Heritage Open Days allow you to explore hidden Preston

You can go inside buildings which are normally off limits Pic: Paul Melling

From a history of how buildings in Preston city centre came to be to a look around a tranquil rural church the annual celebration of Preston’s heritage is returning this city.

Heritage Open Days sees dozens of events happening in and around Preston – and further afield – with many places opening up for a look round which are normally off limits.

Among the events in the city include a chance to explore inside Number 1 and 2 Lune Street. Called Hidden ‘Art Vouveau’ the building with a baroque exterior is a late Victorian former friendly society offices.

You can explore the Lune Street officers on Saturday 9 September from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday 10 September from 11am to 3pm.

Recently restored the Jeremiah Horrocks Observatory is being thrown open by the University of Central Lancashire.

Based in Moor Park it’s a chance to see the historic Cooke eight inch refractor telescope.

Open on Friday 8 September from 11am to 4pm, Saturday 9 September from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Lancashire Infantry Museum is regularly open but puts on guided tours for the Heritage Open Days during Saturday 9 September.

The tours are on at 10.30, 12noon and 1.30pm. Tours last for an hour.

Fishwick Bottoms is the subject of a guided history tour on Sunday 10 September.

From 1pm take a look round Fishwick Local Nature Reserve and learn how it’s been shaped by the Vikings, Oliver Cromwell and an old brickworks. The walk takes between two to three hours.

You can see all events in the Preston area on Thursday 7 September to Sunday 10 September, or in your area, by searching on the Heritage Open Days site. You can also see the full Preston programme on the Heritage Open Days leaflet, download here.

Heritage Open Days began in 2013 and that year 12 venues opened their doors with around 400 visits made. It has now grown to have 2,000 visits across more than 20 places.

Have you been to a Heritage Open Day? What did you see? Let us know your picks in the comments below