More than 30 buildings in Peterborough and the surrounding villages have signed up to take part in this year’s Heritage Open Days weekend, which will be celebrated in Peterborough from Friday 13 September to Sunday 15 September, with a couple of events the following weekend.

New venues include the 18^th century D’Arcy Jewellers’ Shop in the city centre, the ArcHaus architects’ offices located in a carefully restored 1930s art deco building near Wansford, the magnificent ground floor reception rooms of Thorpe Hall, and a range of fine churches – Longthorpe Church, rebuilt on its present site in the 1260’s by the Thorpe family; Castor Church opening its wonderful tower; Marholm’s medieval church with impressive memorials to the Fitzwilliam family; the listed church in rural Upton; Water Newton’s medieval church set beside the River Nene; and, also on the river, the ancient church at Stibbington. Many venues will be offering guided tours, talks and displays whilst others are opening their doors for visitors to wander freely as they choose. These events provide the opportunity to explore the history of Peterborough and, in some cases, to visit buildings not normally open to the public.

The programme is the result of close co-operation between Peterborough Civic Society, Peterborough Cathedral, Peterborough City Council and Vivacity who have encouraged participants to open their doors free of charge.

Please check the website for times.