Over 70 notable historic properties are opening their doors for free this weekend, including three in Preston.

As part of Heritage Open Days, residents can explore Samlesbury Hall, the Georgian Church and the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment Museum.

I popped down to Samlesbury Hall, on the outskirts of the city on Preston New Road. Built in 1325, the Hall has gone through a variety of owners and functions. In the early 1920s, a group of Blackburn businessmen who were concerned about the welfare of the Hall purchased it for £4000, and set up the Samlesbury Hall Trust. This pledged to maintain and preserve the Hall for the visiting public.

Despite the faint hum of traffic from the A677, Samlesbury Hall is pleasant and idyllic, nestled within beautiful Tudor grounds, and boasts a miniature farm, a wildflower maze and an antiques centre. I’d heartily recommend a visit this weekend or to any of the other Heritage Open Days in Preston, details of which you can view below:

Samlesbury Hall

Open Friday 11:00 – 4:30

Open Sunday 11:00 – 4:30

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The Georgian Church

Open Saturday 12:00 – 5:00

Open Sunday 12:00 – 5:00

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Queen’s Lancashire Regiment Museum

Open Saturday 10:00 – 4:00

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