Churches, cinemas, museums and even Grade I listed Sheffield Town Hall are taking part in Heritage Open Days this year.
More than 100 events from September 12 - 21 will see historical locations across the country offer free talks, tours and rare exhibitions at unique and fascinating locations.
The festival has been organised locally by Sheffield Civic Trust, with funding from Sheffield City Council, the University of Sheffield and J G Graves Charitable Trust.
The Star has put together a list of nine fascinating events taking place over the next few weeks.
Whether it’s a manor once used to imprison Mary Queen of Scots, or one of the last surviving structures of Barnsley’s rich mining heritage, there’s something here to pique everyone’s interest.
5. Sheffield Town Hall
The home of local politics, Sheffield Town Hall's grand structure and clockface is hard to miss. But what does it actually look like inside? On September 19, the council's heritage champion, Councillor Janet Ridler, will lead a tour through the Grade I-listed building, showing of the Victorian chambers, architecture and telling stories of its famous visitors. Tickets can be booked on Eventbrite. | Finn Smith
6. National Emergency Services Museum
Based in a former fire station and police station, the National Emergency Services Museum has a vast collection of historic police cars, fire engines and ambulances, as well as fascinating exhibitions on crime and detection at its site near West Bar, Sheffield. 2025 marks 60 years since the operational station the museum is based in was closed down, and on September 13, 19 and 21, people are invited to learn more about the architecture and building that once contained state-of-the-art technology for the time. Tickets can be booked on the museum's website. | Google Photo: Google
7. St Andrew's United Reformed Church
On September 19 and 20, visitors are welcome to explore this 19th century church with a unique history. Opening in 1855 as the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, the place of worship was designed for Scottish settlers new to the area and a Scots regiment about to be billeted nearby. | Google
8. Northern General Hospital
Medical science and procedure is constantly changing, so much so that it's hard to imagine what patients experienced in the last few centuries. But, Northern General Hospital are offering a chance to find out more, as on September 20 and 21 they will show off old equipment and instruments once used in hospital care. Booking is required, by emailing [email protected]. | Google