Opportunities to walk in the footsteps of some of the North East's greatest inventors and to explore the soaring heights and murderous depths of local history are on offer with the return of Heritage Open Days in September.
The annual event invites people to see behind the scenes of historic buildings which open their doors for free during its 10-day run and this time around many participating venues have adopted its 2022 theme of Astounding Inventions. And our region - which always takes part in the national festival - has much to show off in that category.
That's thanks to the likes of Victorian geniuses Joseph Swan, inventor of the incandescent light bulb; railway engineers George and Robert Stephenson - the latter's Rocket broke speed records in its day - and Lord Armstrong whose Cragside home was the first in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity.
Read more: the 11 greatest inventions to come from the North East
Heritage Open Days, part of European Heritage Days which takes place in 50 countries, makes its return from September 9-18. It is being coordinated by the National Trust - and run by local venues and volunteers - which says lots of North East buildings are planning to take part, with more expected to register in the run-up to the event.
To give a flavour of what's in store, here's its early pick of some of those already signed up. The list includes links to the events to find out precise dates and times involved and, while free, places on the tours need to be booked in advance.
Behind The Books Tours
The Literary & Philosophical Society, 23 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1SE
Often described as a hidden gem in the city, the Lit & Phil - as it's best known - will be revealing its rich history, with some quirky details, during tours around the building, which opened in 1825. Volunteer guides will lead the way and visitors can expect to hear about the likes of an Egyptian Mummy and the Wombat.
Within the atmospheric surroundings, encased by shelves of around 200,000 books both ancient and modern, they will learn about the society's illustrious members and their achievements in the very spot that great minds such as Swan, Stephenson and Charles Parsons used to meet and where Charles Dickens also gave talks. See here.
Astounding Adventures at Tyne Theatre
109-119 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4A
Just up the road from the Lit & Phil, the 19th Century Tyne Theatre & Opera House will be revealing its own proud history. The Victorian era was a time for theatre inventions and here lies some pioneering under-stage equipment such as an original thunder machine, rope pulleys and original trapdoors.
Tours of the Grade I-listed theatre will take visitors onto the stage to learn about the stage machinery and then will move on to the historic machinery room to see how it all works. Book here.
Newcastle Cathedral
St Nicholas Street, Newcastle, NE1 1PF
There's a chance to explore the heights of achievement - quite literally - at the city landmark during September 9-11 which will be hosting its Dare You Climb The Tower Tour for free. And those who do will be treated to some spectacular views.
It will be offering some new tours too, exploring the history of the building, the people and the city. Among them will be Northern Souls: Saints That Made The North that reveals the story of early Christianity in Britain through the cathedral's stained glass windows. Pre-booking is preferred: see here.
Crime and Punishment in Durham
Market Place, Durham, DH1 3NL
Murder will be in mind during this meandering walk through Durham city which will take in key locations of crime and punishment through the ages. Visitors can hear about how the powerful Prince Bishops adjudicated their county and dark tales of such criminals as the notorious poisoner Mary Ann Cotton and Jimmy Allen, who was once the most famous prisoner at the former Bridewell Gaol before his death in 1810. Book here.
The Bowes Museum
Newgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP
History and colour collide at this popular visitor attraction which houses the art collection of John Bowes and his wife Joséphine Benoîte Coffin-Chevallier. It will be offering free entry, giving access to more than 50,000 items including furniture, fashion, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, silver and metals.
And a new summer exhibition, Journey in Colour, is showcasing new technologies and artworks inspired by the hundreds of years of creativity. Pre-booking is preferred: see here.
Elsewhere around the country, the Heritage Open Days theme will include, as well as stories of wonder, some of the blunders, fads and outright failures that also pepper England’s rich history of innovation. For more about Heritage Open Days see here and watch this space for more news of North East events.
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