Historic Wakefield district buildings and hidden gems to open their doors for free

Heritage Open Days returns from September 11 to September 20, offering visitors the chance to discover more about the area's history through guided tours, talks, exhibitions and family activities.

Among the highlights will be the chance to explore the Pontefract Castle dungeon, go behind the scenes at the Wakefield Museums and Castles Collections Store and see more than eight miles of historic records at the West Yorkshire History Centre.

Visitors can discover 500 years of history on a tour around the grounds and ruins of Sandal Castle, while those feeling brave can take a tour of the Pontefract Castle dungeon.

There will also be a chance to go behind the scenes at the Wakefield Museums and Castles Collections Store in Ossett, where experts from the collections team will showcase objects from Wakefield's past and explain how they are kept safe.

Wakefield Libraries will launch a freely accessible digital edition of the George Fox manuscripts, which chart a handwritten and illustrated history of Pontefract by one of the 19th century's most passionate local historians.

The original manuscripts will also be available to view at a launch event at Pontefract Library on Saturday, September 12.

Families can join storyteller Beccy Dye for an interactive storytelling session at Pontefract Castle, featuring stories about everyday people from Pontefract's past who did extraordinary things.

There will also be an insight into The Dispensary and Hermitage: Celebrating Pontefract's Unique Heritage, with visitors able to learn about the dispensary and the 14th century hermitage it was built on top of.

Virtual reality and immersive technologies will also be used to bring the historic spaces to life.

Other highlights include two special open days at The Art House, allowing visitors to explore parts of the 119-year-old former Carnegie Library.

At Waterton's Wall and Parkland, people can learn about Charles Waterton, the environmentalist and explorer who created the world's first nature reserve.

Visitors will also have the chance to climb Wakefield Cathedral's tower, taking 170 steps for views across the city and an opportunity to see its 14 bells.

In Castleford, Town Crier Barbara will talk about the historical role of a town crier.

Meanwhile, the Elizabeth Love Museum in Pontefract will unveil a brand-new exhibition, The Hidden Lives of Elizabeth & Joe Love: A special exhibition, on Wednesday, September 16.

The exhibition explores the collection amassed by Elizabeth and Joe Love, which includes antiques, Castleford Pottery and 25 long-case clocks.

The West Yorkshire Astronomical Society will give a talk about the Rosse Telescope, followed by a look around the observatory.

And Wakefield Theatre Royal will open its doors, with visitors able to walk around the building, visit an exhibition and take part in family activities.

Councillor Lukasz Borcz, Wakefield Council's cabinet member for culture and sport, said: “Heritage Open Days are a fantastic way for people to explore and celebrate our proud history.

“These great events will showcase our incredibly rich heritage and celebrate our local culture. Many of our partner organisations are throwing open their doors to visitors to learn about their history too.”

All events are free to attend, although some require advance booking.