FREE days out: Sunderland and Durham sites opening their doors for Heritage Open Days
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Several tourist attractions and hidden gems across the county will open their doors for free next month as part of the Heritage Open Days festival.
The festival takes place every year and will be running in Sunderland and County Durham from Friday, September 11 until Sunday, September 20.
North East Land Sea & Air Museum, Sunderland
This museum will be giving people the opportunity to get up close to the royal Metro train.
The Royal Metro 4020 was delivered to the museum in June and is being prepared for display next year.
Tours of the train will be taking place on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, from 11am until 2pm.
Bookings can be made on the day at reception.
Sunderland Minster, Sunderland
Take a look inside this city centre church with a long history and interesting architectural features.
The minster will be open from 10am until 1pm on Wednesday, September 16, Thursday, September 17 and Friday, September 18.
Pre-booking is not required.
Holy Trinity Church, Sunderland
On Saturday, September 19, from 1pm until 4pm, The Seaham Shanty Men will deliver a performance in two halves.
The first half will feature songs from the colliery with the second half focussing on songs from the sea.
Pre-booking is not required.
Queen Street Masonic Temple, Sunderland
Celebrating its 241st anniversary this year, this is a grade I listed building built by the Phoenix Lodge in 1785, and is the only purpose-built Masonic hall of its type.
The hall will be open from 10am until 4pm on Sunday, September 13 and Sunday, September 20.
Pre-booking is not required.
Roker Pier and Lighthouse, Sunderland
Members of the public are being invited to see the entrance to the tunnel under the pier and the ground floor of the lighthouse.
The lighthouse will be open from 10am until 4pm on Sunday, September 13.
Pre-booking is not required.
Ryhope Engines Museum, Sunderland
Based on the former Ryhope Pumping Station, this place provided water to Wearside for 100 years.
This is a unique opportunity to see the Victorian beam engines working under steam power as they have done since 1868.
Ryhope Engines Museum will be open on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, from 11am until 4pm.
Pre-booking is not required.
Stockton Road United Reformed Church, Sunderland
Features that can be seen inside this church include stained glass windows, war memorials and furniture from several former Presbyterian and United Reformed Churches.
The church will be open from 2pm until 4pm on Saturday, September 12.
Pre-booking is not required.
St Michael & All Angels Church, Houghton-le-Spring
This church has been a centre for worship for thousands of years, dating back to the 9th Century.
The church is open from 11am until 2pm on Thursday, September 17, and from 10am until 2pm on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19.
Pre-booking is not required.
Washington Old Hall, Washington
Members of the public can enjoy free entry to the manor house, gardens and nuttery.
The building incorporates parts of the original medieval home of George Washington's direct ancestors, and it is from here that the family took their surname Washington.
The site is open from 11am on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19, with last entry at 3pm.
Pre-booking is not required.
Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham
This is a rare chance to see behind the scenes of Durham Crematorium, learn all about cremation and take a look around the building and grounds.
Tours take place on Friday, September 11 at 4.15pm, and at 9.30am and 10.30am on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13.
Pre-booking is required and can be made by calling 0191 3848677 or emailing [email protected].
Bookings closed on Wednesday, September 9.
Durham Castle, Palace Green, Durham
On Saturday, September 12, members of the public can take a look around Durham Castle at their own pace with a self-guided tour.
Built in the Norman period and occupied continuously since the 11th century, Durham Castle is now home to Durham University students.
The castle is open from 11am until 4pm.
Pre-booking is not required.
Durham School tour and Durham School Chapel, Quarryheads Lane, Durham
On Sunday, September 13, Durham School will open its doors for members of the public to enjoy a guided tour of its buildings, chapel and grounds.
The tour will start at the chapel and end at the Orangery cafe, where visitors can enjoy free refreshments.
Pre-booking for the tour, which starts at 2pm and lasts for roughly one hour, is preferred.
Email [email protected] to book your place.
The booking deadline is Sunday, September 13.
St Cuthbert’s Catholic Church, Old Elvet, Durham
Members of the public are invited to take a look around this Durham church and admire the stained glass window made by world-famous Irish artist Harry Clarke.
The church is open from 1pm until 4pm on Friday, September 18 and Sunday, September 20.
It is then open from 10am until 4pm on Saturday, September 19.
Pre-booking is not required.
The Story, South Road, Durham
This gives visitors a behind-the-scenes tour of The Story and collections on site.
Tours will take place on Sunday, September 13 at 11am and 1pm.
Pre-booking is required and can be made by emailing [email protected] by Saturday, September 12.
Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens, Woodland Road, Durham
This arts, heritage and events venue is opening its doors to the public for free on Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 16, from 10am until 4pm.
Pre-booking is required and can be made by emailing [email protected].
Kepier Hospital and Loggia, Kepier Lane, Durham
Take a guided tour of these grade I and grade II* listed buildings and ancient monument of the medieval hospital at Kepier.
A guided tour will take place at 10.30am on Sunday, September 20.
Pre-booking is required and must be made online here.
Booking closes on Thursday, September 17.
St Barnabas Burnmoor Church, Bournmoor, County Durham
There will be a number of displays on at this church centred on local buildings and enivornmental and conservation issues.
Built in the 19th Century, this church also features William Morris stained-glass windows.
The church will be open from 10am until 4pm on Saturday, September 12.
Pre-booking is not required.
Crook Hall Gardens, Frankland Lane, Durham
Members of the public are encouraged to take a look around the grade I listed medieval hall and enjoy the gardens.
Available to discover is a maze, secret walled garden, orchard, moat pool and peaceful seating areas with views of the city and Durham Cathedral.
The site will be open for free on Wednesday, September 16 and Saturday, September 19 from 10am until 4pm.
Pre-booking is not required.
Church of Our Lady of Mercy and St Godric, Castle Chare, Durham
St Godric’s grade II lsited church was designed by Edward Pugin and opened to the public in 1864.
It will be open to the public from 11am until 1.30pm and 3.30pm until 5pm on Friday, September 11, Saturday, September 12, Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19.
Pre-booking is not required.
All Saints Church and Churchyard, Langley Park, County Durham
Members of the public are invited to explore the church and churchyard and discover the history of the village.
Entertainment will also be available from gospel choirs and a harp group.
The church will be open on Saturday, September 19 from 1.30pm until 4pm.
Pre-booking is not required.