THE doors are being thrown open to some of the area's best known landmarks and attactions as part of Heritage Open Days 2017.
Nationally, more than 2,500 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers will be taking part in the scheme, which runs for four days and enables people to see hidden places and try out new experiences for free.
Below we look at what is on offer in the Darlington area.
Crown Street Library
Darlington Borough Council, Darlington Library, Crown Street, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 1ND
Tour of the library including some basement storage areas not normally open to the public.
Opening Times
Friday September 8: Tours at 1000 and 1400
Saturday September 9: Tour at 1000
Booking Details
Pre-booking Required
Call: 01325 349630
Head of Steam
Head of Steam, Darlington Railway Museum, Station Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6ST
Free access to Head of Steam Museum. Tours provided by the Friends of the museum.
Opening Times
Saturday September 9, 10am to 4pm
Sunday September 10: 10am to 4pm
Booking Details
No booking required
Holy Trinity Darlington Open Day
Holy Trinity Church, Woodland Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 7AT
An open day to see this historic church, with our Cottier East Window, and windows by George Edwin Cook, and renowned 20th Century artist Harry Harvey; as well as painting by John Duncan RA, and woodwork by Robert Lorimer.
Opening Times
Saturday September 9 10am to 4pm
Sunday September 10 8am to 12pm and 6pm to 7pm
Booking Details
No booking required
St Andrew’s Church, Haughton le Skerne, Darlington
Haughton Green, Haughton le Skerne, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 2DD
An ancient Norman church, c.1125, listed Grade I, with Saxon relics. The oldest church in Darlington. Very rare woodwork, designed by the Rt Revd Cosin in the 17th century, ancient brasses and hatchments.
Opening Times
Friday September 8 10am to 4pm
Saturday September 9 10am to 4pm
Sunday September 10 2pm to 4pm
Booking Details
No booking required
St Cuthbert’s Parish Church
St. Cuthberts Parish Church, Market Place, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 5QG
Grade I listed Anglican Church with Norman foundations, 14th century belfry and font, 15th century misericords and the oldest wooden roof within the diocese of Durham. There is a remarkable mosaic reredos undergoing restoration and renewal and there will be a display of ongoing work and future plans.
The building was restored in the 19th century by George Gilbert Scott. The belfry will be open to visitors on the Saturday morning, when guided tours will also be available.
Opening Times
Friday September 8: 11am to 2pm; Guided Tours; Music 12.45pm
Saturday September 9: 11am to 4pm; Guided Tours; Belfry 10am to 12pm
Sunday September 10: 12pm to 4pm
Booking Details
No booking required
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