30 years of Heritage Open Days are being celebrated across Suffolk including Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury

Heritage Open Days marks its 30th birthday this September by offering thousands of free events and experiences to celebrate heritage, community and history.

From historic houses to factories, museums to music halls, formal gardens to graveyards, places and spaces will again open for free between September 6 and 15.

This year’s theme of the National Trust event is Routes, Networks and Connections, bringing together the past and present in a festival that includes workshops, talks, hidden spaces, walks and activities for all the family.

There’s events happening all over the area. There’s free entry to the Ickworth Estate, September 7-12, when visitors can enjoy the 17th century Italianate palace and its extensive grounds, as well as enjoy tours of the house, an informative garden exhibition through woodland, talks and a Suffolk Craft Society exhibition.

In Bury St Edmunds, explore the stories of unsung heroes in the World War Two Royal Observer Corps Operations Room, and wander in the beautiful walled gardens of The Guildhall, visit the 8th century Quaker Meeting House, the Grade One listed Unitarian Meeting House, built in 1711, hear about the bell-ringing at the Norman Tower or take a tour of the St Edmundsbury Cathedral Ancient Library.

In Sudbury, take part in guided tours exploring the town’s fascinating past, learn the stories along the Talbot Trail and find out about its cloth heritage. You can also get free entry to Gainsborough's House.

Experience the sound of ringing bells from inside the tower of St Peter's and St Mary’s Church. Watch bell-ringers in action and see what happens behind the scenes.

Marvel at the beauty of the 15th century St Peter and St Paul Church in Bardwell with its painted hammer beam roof in the nave, two medieval stained glass windows and recently restored chancel memorials. The bell tower will be open for tours on September 7, so don’t miss that.

Visit beautiful Lavenham and enjoy free entry to Lavenham Hall. . . the list is endless, with events all around Suffolk, so why not take a look at what's on offer near you.

For more information, see www.heritageopendays.org.uk