More than 40 venues to open for heritage day

Visitors will be able to visit the tower of the Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick

Dozens of historic buildings will open their doors to the public, free of charge, as part of a national heritage event.

More than 40 venues across Warwickshire will take part in Heritage Open Days, England's largest festival of history and culture, from 6 to 15 September.

The sites include St Mary Immaculate, the church where Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien married, and the Leamington Tennis Court Club, the oldest real tennis club in the world.

There will also be themed guided walks around Leamington, Warwick, and Kenilworth.

"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," said Cllr Rob Margrave, chairman of Warwick District Council.

Also opening its doors for the event is the Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick.

Visitors will be able to tour the tower and see the Victorian bells and ringing room for the first time in two years, after its closure for a multi-million pound restoration.

"We are delighted to have all areas of our beautiful church fully open for Heritage Open Days," said Reverend Canon Angus Agaard, rector of the church.

"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."