Heritage Open Days Weekend: Access The Rarely Seen

TAKING place across the country, Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s architecture and culture by allowing visitors access to properties that are not usually open to the public or would normally charge an entrance fee.

From Elizabeth Gaskell’s house to tours around modern eco homes, there really is something for everyone

Some of Manchester’s most spectacular and intriguing buildings will be opening their doors too.

As well as the iconic Town Hall and BBC2’s Restoration winner, Victoria Baths, there are also a whole host of contemporary buildings, churches, libraries, temples, offices, private homes and more to visit.

On Saturday 10 September, both the Portico Library (57 Mosley St) and The John Rylands Library (150 Deansgate) will be offering a closer look at secret archives. Both libraries are housed in impressive, listed buildings and if you haven’t been inside them before, now would be a good time – although you will have another opportunity on Thursday with Jonathan Schofield’s tour (click here).

For those interested in Manchester history, The Pankhurst Centre (pictured), which is the former home of the Suffragette leader, Emmeline Pankhurst, and round the corner the home of 19th Century novelist, Elizabeth Gaskell, will be running events, tours and talks. (The Pankhurst Centre, Chorlton on Medlock. The Gaskell House, 84, Plymouth Grove).

On Sunday 11 September the People’s History Museum will have special access to some of the recently redeveloped areas of the museum that not everyone gets to see.

Meanwhile over in Chorlton, the Chorlton Eco Showhome, which features over 100 eco design features, technologies and systems will be showcasing their green home.

Henry Owen-John, North West Planning Director for English Heritage said: “Heritage Open Days is a unique event. For four days Manchester will open its doors and everyone is free to explore.

“An army of volunteers will welcome the public to an array of fascinating buildings and it is these volunteers, and the places they celebrate, that are the lifeblood of our country’s heritage. From Elizabeth Gaskell’s house to tours around modern eco homes, there really is something for everyone.”

Heritage Open Days runs from 8-11 September. For more listings and information about bookings for tours see, http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/.