CHESHIRE West and Chester Council and partners the Chester Civic Trust are thanking the many building owners and volunteers across the region who welcomed the public to their properties to enjoy Heritage Open Days.
Most of the free tours taking place welcomed bumper audiences with tours of Chester’s Walls, and Towers, John Douglas buildings, Chester Racecourse, the HQ building, Burton Manor and the villages of Mollington, Upton, Tarvin and Weaverham among others.
In addition to the walking tours, more than 50 buildings were open to the public across West Cheshire.
Heritage Open Days is Europe’s largest heritage festival; the local programme was produced by Cheshire West and Chester Council in partnership with the Chester Civic Trust.
Councillor Hillarie McNae, champion for the historic environment on Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “I would also like to express my thanks to the many volunteers and building owners who once again have made Heritage Open Days such a success.
“We would be delighted if there are any building owners who would like to take part in future years, and now is the time to get in touch, as work will soon start on next year`s programme.”
Peter Bingham of Chester Civic Trust added: “This partnership between Cheshire West and Chester Council and the voluntary sector has worked very well again this year.
“I was so impressed while walking around to see how both volunteers and local government people pulled out the stops to make this such an enjoyable weekend for the hundreds of people who turned up to find out more about our wonderful buildings and sites around the borough.”
Burton Manor near Neston was just one example of the many participating buildings; opening their newly restored Victorian Glasshouse, walled garden and underground grade 11 listed Ice House.
The hour tour was led by one of the Friends of Burton Manor and archivist Michael Evans showing the work carried out over the past two years to restore the glasshouse originally built in 1904 to its former glory.
Heritage Open Days is co-ordinated and sponsored by English Heritage.
