Your chance to sample some of Norwich's heritage

Peter WalshFamilies can look forward to getting up close and personal to some of the city's most historic and iconic buildings as part of Heritage Open Days.Peter Walsh

Families can look forward to getting up close and personal to some of the city's most historic and iconic buildings as part of Heritage Open Days.

Norwich's City Hall and Guildhall are among the buildings likely to be open as part of the event, which takes place between September 9 and 12.

Heritage Open Days celebrates England's architecture and culture by allowing visitors free access to interesting properties that are either not usually open, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Heritage Open Days also includes tours, events and activities that focus on local architecture and culture.

Organised by volunteers - usually property owners or managers - for local people, Heritage Open Days is Eng-land's biggest and most popular voluntary cultural event. Last year the event attracted around a million visitors. English Heritage gives central co-ordination and a national voice to the event.

Heritage Open Days, established in 1994, provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy these sometimes hidden, often curious and always interesting places in English cities, towns and villages - and com-pletely free of charge.

Dr Simon Thurley, Chief Executive, English Heritage, says: 'Heritage Open Days this year is set to be even bigger than last year, so even if you are a regular Heritage Open Days-goer there will be something new for you to see and do. This is a chance to explore not just country houses but the history and culture of everything from Buddhist temples and Masonic lodges to mines, farms, pubs and factories.'

To find out more log onto www.heritageopendays.org.uk