National Trust properties across Cumbria will be opening their doors for free this weekend and next week.

This is to celebrate Heritage Open Day, England's largest festival of history and culture coordinated and promoted by the National Trust. There will be a wide range of free events to celebrate the open days, including guided walks, talks, demonstrations, and access to buildings normally closed to the public. 

The theme of this year's festival is 'Astounding Inventions' and several of the properties will be showcasing Cumbria innovation. The open days will be between September 9-18.

Events happening for Heritage Open Day include a tour of the Steam Yacht Gondola, in Coniston. The boat first sailed Coniston in 1860 and has hardly changed since then. The tour will go around the machinery spaces and the sophisticated saloons, followed by a demonstration of the manoeuvrability of the gondola on the water. 

There will be a series of guided gunpowder walks at Sizergh, guided tours at Force Crag Mine and industrial heritage walks in Whitehaven. There will also be modern innovations to see such as tour around the Combe Ghyll hydro and the river restoration work at Stonethwaite Beck. 

Visitors can go behind the scenes and see several spaces not normally open for public view. Near Penrith, join millers from the Acorn Bank Watermill Trust for an exclusive tour of the working Grade II* listed watermill. Afterwards, explore the woodlands and formal gardens around the adjoining house. Hawkshead Courthouse and Cartmel Priory Gatehouse will also be opening their doors, giving an insight into Cumbria’s medieval history. There is also a chance to see inside the St Margaret of Antioch Church, on the Wray Castle estate where Hardwicke Rawnsley, founding member of the National Trust was once vicar.

National Trust Rangers will also be sharing their knowledge on various natures walks. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter in Far Sawrey, discover the ancient trees of Borrowdale, learn about Lakeland fells wildlife while walking to Styhead Tarn and explore what Alfred Wainwright described as 'the loveliest square mile in Lakeland' on a guided walk to Castle Crag.

Family events include a bat walk in partnership with West Cumbria Rivers Trust in Ennerdale, a costumed medieval event at Dalton Castle and woodcarving at Townend with a live demonstration and family activities.

Jez Westgarth, assistant director of operations for the Lake District, said: "This year, we are thrilled to open our doors to so many of our places and to welcome the local community as part of Heritage Open Days. All of the festival’s events are free and we invite people to discover some of the less well-known places that we care for. We’re very excited to be sharing the stories of these places."

Heritage Open Day events run on various days and are free to attend. Pre-booking is required for some events. Please check the property or heritage open day websites for details.