An exciting programme of free tours and drop in events is on offer in the Borough of Great Yarmouth during Heritage Open Days weekend, Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 September.

Many of the buildings involved are not normally open to the public. Explore The Beating Chamber in Gorleston, a relic of the herring fishing industry and go on a behind the scenes tour of Gorleston Pavilion Theatre.

Visit HS Smokehouse, one of the few traditional smokehouses left in the UK and operating in Great Yarmouth since 1852. See the chapel and ward space in the former Royal Naval Hospital, which was built to accommodate Nelson’s sailors, but was eventually used to care for Naval staff suffering from mental illness.

Tour St George’s Theatre, now in the final stages of restoration work. See The Masonic Royal Assembly Rooms in Albert Square and go on a Tales from the Churchyard guided walk and hear the stories behind the memorial stones in Great Yarmouth Minster’s churchyard.

Walk from Reedham to Polkey’s Mill and Reedham Marsh Steam House, or visit Morse’s Wind Engine Park at Repps with Bastwick, the only collection of historic wind pumps in the UK.

Pick up a Great Yarmouth Heritage Open Days leaflet at Great Yarmouth Tourist Information Centre or download a copy of the leaflet from www.great-yarmouth.co.uk/heritageopendays.

Borough of Great Yarmouth – Heritage Open Days events and tours – full list

Chapel and Ward Space at the Royal Naval Hospital: Thursday 6, Friday 7, Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 September 11am – 3pm

Off Queen’s Road, Great Yarmouth NR30 3JU

Described as the ‘best example of Georgian symmetry outside London’ the Royal Naval Hospital was built to accommodate Nelson’s men but would eventually used to house Naval staff suffering from mental illness. Not usually open to the public, visitors can see the Chapel and be escorted to the empty ward space on request.

No parking on site – visitors should park on street on Queen’s Road and walk through pedestrian gates to the end of the drive and follow directions. Access to the ward space is not possible for those with limited mobility due to steep stairs. There are a couple of steps within the grounds for wheelchairs to negotiate.

Great Yarmouth Minster: Thursday 6, Friday 7, Saturday 8 10am – 4pm, Sunday 9 September 12noon – 4pm.

Guided tours at 2pm on Friday & Saturday, pre-booking essential on 01493 846346.

Church Plain, Great Yarmouth. NR30 1NE

The parish church of St. Nicholas is the largest parish church in England. Built in 1101 it was restored after WWII by Stephen Dykes Bower. Limited parking, toilets, full access for disabled visitors, refreshments.

Unitarian Church: Thursday 6, Friday 7 & Saturday 8 September 10 – 2pm, Sunday 9 September 10am – 12noon.

Greyfriars Way, Great Yarmouth NR30 2SW

Established in 1644, this building replaces its predecessor, which was bomb damaged in WWII. Not usually open to the public, a special exhibition including the history of Unitarianism, famous Unitarians and old church silver will be on display with guides to answer questions. Parking, toilets, full access for visitors with disabilities.

Elizabethan House Museum: Thursday 6 & Friday 7 September 10am – 4pm, Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 September 12noon – 4pm.

South Quay, Great Yarmouth NR30 2QH

Explore this Tudor merchant’s house with a free audio tour. Special HODs ‘Upstairs downstairs’ event Friday　7th September　11　am – 4pm: meet the Victorian kitchen staff, see a cooking demo, find out how to make do and mend and talk to the servants who lived　and worked downstairs. Toilet, partial access for disabled visitors.

The Masonic Royal Assembly Rooms: Thursday 6, Friday 7 & Saturday 8 September 10am – 12noon & 2pm – 3.30pm

Albert Square, Great Yarmouth. NR30 3JH

Originally designed to be Great Yarmouth’s Assembly and Reading Rooms in 1863, the building was bought from the Norfolk Militia by the Masons in 1919 and has undergone significant refurbishment. Take a look around this magnificent building – a guide will be on hand to answer any questions.

Parking, toilets, full access for disabled visitors, refreshments.

