Explore Lancashire's rich history and culture on Heritage Open Day

Libraries, landmarks and museums will open their doors for free events during this year's Heritage Open Days Festival, giving residents and visitors the chance to explore the county's rich heritage through tours, talks and family activities.

Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, giving people the opportunity to discover hidden places and enjoy new experiences for free.

One of the highlights in the county is the Heritage Open Day from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 19 September, when visitors will have the opportunity to explore County Hall, Christ Church Chapel and Lancashire Archives, in Preston.

Throughout the day, visitors can choose to attend a guided talk or tour, or simply turn up on the day and explore at their own pace. In the marketplace, visitors can meet some of the teams who deliver the council's services across the region. Pre-booking is recommended for talks and tours due to limited spaces.

The Heritage Open Day will also see some of our stunning buildings open their doors for the public to celebrate the Festival, including the Gawthorpe Hall and the Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, both in in Burnley, and Clitheroe Library.

Visitors enjoying one of the talks at last year's Heritage Open Day inside the Council Chamber

The free event includes access to the Council Chamber, talks inside Christ Church Chapel, which is opening to the public for only the third time, and tours of Lancashire Archives, home to millions of documents charting the county's history from 1115 to the present day. Visitors can also view original building plans, meet county council services and discover more about Lancashire's past from local history organisations.

Lancashire County Council is committed to celebrating the people, places and communities that make the county a great place to live, work and visit.  Strengthening civic pride and supporting thriving local communities continues to be an important priority for the council.

Councillor Ella Worthington, cabinet member for Civic Pride, said:

"Heritage Open Days are a fantastic opportunity to discover the stories, people and places that have shaped Lancashire over the centuries. From historic buildings and remarkable archives to hidden gems that are not usually open to the public, there is something for everyone to explore.

"This year's theme, Everyday Histories, celebrates the moments and traditions that connect us to our shared past.

"We're delighted to once again open the doors to County Hall and heritage sites across the county. Visitors can explore Lancashire's history, uncover hidden stories and even enjoy some traditional county favourites in Reflections Restaurant, from butter pie and parched peas to a classic Chorley cake."

"It's a wonderful chance to celebrate our heritage and learn more about the work being done to preserve it for future generations."

Queen Street Mill Textile Museum in Burnley

For further information, visit Heritage Open Days. Talks and tours have limited numbers, we recommend you book in advance to guarantee a place at LCC Events.