Shropshire tourist attractions to open up for free

Shropshire tourist attractions will be throwing their doors open for free this weekend as part of the national Heritage Open Days scheme.

Twenty six events or attractions will be open throughout the county as part of the initiative. Among the places which will be open will be National Trust properties including Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury, which is inviting visitors to explore its picturesque country estate.

Nearby Sunnycroft in Wellington, will also be opening its doors for free.

Heritage Open Days, which run until Sunday, celebrate England's architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission.

Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples.

It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture.

Attingham was built for the 1st Lord Berwick in 1785 and was in continuous ownership by the family for more than 160 years.

The grounds and shop will be open from 9am to 6pm and the house from 1pm to 5.30pm, with last admission at 4.30pm.

In Sunnycroft visitors can step back in time to explore the Victorian Gentleman's villa and discover its "mini-estate" style garden from 12noon to 5pm - with the last entry at 4pm.

For further details on Attingham Park call (01743) 708123, for Sunnycroft telephone (01952) 242884.

Venues include:

• St Leonard's Church, Bridgnorth

• Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, Church Stretton

• Flounders Folly, Stokesay Court

• Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre; Craven Arms

• 11 Corve Street, Ludlow

• Shavington Grange, Market Drayton

• Snailbeach Mine, Minsterley

• History Society and S.N.A.P. Open Day, at The Guildhall in Newport

• Archive Film Screening, Cambrian Heritage Railways

• A Talk on Brogyntyn Hall, Council Chamber, the Guildhall, Oswestry.

• Llanymynech Heritage Area & Wharf Visitor Centre - lime burning demonstration in Hoffman Kiln,

• Llynclys Station South.

• Nant Mawr Visitor Centre,

• Visitor & Exhibition Centre, Cambrian Railway Museum

• Attingham Park, Shrewsbury Cathedral

• "Priest and Poet" Talk and "Thomas More Through the Kaleidoscope" Talk, The Summerhouse, all in Shrewsbury

• The Temple; and St James's Church, Stirchley, Telford

• Sunnycroft, Wellington

By Emma Kasprzak