Morse’s Wind Engine Park: Thursday 6 September 10am – 4pm

Marsh Road, Repps with Bastwick, NR29 5JU

The only collection of historic wind pumps in Great Britain demonstrating the drainage systems of Norfolk with examples of different types and mechanisms including a full size working scoop wheel. Guided tours available. Limited parking, toilets, refreshments. The site is flat and laid to grass but can be heavy going for wheelchair users.

Tour of St. George’s Theatre: pre-booked guided tour only Thursday 6 and Friday 7 September: 11am & 1pm. Tel. 01493 846346.

King Street, Great Yarmouth

This Grade I listed chapel, built in 1714, is in the final stages of renovation. Visitors will be able to see the recently uncovered ‘lavish and unique’ original paint finishes imitating lapis lazuli using ground blue grass and gold on internal timber columns which experts believe are of major historical importance. No parking, toilets, partial wheelchair access: the gallery area in the Chapel is accessed by the original staircase of about 20 steps. There is no wheelchair access to the first floor.

The Fisherman’s Hospital: Thursday 6, Friday 7, Saturday 8, Sunday 9 September open 10am – 4pm. Tours at 11am. Pre-booking on 01493 846346 is advised as numbers per tour are limited.

Market Place, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1ND.

Built in 1762 by the corporation of Great Yarmouth for old or ‘decayed’ fishermen in the corner of the market place, the site could house up to 40 residents but now only nine cottages remain for nine residents. The cupolia has recently been restored. Tours will include cottage 8, which will be opened especially for visitors. No parking, partial wheelchair access – entry into the courtyard is wheelchair friendly but access into the cottage would be difficult, refreshments.

Gorleston Pavilion: pre-booked guided tour only Thursday 6 and Friday 7 September: 11am & 1.30pm. Telephone 01493 846346 to book.

Pier Gardens, Gorleston-On-Sea, NR31 6PP

The Edwardian Pavilion theatre is 111 years old in 2012. Full tours of the building including access backstage and upstairs to the ballroom and outside balcony with fascinating stories and stunning views are available for Heritage Open Days. Parking, partial wheelchair access.

Seafront Guided Walk: pre-booked guided walk only Thursday 6 September 2pm. Tel 01493 846346.

Meet at Tourist Information Centre, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth. NR30 2EN

As a top ten seaside resort, Great Yarmouth has been at the forefront of the Great British holiday for more than 100 years. Find out more about Great Yarmouth’s Golden Mile where holidaymakers have been entertained for generations, including a nostalgic look back in time at Yesterday’s World.

St. Mary’s Church: Thursday 6, Friday 7, Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 September 8am – 6pm.

Church Lane, West Somerton, NR29 4DP

A 13^th century thatched roof church with round tower. Famous for its 11^th century nave, 14^th century wall paintings and the tombstone of Robert Hales, the famous ‘Norfolk’ giant. Special exhibition on the life of Robert Hales and photographic display on church restoration. Parking, partial access for disabled visitors.

Caister Lifeboat Visitor Centre Friday 7 September 10am – 3pm

Caister Lifeboat, Tan Lane, Caister-on-Sea, NR30 5DJ

Special 30 minute talk about the Independent Caister Lifeboat station and its work at 11am and 1pm with refreshments. Visitors can also see a stunning visual history display, DVD show and working off-shore and inshore lifeboats. Parking, disabled parking, toilets, disabled toilets, partial access for disabled visitors, refreshments

Green Gym Cemeteries Project: Friday 7 September 10am – 3pm

Great Yarmouth Minster Cemetery, Church Plain, Great Yarmouth. NR30 1NE

St. Nicholas Churchyard and the Old and New Cemeteries cover an area of approximately 30 acres and have a number of significant monuments including some grade II listed structures. The site is also of special wildlife interest. Visitors can experience the various types of practical conservation activity available in the locality by visiting the Green Gym for a taster session run throughout the day. Limited parking, toilets, full access for disabled visitors, refreshments.

Guided Walk: Tales from the Churchyard: Friday 7 September 10.30am

Church Plain, Great Yarmouth. NR30 1NE

A guided walk with Dr. Paul Davies, Chair of Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust. Enjoy a meander around St. Nicholas Churchyard to visit the most interesting memorial stones, often beautifully engraved and hear stories about the heroes, victims, notables and special events commemorated. Meet at the main entrance to the Minster. Limited parking, toilets, full access for disabled visitors, refreshments.

