Heritage Open Days take place in and around Bath this year from September 9 to 12.

Heritage Open Days is a national, annual event co-ordinated by the Civic Trust and English Heritage which is designed to allow free access for members of the public to interesting and significant properties which are either not normally open, or which usually charge an entrance fee.

Local residents have the chance to learn more about some of the region's fantastic heritage at Heritage Open Days organised by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Over this four-day period, 21 sites across Bath and North East Somerset will open up to the public for free. This year, four new sites have signed up.

Why not take a look behind the scenes at Cross Manufacturing Co, see the Claverton Pumping Station in action, enjoy a guided walk by the canal or explore the hidden oasis of Southcot Burial Ground? Folly Farm and nature reserve is also hosting an open day.

The full list of places to visit is Bath Masonic Hall, Central United Reformed Church Bath, Clapperboard Tour, Holburne Museum/Sydney Gardens, Little Theatre Cinema, No 4 The Circus, Museum of Bath at Work, St Swithin's Church, Southcot Burial Ground, Tunnel Tour, Claverton Pumping Station, Cleveland Baths, Cross Manufacturing Co, Englishcombe Village Tour, Eyre Chapel, Folly Farm Centre, Prior Park Landscape Garden, Saltford Brass Mill, St John's Museum Store, Somerset & Dorset Railway, Heritage Trust, Union Chapel.

Heritage Open Days celebrates England's fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples.

It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture

Councillor Terry Gazzard, the Council's Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: "Bath and North East Somerset Council wants everyone to be able to enjoy the region's world-class heritage. The Heritage Open Days are a fantastic opportunity to see behind the scenes of some of the area's most interesting places. What's more, on Heritage Open Days, all of the attractions are open for free."

The exciting programme of openings also includes the rare opportunity to explore behind the scenes at the Bath Masonic Hall, visit the country's oldest open-air lido at Cleveland Pools, go inside the Georgian house at Number 4 The Circus and visit the steam railway at Somerset and Dorset Railway. There is also a chance to see the projection rooms at the Little Theatre Cinema and find out exactly what went on when the Victorians went for spa treatment at St John's museum store.

For further information visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/heritageevents or www.heritageopendays.org.uk or pick up a leaflet in your local library.