HUNDREDS of historic buildings are being prepared to allow people to go behind their closed doors.
The annual Heritage Open Days scheme, running between Thursday and Sunday, will see more than 300 historic locations in the West Midlands open their doors for free.
Here in Worcestershire more than 20 venues, including Greyfriars in Worcester and Hartlebury Castle, near Kidderminster, will welcome visitors free of charge.
The County Museum at Hartlebury Castle will be open from 11am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Visitors will step back in time and meet characters from the past as well as explore the museum’s treasures – some of which have never been on display before.
There will also be a behind the scenes tour, a wartime schoolroom, and a chance to meet famous diarist Samuel Peyps, who is staying at the castle for the weekend.
Children will recognise the Relic Trail, which has been inspired by by the popular BBC children’s programme.
Rachel Robinson, Worcestershire County Museum’s visitor services officer, said: “This weekend provides a great opportunity for people to see behind the scenes at our museum and have a good look around our permanent exhibits, all free of charge.
“We are excited about being able to show the public around our private stores and the historic characters who visitors can meet really help to bring the past to life.
“Best of all, in these credit crunch times, it’s a free day out.” Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust, the group fighting to keep Hartlebury open to the public now it is up for sale, will open the normally closed staterooms, including the famous Bishop Hurd Library.
The café will be serving up historic recipes such as Civil War Siege Stew, Fidget Pie and Queen of Puddings. The Heritage Open Days are run by an army of volunteers and supported by English Heri-tage. There will be interactive activities taking place at most venues, from children’s events to behind the scenes tours.
Suzanne Carter, English Heritage outreach manager, said: “With more than 70 towns, villages and cities in the region taking part in Heritage Open Days there really is an attraction around every corner, each with a compelling story to tell.
“Staffed by volunteers who are passionate about their buildings, neighbourhoods and heritage, the breadth of the properties opening this year is quite remarkable.“There are also scores of hands-on activities providing something for all ages.” See heritageopendays.org.uk or call 020 75397907 for full listings.
What’s open in Worcestershire (Thurdsay, September 9, to Sunday, September 12) THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
Pershore Abbey.
St Andrew's Parish Centre, Pershore.
FRIDAY
Beaucastle, Bewdley.
Worcestershire History Centre, Worcester.
FRIDAY TO SUNDAY
Upton Heritage Centre, Upton-upon-Severn.
SATURDAY
Brockhampton Estate, Bringsty.
Hanbury Hall, Droitwich.
St Lawrence's Church, Evesham.
Malvern St James – The Imperial Hotel, Great Malvern.
Croome Park, near Worcester.
St Swithun's Church, Worcester.
The Greyfriars, Worcester.
Worcester Masonic Centre and Museum of Freemasonry, Worcester.
Worcester Porcelain Museum.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Evesham Friends Meeting House.
Oat Street Unitarian Chapel, Evesham.
Churchill Forge, Kidderminster.
Hartlebury Castle and the Hurd Library, near Kidderminster.
SUNDAY
Bewdley Guildhall, Bewdley.
Evesham Bell Tower, Evesham.
Stourport Masonic Hall, Stourport-on-Severn.
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