Guided Walk: Conservation of Cemetery Monuments: Friday 7 September 12noon

Church Plain, Great Yarmouth. NR30 1NE

A guided walk with the Principal Conversation Officer, Great Yarmouth Borough Council. Walk amongst Grade II listed and other significant monuments and statues looking at conservation issues and methods. Meet at the main entrance to the Minster. Limited parking, toilets, full access for disabled visitors, refreshments.

Cemetery Chapel: Friday 7 and Saturday 8 September: 10am – 2pm

Magdelen Way, Gorleston-on-Sea, NR31 7BN

Built in 1889 by Gorleston man JW Cockrill from knapped flint with terracotta quoins and detailing this gothic-revival style chapel contains original pews, lectern and coffin bier. A private display of Gorleston crest pottery will also be in display. Guides will be on hand to answer questions.

Limited on-site parking, full wheelchair access

HS Smokehouse: pre-booked guided tour only Friday 7 September: 10am & 2pm and Saturday 8 September at 10am. Tel. 01493 846346, limited places available.

Sutton Road, Great Yarmouth NR30 3NA

One of only a few traditional smokehouses left in the country, HS Smokehouse was established by Henry Sutton in 1852 and are still using the same brick smokehouses to smoke herring in the traditional way. Special guided tours will show you the smoking process ending with an opportunity to sample the herring. A range of smoked fish will be available to purchase.

South Quay Guided Walk: pre-booked guided walk only, Friday 7 September 2pm. Tel 01493 846346.

Meet at Fisherman’s Hospital Gates, Market Place, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1ND

Once described as the finest quay in all Europe, learn more about the stunning architecture present on South Quay opposite the bustling river port of Great Yarmouth. Find out about Yarmouth’s witches and the oldest gaol in the country. Wheelchair accessible.

St. Andrew’s Parish Church: Friday 7 September 10 – 3pm, pre-booking required for tour on 01493 656078

Church Road, Gorleston-on-Sea, NR31 6LS

A Grade II listed building with fine examples of traditional architecture dating to the 1600’s and magnificent stained glass windows and baptismal font dating pre 1640. The Bacon brass and Gorleston Psalter will be on display. Church tours and bell tower tour available. Parking, toilets, partial access for disabled visitors.

Quaker Meeting House: Saturday 8 September 10am – 4pm

Howard Street South, Great Yarmouth. NR30 1LN

In a walled garden this simple early 19^th century building has been a place of Quaker worship since 1694. Beneath it can be seen the remains of a 14^th century cell once occupied by Augustine Friars until the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16^th century. Guides are on hand to answer questions.

Partial wheelchair access in to garden only. Toilets. Refreshments.

The Beating Chamber: pre-booked guided tours only Saturday 8 September: 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm. Tel 01493 846346, limited places available.

50 Pier Plain, Gorleston-on-Sea, NR32 6PG

The last weather boarded and pantiled beating chamber of its type, a relic of the herring fishing industry once used by fishwives for the nets, it is currently home to paintings of trawlers and drifters and one man’s collection of domestic and agricultural artefacts.

The Tolhouse: Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 September 12noon-4pm.

Tolhouse Street, Great Yarmouth NR30 2SH

Visit one of the UK’s oldest gaols dating back to the 12^th century. See the original cells and find out about the fate of thieves, smugglers, witches, pirates and murderers who were confined here. Special HODs event Sunday 9 September 12noon – 4pm‘Behind the Scenes’ – meet the conservator and see parts of the museums stored collections and find out how to look after your own objects.

Polkey’s Mill and Reedham Marsh Steam Engine House: Sunday 9 September, 1pm – 4pm

Reedham Marshes, Reedham NR13 3UB

Not usually open to the public, this is a great opportunity to see a group of drainage mills with an old steam engine house and a diesel engine shed. One mill has been restored to full working order and will be working, wind permitting. This is a unique site showing the full history of drainage from wind through steam, diesel and finally electric. Access is via footpath (45 minute walk) or boat along the river from Reedham Village. There is no vehicular access. Partial wheelchair access on arrival.