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John Clare Cottage in Helpston will be opening it's doors for free as part of the weekend event

Stately homes, a medieval tower with historical re-enactors, places of worship and the birth place of local poet John Clare, will all be opening their doors free of charge this weekend as part of a national heritage event.

 Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring local history and culture to life, and it is happening this weekend, the 8^th to11^th of September.

 Local attractions include historical re-enactors at Longthorpe Tower, Peterborough Cathedral and the Customs House, home to the City’s Sea Scouts by the Town Bridge, as well as churches in Upton and Castor (recently on Time Team).

There are guided walks through Thorney village including the abbey, the Cathedral’s grounds and Milton Park, illuminating the history behind prominent local buildings. For those who want to see our hidden history, you can enjoy a visit to Cambridgeshire County Council’s Archaeology Store, located in Landbeach, Cambridgeshire.

 Peterborough’s heritage regeneration officer, Alice Kershaw, said: “Heritage Open Days is a fantastic opportunity for people to visit sites for free which are either not open to the public or usually charge for entry. We’ve had a great response to the event this year with many of Peterborough’s heritage attractions taking part.”

 For more information on these and other local events, visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory.