Hundreds of hidden attractions are to be revealed to the public in a major celebration of the region's rich cultural heritage. Historic properties in County Durham, Northumberland, Cleveland and North Yorkshire will be opening their doors for four days of free access as part of the Civic Trust's heritage event, which begins tomorrow.

BUILT in the 17th century as a manor house, this historic hall is now the stately headquarters of the North Yorkshire Police. Newby Wiske Hall, in Northallerton, is opening its doors to the public this weekend, offering a rare glimpse of a building that has stood for over 300 years.

As part of the Heritage Open Days, visitors will be taken on a guided tour of the grade II listed building and its grounds on Saturday and Sunday. Newby Wiske Hall has a history stretching back to 1684, when it was constructed by a Northumberland landowner, William Reveley.

Official Northallerton historian, Michael Riordan, says: "There is an atmosphere and presence to the building."

The hall's present day appearance largely owes itself to the reconstruction that took place after 1827, when Liverpool businessman, William Rutson bought the property. He extended the house by adding wings, windows and a third storey, while incorporating new plasterwork and decorative features.

Mr Riordan said: "The building was altered substantially by the Rutson family, who were a very famous family in the area.

"There is far more to the history than the building itself - there is a lot to learn about the people who lived in the hall as well."

It remained part of the Rutson family estate until 1921, when his great-granddaughter sold the mansion to Albert Ernest Doxford, a shipping magnate.

With new residents, the house was modernised with central heating, electricity and water.

Two ornamental lions, which stand boldly at the main entrance, were transported from the Doxford's earlier home at Grindon Hall, near Sunderland. Look closely and you will see one lion bears a wound where it was dropped and cracked whilst being lifted off the lorry. The two trees which stand near the lions were planted in 1935, in honour of King George V's Silver Jubilee.

Its role as a manor house ceased in 1949 when the Home Office purchased Newby Wiske Hall for £13,000. After necessary re-construction, the hall was opened on April 8, 1954, as a District Police Training Centre. Twelve years later the hall and grounds were acquired for North Yorkshire Police as a force headquarters and they took occupancy on September 26, 1977.

Tours of Newby Wiske Hall will take place on both days between 10am and 4pm, looking solely at the historical aspects of the building. Visitors can attend a garden party on Saturday, wander around the display of vintage cars, watch Scottish country dancing or try their luck on the coconut shy.

For more information contact the event organiser, Jane Cairns, on (01609) 783131.