Heritage Open Days scheme

Cheshire East cultural attractions are taking part in the national Heritage Open Days scheme, which runs from today, Thursday, through to Sunday (September 11th – 14th inclusive).

Heritage Open Days celebrates England's fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to places that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission.

With so many museums, historic houses, gardens and galleries, Cheshire is rich with history and heritage and visitors are able to journey through time across the county.
So don't miss out on the opportunity to visit fantastic sites in our beautiful Borough this week – at no cost to your pocket!

Audlem Councillor Rachel Bailey, heritage champion for Cheshire East, added: "These open days are a fantastic opportunity for families to have great days out discovering the rich cultural offer of Cheshire East – and all for free.

"They always have lots to offer visitors and I'm sure it will be a fantastic four days of events to stimulate minds, excite the senses and fire the imagination."

Some of Cheshire's favourite museums will be offering free entry over the Heritage Open Days period, including:

• Cheshire Military Museum
• Macclesfield Silk Museum
• Congleton Museum
• The Catalyst Science Discovery Centre
• Norton Priory Museum and Gardens
• Port Sunlight Museum.

In addition, visitors will be able to discover more about the museums of Cheshire through special talks and tours taking place at the Grosvenor Museum, Charles Roe House, Weaver Hall Museum, Stretton Mill, the Lion Salt Works, Paradise Mill, Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum, Birkenhead Priory and the Williamson Art Gallery in Wirral.

Other special activities include film showings of rarely-seen archive footage at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, displays of Victorian toys and artefacts and memory-sharing at Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum, birds of prey displays at Halton Castle, special Salt Tours in Nantwich (charges do apply for salt tours) and an Open Village event in Port Sunlight.

Congleton Museum will be opening Bradshaw House between 10am and 3pm each day.
Come and see this Georgian landowners' town house, the museum's proposed new home. This will be the first time the house has been open to the general public.

In Macclesfield, people have the chance to explore the fabulous Grade II listed home of silk industry pioneer Charles Roe, with its remarkable 'barley sugar' staircase, wall panelling and fireplaces.

You will also get the chance to view a major new exhibition of exquisite antique furniture and art and be inspired by the creative talents of Cheshire artists and gain an insight into the creative process. For more information, contact: Macclesfield Visitor Information Centre on 01625 378123.

The Cheshire Archives service is running three sessions here as part of Heritage Open Days. For more information visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/cheshire-record-office.

Whatever your age or interest, there will be plenty to see and do with the family in Cheshire over the Heritage Open Days weekend.

Heritage Open Days are celebrating 20 years of existence this month.

Under the scheme, every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and use throw open their doors. It is a once-a-year chance to discover architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities that bring local history and culture to life.

With so much to see and do free of charge and right on people's doorstep, Heritage Open Days is an event for everyone, whatever their background, age and ability.

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