Dozens of historic venues across the West Country open to the public for free this weekend

Coleridge Cottage is one of the many sites taking part in the event. Credit: ITV West Country

Dozens of historic venues across the West Country will be open to the public for free this weekend.

Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,500 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers.

Every September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history.

The event is aimed at celebrating the heritage, community and history of local sites. Credit: ITV News West Country

Other West Country locations taking part include:

  • Visit Coleridge Cottage in Bridgwater, once home to poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge and now a recreation of a Georgian family home.

  • Meet the Roman Baths team at Lansdown North Local History Store, and take a tour of the weird and wonderful spa collection

  • Visit Cleveland Pools, the oldest open-air swimming pool in Western Europe, set on the banks of the River Avon

  • Explore Saltford Heritage Centre, where you can learn about Saltford’s fascinating past and see ancient artefacts from the local area

  • Go behind the scenes at Bath and North East Somerset Recycling Depot, and find out what happens before your weekly recycling is turned into new products.

  • Explore the UK's oldest, still-operational hydroelectric generator at Mary Tavy Hydroelectric Power Station

  • Visit Cheltenham Bowling Club to learn the history of one of the town's oldest sporting clubs.

  • Take a guided tour of Bristol's Stancombe Quarry to hear how limestone is blasted, crushed and processed before being used to build new homes.

  • Take part in an introduction to bell ringing at Dawlish Church Bell Tower

  • Trewithan House in Liskeard

You can find the full list of sites taking part in the event here.