Heritage Open Days are back on September 10-13, when thousands of volunteers across the country invite people to experience local history, architecture and culture, as hundreds of buildings are opened to the public, free of charge.

The programme is managed by the National Trust and funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Historic England and run by an army of volunteers.

It is a once-a-year chance to discover the often hidden or forgotten gems on our doorsteps and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities that bring local history and culture to life.

After a first pilot in Gosport proved a success, the now defunct Civic Trust established Heritage Open Days in 1994 as England’s contribution to the European Heritage Days.

Starting out with some 700 sites, Heritage Open Days has since developed into Britain’s largest and most popular grassroots heritage event, with participation more than doubling during the first decade of the millennium.

Archaeology of Petersfield Heath Walk is held this Saturday, 11am-12.30pm. This walk, led by an expert guide, will discuss the significance of the Bronze Age Barrows and scatterings of prehistoric flints that indicate that human activity on the Heath probably dated from much earlier. The walk will also look at the recent excavations that have taken place on the Heath as part of the ’People of the Heath’ project.

The talk is free but must be pre-booked. Contact Amanda Harwood

on 01730 260756 or e-mail: [email protected]

Petersfield Museum and the Flora Twort Gallery are both open for this event.

Alton Quaker Meeting House will also be open to view on Saturday, 10am-5pm. Built in 1672, it is the second oldest Quaker Meeting House in the country. You will be able to look around all the rooms on the ground floor, which includes the Meeting room with its original screens and gallery. Outside is the burial ground where Quakers have been buried since the 1670s.

See www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory for details on all open days in the East Hampshire area and nationally.