The Armitt in Ambleside will offer free entry and behind-the-scenes tours as part of Heritage Open Days.

On September 13, visitors will be able to join free 30-minute tours of the museum's storeroom, which is usually closed to the public.

These tours will showcase objects not currently on display and provide insight into the museum's archiving and collection storage processes.

Visitors are also welcome to explore the museum and its current exhibition, 'Running Int' Fells', which focuses on the history of fell running in Cumbria.

Faye Morrissey, manager and curator at The Armitt, said: "It is great to be a part of Heritage Open Days once again in 2024.

"This time we’re providing a special behind-the-scenes peek into our museum stores – somewhere not often open to visitors.

"You’ll be able to find out a bit more about the unique objects in the collection and how they relate to the local people, places and industry of Ambleside and the wider community.

"In addition, throughout the day our team will be doing some active work checking, marking and re-packaging collection objects.

"Maybe you can have a go too."

Visitors in the Running Int’ Fells exhibitionVisitors in the Running Int’ Fells exhibition (Image: Jumpy James)

The Armitt, established in 1912, is a museum, gallery and library in Ambleside.

It houses a diverse collection, including Beatrix Potter’s original fungi watercolours, the Charlotte Mason college archive, and archaeological remains from the Ambleside Roman Fort.

The 2024 Heritage Open Day theme is 'Roots, Networks, Connections', celebrating the movement of people and ideas throughout history.

Visitors have 'shaped' the Lake District into its current form, arriving by carriage in the eighteenth century, train in the nineteenth century, and cars and buses today.

Incomers like Beatrix Potter and Alfred Wainwright have also left a 'lasting impact' on the Lake District.

Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days marketing and projects manager, said: "The scale and diversity of Heritage Open Days is just incredible – every year thousands of passionate people help visitors to make doorstep discoveries and connect with history and heritage in every part of England.

"This year though, it will be extra special as we celebrate three decades worth of stories and all the brilliant people and places that have made it, and continue to make it, all possible."

The Armitt's Heritage Open Day will be on September 13.

The museum will be open from 10am to 5pm, with tours of the storeroom at 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm.

Visitors are encouraged to pre-book.

This can be done online at the Armitt's website, by phoning 015394 31212, or by emailing events@armitt.com.