Heritage Open Days

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Norfolk’s hidden treasures revealed

What do a historic net warehouse in Gorleston, the oldest hotel in the UK the Maids Head Hotel in Norwich, and HS Smokehouse in Great Yarmouth all share? The answer; they’re all taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days alongside scores of other properties and sites across Norfolk.

From 8 – 11 September 2011, this annual long weekend is the largest volunteer event in Britain and celebrates the quirky to the majestic, the grand to the minute and all that is unique about England’s heritage. One million people from across England are expected to take advantage of the four-day event, exploring more than 4,000 properties of every style, period and function, many of which are normally closed to the public or charge for admission. They include medieval cottages, timber-framed Tudor buildings, Gothic temples, Georgian townhouses, Victorian factories, Second World War defences, Art Deco cinemas, Modernist masterpieces and 21st-century eco-homes.

Heritage Open Days offers people all over the East of England the chance to explore historic, cultural and architectural gems on their doorstep, completely free of charge. There is also an extensive events programme run by local organisers at museums and galleries, churches and historic parks, ranging from re-enactments of Roman life to battlefield walks.

Full details of all the Heritage Open Days activities in Norfolk are available from the website www.heritageopendays.org.uk