Every year for 10 days in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored and histories brought to life.
It’s offers the public a chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences.
And it’s all free. Visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk.
5. Stephenson Trail Guided Walk - Elemore to Hetton Lyons Country Park.
A short walk from Elemore Country Park via ELCAP and on to Hetton Lyons, following in the footsteps of George Stephenson to learn more about the history, nature and wildlife of this area. Booking required. The 2.5 mile ramble starts at Elemore Country Park, visiting Easington Lane Community Access Point (ELCAP) and on to Hetton Lyons Country Park - the home of the Hetton Colliery Railway, the world's first railway built for steam haulage. Transport will be provided to take people back to Elemore Park. Tour is Friday, September 13 at 10am. | Sunderland Echo Photo: Tony Gillan
6. Sunderland Minster
Booking is not required to visit the church dedicated to St Michael, which has stood on the site since Anglo Saxon times. The church, has been served by rectors include a pope, the theologian William Paley and the brother of the Duke of Wellington. It was created a Minster in 1998. Tours are Wednesday to Saturday, September 11-14 from 10am to 1pm. | Sunderland Echo Photo: Tony Gillan
7. Washington F Pit Museum - Meet the Architect
Washington F Pit Museum in Albany offers the chance to meet the architect and hear more about exciting plans for the historic museum, new visitor centre and improvements to Albany Park. The Engine House will be open to visitors to explore and the Coal Face Washington exhibition showcases local mining heritage with portraiture by photographer Andy Martin and poetry by Dr Louise Powell. Saturday, September 14 at 12pm-3pm. Booking not required. | Sunderland Echo Photo: Sunderland Echo
8. The old Rectory in Houghton-le-Spring.
Booking not required at the Old Rectory for displays, tours and worksheets. See Houghton's historic council chamber, or catch a tour and discover the details you may have missed. Discover The Old Rectory, an elegant and timeless landmark. Interactive children's activities and worksheets. Wednesday-Friday, September 11-13, 9am-5pm; Saturday September 14, 11am-2pm. | 3rd party Photo: 3rd party