Historical buildings open for free heritage festival

Borwick Hall is a Grade I listed manor house dating back to the 14th Century

Hidden gems, ancient archives and castles are to open up to the public across a region for free as part of the annual festival.

From historic halls to industrial powerhouses to ancient woodland, people will be given a chance to explore Lancashire's past with tours, talks and demonstrations.

It is part of the Heritage Open Days festival, which runs from 12 September to 21 September.

Lancashire county councillor, Matthew Salter, said the open days would "provide a fascinating and in-depth insight into the rich and diverse stories of Lancashire's past".

Queen Street Textile Museum in Burnley houses the last steam-powered weaving shed in the world

Highlights across Lancashire include the Queen Street Mill which opens on Saturday and is home to the last steam-powered weaving shed in the world.

Lancaster's oldest townhouse, Judges' Lodgings, is also open this weekend, to celebrate its 400th birthday with behind-the-scenes tours, while free tours of Lancaster Castle will also take place on both Saturday and Sunday.

Borwick Hall in Carnforth, a 14th Century Grade I-listed manor house, is free to enter as part of the festival for two days starting on Tuesday.

Helmshore Mills Textile Museum in Rossendale will host free tours on Saturday 20 September.

Visitors to Helmshore Mills Textile Museum in Rossendale can see the looms and spinning machines

Clitheroe Castle will also offer free entry on 20 September, alongside the 1600s country house Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham.

County Hall in Preston will also open up to the public, with the Victorian building that is the headquarters of Lancashire County Council running free tours, talks and family events.

The council has provided a full list of which sites will be open when as part of the England-wide festival.