Buildings not normally open to the public will offer people a rare glimpse inside their doors in September during the annual Heritage Open Days.
Over four days, 6-9 September, many historic buildings will be open free to the public. This annual celebration of the country's cultural and architectural heritage is backed by English Heritage.
Across West Suffolk this year's open days are another chance to climb the Norman Tower in Bury St Edmunds and for the first time the town's fire station is joining the celebration by conducting tours. These may be cut short if the crews are called out on an emergency.
Also new for this year are several talks and lectures, a guided walk around Bury St Edmunds to learn about the people commemorated by the new 'blue plaques' and a chance to visit West Stow Hall, a 16th Century house believed to have been built by the last abbot of Bury St Edmunds.
A leaflet listing all the properties taking part in the heritage days in West Suffolk is available from the Tourist Information Centre on the Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds.
Although entrance is free, bookings – through the TIC – are needed for some tours and talks.
Among the attractions for 2012 are:
-
Anne Frank exhibition, St Edmundsbury Cathedral
-
Happy 40th birthday Smith's Row gallery, Bury St Edmunds
-
Suffolk Heraldry Society display, Unitarian Meeting House, Bury
-
Open day at the Deanery, Great Churchyard, Bury
-
Discover the history of your home, Bury Record Office
-
Have your finger prints taken and be handcuffed, all without being arrested, Police display on the Angel Hill, Bury
-
Many historic churches to explore
-
'From Iron Age to Steam', the history of Clare
-
Six churches trail in Mildenhall
-
The historic rabbit warren lodge in Mildenhall woods
-
Visit Newmarket Real Tennis Club
-
Tour the Animal Health Trust
Contact the TIC on 01284 764667 or email tic@stedsbc.gov.uk for more details.
