Several of Nottingham's best Historical sites are set to take part in a huge celebration of England's history and culture by opening their doors to the public for free. Thousands of events will offer visitors the chance to see hidden places and try new experiences from Friday, September 9 until Sunday, September 18.
When it comes to activities in Nottingham, there will be a number of historic sites taking part across the week including Wollaton Hall, Lowham signal box, Greens Windmill and Bromely House. While a few of the activities require no booking in advance, it's worth checking ahead of your visit to make sure you know the opening times and if you need to pre-book.
Here is our guide to the best of what's on and where to go.
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Bromley House Library
Bromley House Library, Angel Row, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 6HL
Bromley House Library is one of Nottingham's hidden gems tucked away in the city centre. Housed in a Georgian townhouse that was built in 1752, the tours give visitors the chance to see the amazing rooms and collections kept there.
Booking is required ahead of a visit but visitors will be given the chance to see the spiral staircases, hidden doorways and passageways that lead to endless books that number nearly 50,000. Eight tours will be held on Sunday, September 16 throughout the day.
Wollaton Hall
The ground floor of the hall which is home to the natural history collection will be free to visit along with tours of the historic walled garden. The garden was discovered earlier this year and is now being restored to its former glory.
There is no booking needed but it is subject to availability. It's also worth noting that the courtyard coffee shop offers a range of hot chocolate which are worth a stop for. There are also plenty of deer to spot around the grounds if you fancy making a day of it.
Old Meeting House Unitarian Chapel
1-2 Old Meeting House Yard, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 1QR
The chapel has chosen 'astounding inventions' as a new theme for 2022. Visitors are encouraged to learn about local customs and industries that made Mansfield such a great location for textile, shoes and engineering works.
For those interested in walking, there will be a guided walk around the town using the OMH Unitarian Heritage Trail which should last approximately 1.5 hours. There is no booking required but the events will be held at different times throughout the week.
The historic chapel is the oldest nonconformist place of worship still in existence in Nottingham having been built in 1702. It also features beautiful stained glass from William Morris and Burne Jones.
The Breach House
28 Garden Road, Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, NG16 3FW
The former childhood home of D.H Lawrence is now a recreation of a typical miner's home. D.H Lawrence lived here between 1887 and 1891 and it has been featured in one of his novels.
The Eastwood location will be open for visitors to explore, and browse the books and memorabilia or the surrounding gardens. There will also be history guides on hand to have a chat about the house.
The Flintham Museum
The Flintham Museum, Inholms Road, Flintham, Nottinghamshire, NG23 5LF
Visitors can pop into the Flintham Museum to discover how inventions and innovations over the centuries have changed our diets, the way we eat and also our shopping habits.
Families will be able to join the interactive journey of a 20th-century village shopkeeper who has witnessed many of the changes in the food sold from 1811 to 1982. It's worth noting that pre-booking is required ahead of a visit with this tour.
Lowdham Signal Box
Lowdham signal box, The Sidings, Lowdham, Nottinghamshire, NG14 7DU
This is a definite visit for anyone interested in historic railways or trains. Visitors will be given a chance to pop their hands on the levers while learning what a signal box is used for. The box has been restored to its former 1950s glory so it's the chance to see a bit of transport history in action.
The team is also planning a photo exhibition of the former stations in Nottingham and Lincoln for the Heritage Open Days which is worth a visit. Visitors will also be able to ring the block bell as well as explore the levers.
A Sense of Place: Newark, a visual journey
National Civil War Centre, Newark Museum, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
The Heritage Open Week offers a unique chance to see artworks that are rarely on public display that have been carefully selected from the National Civil War Centre from the Newark museum's reserve collection.
Visitors will be able to see Newark's past through ten exceptional works that focus on views of the town including those that have been lost forever or some that have had significant changes.
Greens Mill Science Centre
Windmill Lane, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 4QB
It's not every day you get to pop into a working windmill in the middle of the city centre but Sneinton is also home to Greens Mill Science centre. The centre will be hosting a special exhibition to celebrate the Heritage Open Days which will show the restoration of the mill along with information about the famous mathematician George Green.
There is also a beautiful community garden to have a look at and a chance to see the windmill itself
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