Heritage Open Days in St Albans, 8th – 11th September 2011

Heritage Open Days celebrates some of the best of England's architecture, and here in St Albans the event allows us free access to some interesting local properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge admission.

The annual four-day event kicks off today, 8th September, and runs through to Sunday 11th September. During that time, you can, for example, watch a mock trial at St Albans Crown Court, visit the the Grade II listed St Albans Signal Box or take one of a host of differently themed guided walks around the City.

Councillor Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism for St Albans City and District Council, said: "Heritage Open Days provide a fantastic opportunity to see historical buildings for free that are not usually open or normally charge an entrance fee. Make the most of the variety of open days and activities on offer which aim to bring local history to life."

One of the new activities being celebrated this year is the St Albans Civic Society 50th Anniversary Walk, which aims to give participants a taster of half a century of local history, and lessons learnt from it, during a 75-minute circuit. And if you've got your walking boots on, why not sample one of the other walks on offer, which include Crime and Punishment, A Round With Sam Ryder, the founder of golf's Ryder Cup competition, and The Heritage Tree Walk?

Or if crime and punishment floats your boat, the Mock Trial at St Albans Crown Court could be a bit of an eye opener. You can also visit the cells here, learn about finger printing and look inside a prison van.

A booklet has been produced by St Albans City and District Council, which details what's on offer locally. You can pick one up in the Tourist Information Centre in St Albans, at participating venues, or in local libraries. Or download a pdf copy and an at a glance timetable of events via the Council's website here.

If you do go to any of the events, please share what you thought of them here on stalbanspeople. Thanks!