

The Butcher's Row Museum in Church Lane will be open every day from 11am to 5pm.

The 16th Century Painted Room, in Ledbury Town Council's offices, will be open on Thursday and Friday, from 11am to 4pm, and on the Sunday, from 2pm to 4pm.

Also open is Eastnor Castle, with tours on Thursday at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm. Places must be booked on 01531 633160.

The National Trust welcomes visitors to Croome Park, the 18th Century Capability Brown landscaped grounds it is restoring. An 18th Century re-enactor will also be on site. Also open will be St Mary Magdalene's Church on the estate, built in 1763 by Brown and Robert Adam in the Gothic style. The tower, not normally open, can be climbed during part of the day and offers fine views. The event is on the Friday, from 10am to 5pm and for details, call 01905 371006.