Take a step back in time as some of Lancashire's most fascinating buildings host Heritage Open Days

Historic libraries, landmarks and museums across the county will open the doors for free events as part of the annual Heritage Open Days Festival from 12 September to 21 September.  

From historic halls to industrial powerhouses to ancient woodland, the Heritage Open Days give people the chance to explore our county's past and enjoy  tours, talks and adventures.  

 Here's our round up of just some of what Lancashire County Council has to offer this September. 

Lancaster 

 

Lancaster Castle (LA1 1YJ) - Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 

 Guided tours of Lancaster Castle will be free on 13 and 14 September from 10am until 4pm, featuring ancient places like the old courtrooms, Hadrian’s Tower, parts of the former prison and the Drop Room. Tours will be on a first come first served basis. 

For further information, click here.   

Borwick Hall, Carnforth (LA6 1JU) – Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 September 

Open for the first time for Heritage Open Days, this Grade I listed building dating back to the 14th century will be open from 10am to 4pm on 16 and 17 September. Entry is free, and homemade baked goods and hot drinks will be available to buy during opening hours. 

To find out more, click here 

Judges’ Lodgings, Lancaster (LA1 1YS) – Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 

The city's oldest townhouse is celebrating  its 400th birthday on 13 and 14 September with free events from 11am to 4pm, including games, live music, crafts, behind the scenes tours with people dressed in costumes and a pop-up Victorian tearoom. 

For more details, click here. 

 

East Lancashire 

Queen Street Mill (Credit: Lancashire Museums/Simon Critchley)

Queen Street Mill, Burnley (BB10 2HX) – Saturday 13 September 

Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, home to the last steam-powered weaving shed in the world, will be opening for free on 13 September.  

Find out about life in the cotton-weaving mills, explore and watch first hand original textile machines in action including the rare 130-year-old Lancashire Looms, a traditional handloom and spinning wheel. Highlights will include costumed staff, guided tours, craft activities, and the Weaver’s Rest café between 11 and 4pm. 

To find out more, click here. 

 

Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, Rossendale (BB4 4NP) – Saturday 20 September 

Helmshore Mills Textile Museum will open its doors for free to members of the public on 20 September between 11am and 4pm. 

See this unique ancient scheduled monument, take part in a free tour of Higher Mill and Whitaker’s Mill, and watch the historic machinery in action. Tours will take place at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. The Coffee Mill café will also be open.  

For more detail, click here.  

 

 Clitheroe Castle Museum - Clitheroe (BB7 1AZ) - Saturday 20 September  

Clitheroe Castle Museum is based in the former Steward’s House of Clitheroe Castle and will be open for free on 20 September between 11am and 4pm.  

People can explore the museum’s main exhibition and find out about the history, heritage and geology of the local area, while children will be able to take part in a mini adventure. Visitors can also see incredible finds such as the Silverdale Viking Hoard in the Hidden Hoards exhibition.  

To find out more, click here.  

 

Gawthorpe Hall (Credit: Lancashire Museums and Simon Critchley)

Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham (Satnav BB12 8SD) – Saturday 20 September 

Gawthorpe Hall will be open for free all day on 20 September between 12pm and 4pm.  

Step through the doors of this beautiful country house dating to the 1600s and find out more about the Shuttleworth family who lived there, and some of the illustrious figures who walked within its walls including Charlotte Bronte.  

Other highlights include a fascinating exhibition focusing on when the hall was first built, a Victorian kitchen, as well as the grounds and walled garden. Nearby All Saints Church which has connections to the hall will also be open 12-4pm. 

 For more information, click here  

Preston 

 

Carved door at Christ Church Chapel, County Hall, Preston

County Hall, Preston (PR1 8XJ) - Saturday 20 September 

The iconic County Hall visited by none other than King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II will open the doors on 20 September. Between 10am to 4pm, visitors will get a chance to explore the rich architecture and history of the building which began life as a courthouse in the 19th century, 

The headquarters of Lancashire County Council, the Victorian building will host free tours, talks, family friendly activities, and refreshments. Admission is free but booking is essential for the talks and tours.  

Highlights include: 

Fascinating tours of the Lancashire Archives  

Home to millions of historical documents that help tell the amazing story of our county, Lancashire Archives contains documents dating from 1115 to the present day.  

Find out more about exactly how archivists work to safeguard these for future generations in the iconic Record Office building and witness some of the archive treasures first hand.  

Chamber Talks 
A rare opportunity to step inside the impressive Council Chamber with head of Democratic Services Josh Mynott and to explore the rich heritage, history and architecture of County Hall.  

Chapel Talks  

Explore Christ Church Chapel with conservation and collections manager Heather Davis. The historic building will be open to the public for only the second time. 

