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. Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples. It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture.

Abbot Hall Art Gallery
FREE admission Friday 10 September, 10.30am - 5.00pm
Includes The Loneliness of Lowry exhibition. Walking tours looking at the life and work of George Romney through Abbot Hall’s wonderful collection of paintings by the artist. These will be given by Romney expert and biographer, David Cross, at 11.00am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm in the period rooms at Abbot Hall. Each tour will focus on a different aspect of Romney’s career, and places are limited to 18 people per tour.  Booking essential (first come, first served).

Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House
FREE admission Friday 10 September, 10.30am - 5.00pm
Free entry to House and Garden Terraces. Includes the William Morris exhibition, and Arts & Crafts displays.

Windermere Steamboat Museum
FREE admission Friday 10 September, 10.30am - 5.00pm
Ice cream, cold drinks and snacks will be available for sale. Talks in the Conservation Workshop will be held at timed intervals throughout the day (limited numbers).

Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry
FREE admission Saturday 11 September, 10.30am - 5.00pm
Free self guided tours all day. Victorian Toys workshops for the under 12’s (children should be accompanied by an adult.) Each limited to 10 places on a first come first served basis. At 11.00, 12.00, 13.00, 14.00, 15.00 and 16.00. Each workshop lasts 20 mins.