Running from 6 to 15 September, Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture and over the ten days there will be over forty local venues taking part.

During the festival visitors will get a chance to visit the oldest tennis club in the world, the church where JRR Tolkien was married, the ancient location where Guy of Warwick lived and died as a hermit or a historical site dating back to the Knight’s Templars. There is also the opportunity to join a variety of themed guided walks around Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth.

Many of the district’s churches will also be open with volunteers on hand to show visitors around their stunning interiors designed by the leading architects and artists of the day. Other local attractions including the Lord Leycester, Packwood House, Baddesley Clinton, Hill Close Gardens and Bagot’s Castle will be offering free admission at limited times.

Amongst the venues taking part is the Collegiate Church of St Mary in Warwick, who will be offering visitors the chance to tour the tower and see the Victorian ringing room and bells for the first time in two years following its closure for a £multi-million restoration.

The Rector of St Mary’s Reverend Canon Angus Aagaard commented: “We are delighted to have all areas of our beautiful church fully open for Heritage Open Days, there’s not only the tower with its magnificent views, but also gems such as the Beauchamp Chapel which will be celebrating its 550th anniversary next year. It’s a real treasure trove for local people of all ages.”

The Chairman of Warwick District Council, Councillor Rob Margrave added; “The Council is proud to support and coordinate the district’s annual Heritage Open Days Festival. This year there are more opportunities than ever for people to explore and find out more about our area’s deep-rooted history and culture and best of all it’s all for free.”

“Once again we would like to extend our thanks to the large number of volunteers who have given up their time to organise the fantastic range of activities taking
place, with their combined efforts making our district’s open days amongst the best and most extensive in the country.”

A guide listing all the venues taking part and opening times is available from libraries and visitor information centres. Further information is available on the Heritage Open Days and Warwick District Council websites.