To find out more about the Heritage Open Day at County Hall on 20 September, click here.  

Christ Church Chapel, County Hall, Preston (PR1 8XJ) – Tuesday 16 September. 

A rare chance to visit the breath taking Christ Church Chapel will also be on offer on 16 September. Listen to expert talks on the historic building, its heritage and its role as the county council chapel. 
Entrance is free to the event and talks take place between 3.15pm and 6.45pm. Places must be pre booked. To find out more, click here.  

Lancashire Conservation Studios, Preston (PR1 5LN) – Saturday 13 September  

Lancashire Conservation Studios on St Mary's Street will host a fascinating event which will give visitors the chance to peek behind the scenes with conservators and curators. Entry is free to the event which takes place between 10.30am and 3.30pm on 13 September and to find out more, click here 

'Meet the Curator,' Preston (PR1 5LN) – Wednesday 17 September. 
Lancashire Conservation Studios on St Mary's Street will also host an event at which visitors will be able to speak with experts and see rare artefacts from Roman tent pegs to Medieval coins and Bronze Age pottery.  

Entry is free, sessions are between 3.30pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday, 17 September, and for more details, click here.  

Clitheroe Library

Carnegie Libraries (East Lancashire and Lancaster) 

 Four of Lancashire's 'Carnegie' libraries, founded in the late Victorian and early 20th century, will be hosting free Heritage Open Day events this year. 

Accrington, Haslingden, Clitheroe and Rawtenstall Libraries rank among some prestigious 2,509 'Carnegie' libraries built between 1883 and 1929 by Scottish born steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. 

Dubbed 'the father of modern philosophy,' the entrepreneur was also an eminent philanthropist, using his wealth for altruistic purposes in the United States, Great Britain, and across the British empire. 

Among his good causes was the founding of 2,509 libraries that would become known as 'Carnegie' libraries between 1883 and 1929.  

The beautiful 'Carnegie' libraries became renowned for their distinctive architecture, often featuring objects like lanterns and majestic entrances aimed at inspiring learning and furthering enlightenment worldwide. 

The 'Carnegie' libraries in Lancashire include Accrington, Haslingden, Clitheroe, St Annes and Rawtenstall Libraries. 

People can find out more about four of the Lancashire 'Carnegie' libraries, at events celebrating Heritage Open Day this September. 
  

Accrington Library (BB5 1NQ) 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 September (9am and 5pm) 

This beautiful Grade II listed Carnegie library was built in 1907 and will be hosting an exhibition and display boards, available for free during normal opening hours (Monday to Saturday), 

Find out about architectural features and the history of the building, and see reproductions of the original architects' plans. 

For more information, click here.  

 

Rawtenstall Library

Rawtenstall Library (BB4 6QU) - Wednesday 17 September (10:15am to 11:00am) 

This eminent, Grade II Listed building was founded in 1907, originally as a lending library.  

However, its popularity soared, and a reference library was added, along with an extension in 1914, also funded by Carnegie. In 1971, Historic England awarded it a Grade ll listing, and the main library still hosts a plaque dedicated to Andrew Carnegie. 

 Visitors to the Heritage Open Day event can enjoy refreshments, browse a local history display and take part in a British History Quiz. 

 For more information, click here.  

Haslingden Library (BB4 5QL) - Saturday 13 September (10am to noon) 

A fascinating look at Haslingden through the decades will be on offer thanks to a display of photographs, pamphlets and scrapbooks and historical objects, as well as other exhibitions. 

For more information, click here.  

Clitheroe Library (BB7 2DG) – Saturday 13 September (10.30 to 1.30pm) 

Opened in 1905, this beautiful Grade II Listed building featuring a Renaissance-inspired façade will be hosting local experts and giving visitors a chance to explore the building's rich architecture and past. 

For further details, click here.  

 Lancaster Library  (LA1 1HY) – Saturday 13 September between 2.30 and 3.30pm. 

Although not a Carnegie Library, this prominent, Grade I listed building will also be opening the doors as part of the Heritage Open Day celebrations this year. 

It began life as coaching inn, subsequently serving as a police station and a fire station before it was transformed and opened as the town's public library in 1932 along with the Junior Library in New Street. 

For more information, click here 

Councillor Matthew Salter, cabinet member for Education and Skills, said: 

"We are delighted to join this national celebration of our country's great heritage. 

"These events provide a fascinating and in-depth insight into the rich and diverse stories of Lancashire’s past, and we would urge everyone to take advantage of the opportunities for education and cultural enrichment that the County Council offers." 

For more details about Lancashire’s Heritage Open Days this year, including admission and how to book, as well as other upcoming events, click here.  

Check out the Heritage Open Day website for everything happening in Lancashire.