Between the 6 – 15 September, Heritage Open Days celebrates our fantastic history and culture. Many heritage attractions open their doors and offer free events and activities, to highlight the amazing variety of fascinating places to discover. Here in the Lake District, Cumbria, there’s plenty to explore! Here are just a few of the Heritage Open Days events taking place across the county - check out what's on here.

---

National Trust for Heritage Open Days

The National Trust are celebrating Heritage Open Days at several of their sites across Cumbria. From tours of Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston water to a look inside St Margaret's Church on the Wray estate; a rushbearing display at Allan Bank to a guided walk of the Whitehaven coast, there’s plenty to enjoy.

---

Hawkshead Grammar School

On 8, 13 and 15 September, Hawkshead Grammar School – once attended by William Wordsworth – is offering guided tours into one of the few remaining historic school libraries which remains in-situ, in the school building it was set up in. Usually closed to the public, it’s a unique opportunity to see inside this fascinating library – which is home to around 1600 books, some dating back to the 16^th century!

---

Appleby Heritage QR Code Trail 

Explore the ancient market town of Appleby, with a new town trail - launching to coincide with Heritage Open Days! Pick up a map from the Appleby Tourist Infomation Centre and head off to find out more about the town's history. Look out for QR code posters, which will reveal historic pictures and an audio clip.

---

Hutton-in-the-Forest Gardens

The stunning gardens at this impressive historic house are home to Topiary Terraces, a Walled Garden, a small lake, woodland walk and plenty more. Discover their natural beauty on Sunday 15 September as part of the Heritage Open Days.

---

Military History Tours at Carlisle Castle

Visit the impressive Carlisle Castle, and enjoy a free guided tour of its Outer Ward (usually only open to ticket holders) on Saturday 14 September. Plus, Carlisle Castle will be part of a Free Family Heritage Trail alongside attractions like Carlisle Cathedral and Cumbria's Museum of Military Life. 

---

From Roman Roads to Victorian railways - Kirkby Stephen Parish Church

In Kirkby Stephen, visitors are invited to take a walk through history at the Parish Church on Saturday 14 September (10am - 4pm) and Sunday 15 September (12pm - 4pm), with members of the Upper Eden History Society on hand to offer their insight. A collection of rarely of rarely seen Roman pottery will also be on display, discovered during rescue excavations at Church Brough in the 60s and 70s.

---

What Lies Beneath - bringing Maryport's Roman fort to life

Uncover Roman history in the coastal town of Maryport, with a digital trail of its Roman Fort of Alauna on Saturday 7 September between 7pm - 9pm. You'll also be able to visit the Senhouse Roman Museum, which is home to an impressive collection of Roman artefacts. Plus, there will be Roman food to sample, and roman music to bring the evening to life. 

---

Westmorland & Furness Festival of Built Heritage

Celebrate the built heritage of the Westmorland & Furness area in Barrow, with building tours, exhibitions, craft demonstrations and workshops on the 6 and 7 September. From hourly tours of Barrow Town Hall to sign painting and stained glass workshops, there's lots to enjoy. 

---

Guided Tours of Victoria Hall, Grange over Sands

Get a behind the scenes look at Grange over Sands' Grade II listed Victoria Hall, with a guided tour taking visitors to areas not usually open to the public. Home to a 292 seater hall with Balcony, as well as the old Council Chamber and Council Offices, Victoria Hall is filled with history. The tours will take place between 10am - 4pm on Saturday 7 September. 

---

Carlisle Cathedral

Discover over 900 years of history at Carlisle Cathedral. On Saturday 14 September, the Prior’s Tower will be open to view (it’s usually only open on special occasions) – be sure to look up to admire its Tudor painted ceiling. There will also be special bell tower tours, which offer the chance to see the Cathedral’s beautiful blue starry ceiling up close. Plus, the Cathedral will be part of a Free Family Heritage Trail which also includes attractions like Carlisle Castle and Cumbria's Museum of Military Life.

---

The Armitt Museum: Behind the Storeroom Door

Ambleside’s Armitt Museum will be opening its doors for free to celebrate Heritage Open Days on 13 September. This year, the doors to the storeoom will be open too, offering vistors the chance to see objects not currently on display; and learn about the museum's archiving process. 

---

Farfield Mill

Set within a fully restored Victorian woollen mill overlooking the river, Sedbergh’s Farfield Mill is celebrating Heritage Open Days with heritage displays and a new digital guide featuring interviews with people who worked at the mill. Learn more about the local area’s textiles heritage, see power and handweaving looms, visit artist’s studios, and more. There's also a children’s trail for younger visitors to enjoy.

---

Photo: © Quaker Tapestry Museum

Quaker Tapestry Museum

At Kendal’s Quaker Tapestry Museum, celebrate the 400th anniversary of George Fox's birth with a special exhibition titled "Sing and Rejoice: George Fox, the English Civil Wars and the Beginnings of Quakerism". A sepcial talk will take place on the 6 & 7 September between 10:30am - 11:30am, with Curator Francesca Vine offering an insight into the exhibition's historical context.

Get inspired to discover culture and heritage across the Lake District, Cumbria, throughout the year - there's so much to explore.