This week, some of Cheshire's most historic buildings and fixtures will open their doors to the public in a celebration of the county's history and architecture.

Heritage Open Days will run from September 11-14, and will allow people to explore some of the cultural and architectural treasures that the area has to offer.

Where entries contain specific phone numbers for booking please use them to reserve places. To book all other events ring 01244 972210 Monday to Friday - 10am-noon and 1-4pm. Children must be accompanied by adults.

Heritage buildings open over the weekend

Events and tours on over the weekend

Thursday, September 11

Chester Life in the Months leading up to August 1914: 1.30-3pm. 25 spaces on tour. Book in advance. Departs from Chester History & Heritage Centre. No disabled access due to steps.

Mickle Trafford, Watermill and the Grange Stewardship Farm Tour: Runs from September 11-14 - one tour for each site every day at 10am. First the Mickle Trafford Water Mill Tour lasting about two hours. Then break for lunch - please bring a picnic. Then at 2pm there is a tour of the Grange Farm, lasting approx. two hours. Meet at the Grange, four miles north east of Chester on the A56 between Beesley & Fildes and Meadow Fishery. Look for Red Poll Beef signs.

Places limited for safety reasons. Booking advisable - ring Huw Rowlands on mobile 07950 963526, or email huw.rowlands145@btinternet.com.

For Trafford Mill tour contact Ceris Timms on 07587189776 or e-mail ceris@wildarea.org.

NB. You can book either or both tours. No disabled access. Toilets at the farm. Stout shoes recommended for fields

Riverside Museum, University of Chester: Runs from September 11-13, 1-4pm. 30 places per tour. To book ring Roger Whiteley on 01244 511619 or email:r.whiteley@chester.ac.uk.

Disabled access can be arranged, enquire at time of booking. Public access is only available via the Castle Drive entrance of Riverside building so please meet there and wait to be shown to the Museum. Cafe open for light refreshments. Nearest parking Little Roodee (pay car park).

Chester Racecourse Walking Tour: Thursday, September 11 at 2pm. Assemble at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel on New Crane Street, CH1 2LY, to start the tour. Parking available at the hotel, and toilets are available on the tour. Steep steps to the City Walls so the tour is not suitable for the disabled, or those with walking difficulties. Booking essential, 35 places.

 

Friday, September 12

Bridgegate House, 5 Bridge Place, Lower Bridge Street: Tours at 10am and 3pm. Booking essential on 01244 350063 in office hours Monday-Friday. No disabled access to the upper floors.

Saturday, September 13

The Albion Inn, Albion Street: Tours at 3pm and 4.30pm. Tours conducted by Mike Mercer, the oldest serving licensee in Chester. 10 places on each tour. Booking essential. No parking, no disabled access.

Chester Walking Tour: Runs September 13 and 14. Tour from 10.30am-noon. Starts from Town Hall VIC. No wheel chair access. 50 places on tour. Book in advance.

Chester Railway Station: Tour starts at 2pm. Booking essential. 30 places. Tour by John Whittingham. Full disabled access to platforms. Assemble on concourse at front of station.

Frodsham Restoration in Progress (Victorian Buildings) Walking Tour: Tour starts at 2pm. Booking essential. 25 places only. Meet at the far end of the Station car park south side. Car park entrance off Church street on the right/south side of the Helter Skelter Pub.

Tarvin Village Historical Walking Tour: Tour starts at 1.30pm and finishes outside St.Andrew’s Church in the centre of the village. No booking required. No wheelchair access. Toilets in parish room.

Northgate House Upper Northgate Street: Tours at 11am and 2pm. Five people max on each tour due to buildings’ small size. Booking essential. No parking. No disabled access.

White Friars: Tours 11am and 2pm booking essential. 10 people maximum per tour. No parking, no disabled access.

Sunday, September 14

Upton by Chester Historical Walking Tour Village Hall, Heath Road:  Tours starts at 2.30pm. Starts and finishes at Upton Village Hall which has parking, refreshments and a small local history exhibition. Hall open 2-5pm. Booking essential - please telephone Robert on 01244 382062. 12 people max. Village hall has disabled access, but the walk itself is over uneven ground and steps.           

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