Heritage Open Days open doors across Merseyside
The annual Heritage Open Days weekend is almost upon us - and as usual there is a lot to see and do in Liverpool an indeed right across Merseyside.
Dozens of historic venues are taking part in this year's event, from churches to museums, old city centre buildings, parks and libraries, offering a peek (sometimes a rare peek) inside, or putting on an interesting programme of talks and walks.
The weekend is so popular that some of the events are already fully booked.
But if you're looking for a little inspiration, here are a few ideas on both sides of the River Mersey.
Bridewell Studios
September 9-10, noon-5pm
Ever wondered what went on behind the door of the old Bridewell opposite the Royal Liverpool Hospital in Prescot Street? Now’s your chance to find out.
The former police building is now home to almost 40 artists and crafts men and women, and along with the chance to see inside some studios there will be an exhibition of work produced there.
Tours during each day.
Book on 07733 402692.
The Hardmans’ House
September 8, 11am-3.30pm
Enjoy a free 90-minute tour of this National Trust gem in Rodney Street to mark Heritage Open Days.
Edward Chambre Hardman was the most eminent portrait photographer working in Liverpool in the 20th century, as well as documenting the city around him.
Book in advance on 0151 709 6261.
LJMU Special Collections and Archives Private View and Tour
September 7-9, 5.30-7pm Thurs, and 10-11.30am Fri-Sat
The special collections and archives at LJMU cover topics from popular music and counter culture (such as England’s Dreaming: The Jon Savage Archive, Situationist Collection, and Barry Miles Archives) and Liverpool theatre and writing (the Everyman, Royal Court, Unity and Willy Russell Archives) to the history of fashion (Liddell Hart Collection), girl's comics (Femorabilia) and the history of LJMU. Get a behind the scenes look at the collections, and see material never before exhibited.
Book in advance on 0151 231 3241.
Williamson Tunnels
September 9-10. Tours every hour from 10am to 4pm.
Go beneath the ground to learn more about Joseph Williamson the ‘mole king of Edge Hill’ at the tunnels’ Paddington Site.
Don’t forget to wear stout shoes and washable clothes!
Book on 07906 935769 by September 6.
Birkenhead High School WW2 Underground Tunnels
September 9-10, 10am-1.30pm
The school in Oxton has had Heritage Lottery support to refurbish its underground shelters used in the Second World War.
It will hold a guided tour and talk on the shelters, while there will also be a chance to see displays of Cheshire Home Guard period dress, and memorabilia.
Book in advance on 0151 479 5615.
The Wilfred Owen Trail Guided Tour
September 8
Learn more about the First World War poet who grew up in Birkenhead where his father worked on the railways.
The walk starts at the library in Borough Road and then takes in the area around the Birkenhead Institute.
Book in advance on 0151 608 0026.
New Ferry Butterfly Park
September 10, 2-3.30pm
Explore the industrial history of the former railway goods yard-turned-nature reserve in Howell Road.
Book in advance on 0151 645 8937.
Traditional Cider Making
September 9, 10-4.30pm
Drop in to Earth Fest in Church Road, West Kirby, to try your hand at making cider.
Visitors are invited to bring along their own apples and clean bottles to take home some delicious fresh juice and instructions on how to turn it in to cider.
No booking required.
For full details on all the Heritage Open Day events, visit the website HERE.
Read about The Albert Dock's Heritage on the Dock HERE