See these special Yorkshire sites for free

Every year in it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life.

It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all free.

Here is our pick of what is open in the county:

Ayton Castle, West Ayton, Scarborough

Ayton Castle tower will be open to see inside. There will be a display of artefacts associated with the castle, some other display material and there will be mini-digs for children.

Batley Town Heritage Walk

Circular walk of central Batley including talking and pictorial content.

Historical facts of people and places telling the history of the town from early days of the manor owners, to the millowners showing the change from a village to town.

St Andrew’s Aldborough, Boroughbridge

As part of the Yorkshire Historic Churches Open Day, St Andrew's is opening its doors to visitors. Set in the Roman Forum of Isurium Brigantum, the church has a fascinating history.

Bridlington Harbour Museum

Located on Bridlington Harbour, this small museum tracks the history of the harbour from its early days as a significant port over 1,000 years.

Ledston Hall, Castleford

A rare opportunity to visit the magnificent grade 1 listed Hall and surrounding gardens. Discover the history of the Hall, parts of which date back to the 12th century and the close associations with Leeds philanthropist Lady Betty Hastings who inherited the estate in 1704

Greenwoods, Dewsbury

Dewsbury’s smallest and newest museum which enables visitors to see what life was like for those who lived and worked in Greenwoods from before 1860 to the present day. It contains a range of shop memorabilia, artefacts, biographies and pictures of those who lived and worked there.

Shibden Hall, Lister's Road, Halifax

For 500 years, from 1420 to 1926, Shibden was a family estate providing a home and an income for those who lived there. Free admission.

Unwrapping heritage at Lister Lane Cemetery, Halifax

Visitors on the guided heritage tours of the cemetery will hear stories of amazing Halifax people from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

A Heritage Walk on the Duchy Estate, Harrogate

The walk will look at some of the lovely houses built on the estate and three important public buildings: the former Grand Hotel, Harrogate Ladies College and St Wilfrid's Church. Meet at the entrance to the Valley Gardens opposite the Royal Pump Room Museum.

Lock-Up and Pinfold, Hunmanby, near Scarborough

A once-a-year opportunity to go inside Hunmanby’s tiny early 19th-century red-brick temporary prison. Nearby is a stone-built pinfold, recently restored, once used to impound stray animals.

A Gothic Revival – The Story of Left Bank, Leeds

Explore the history of the beautiful grade II former church building now known as Left Bank, a cultural creative venue in Hyde Park, Leeds. Hear about the life of St Margaret's of Antioch Church in the 1900s.

A Visit to Leeds Workhouse, Thackray Medical Museum, 141 Beckett Street

You will hear about the good and the bad – from a destitute dance instructor to the criminal dubbed the ‘Terror of the Workhouse’. You will also learn how the institution developed and which buildings still stand on the St James's Hospital site.

A walk around the Headingley Hill and Hyde Park Conservation Areas, Leeds

Discover the fascinating character and history of the buildings, places and people who lived in Headingley Hill and Hyde Park.

Central Tramway Company, Scarborough

A unique opportunity to have a guided tour of the famous cliff railway's engine room, learn about the history and recent engineering project, plus a free return ride on the historic funicular in Scarborough’s South Bay.

Nunnington Hall, near York

Discover more than 300 years of stories of the people and objects who sought sanctuary at Nunnington Hall.

Heritage Open Days run from Friday September 18 to Sunday September September 17.