Bracknell

Residents can visit some of Bracknell Forest's most interesting buildings and parks over the annual Heritage Open Days weekend.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council has arranged for seven sites to be among the thousands of buildings and venues across the country which will open to visitors free of charge between Thursday, September 7, and Sunday, September 10. The scheme is nationally co-ordinated by the Civic Trust in partnership with English Heritage.

The special events and guided tours in the borough include seeing the William Morris stained glass windows and bell tower at St Michael and St Mary Magdalene Church in Easthampstead. Meanwhile, children can use the windows as inspiration for making their own stained glass window from coloured cellophane or do some brass rubbing.

Walkers can take a step back in time in Warfield or visitors can enjoy the rare opportunity to look around Lily Hill House or the gardens of Newbold College.

A stand and exhibition in Bracknell town centre will give information and details about all the events – there will even be a small exhibition of some interesting archaeological and social history finds from the area.

Agostina Hawkins, the Council's heritage officer, said: "Bracknell Forest will be celebrating its unique local heritage with a fantastic selection of open days, exhibitions and children’s activities.

"They are all free so please do make the most of this rare opportunity."

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "Here in Bracknell Forest borough there are some truly fascinating places with rich and diverse histories.

"The Heritage Open Days give everybody the chance to visit some of these hidden treasures and learn some more about them."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council