Historic houses, factories, museums, music halls, formal gardens and graveyards will be among places open for free across the North East and North Yorkshire this month.

English Heritage is celebrating its 30th anniversary with more than 5,400 free open days across the country.

From September 6 to 15, the public is invited to visit heritage sites free of charge in what is described as “the country's largest festival of history and culture”.

Events, talks, and normally closed-to-the-public buildings will all be included in the annual festival of history and culture.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery which is supporting the event, said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating 30 years of this wonderful festival.

“Our players are helping to keep the doors open and free for everyone. We hope even many more people will come out to explore, celebrate, and enjoy England’s national heritage.”

This year’s theme of routes, networks, and connections explores how people and ideas have moved throughout history.

English Heritage hopes this will “bring together the past and present” through a series of talks, walks, and activities for the whole family.

In Darlington, St Cuthbert's Church is opening its doors on September 7, while the oldest church in the town, St Andrew's in Haughton le Skerne, is taking part the following day. 

The recently restored Darlington Library will be holding guided tours on multiple dates during the week.

You can see and hear the North East's only Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ - one of the UK's largest -at the New Victoria Centre, in Howden le Wear, Crook, on September 14, or discover a hidden gem of a building when Durham Town Hall opens its doors, with several dates available. 

Enjoy free entry at The Bowes Museum on September 7, where you can discover thousands of items from 500 years of human creativity.

In North Yorkshire, a themed tour of Easby Abbey ruins, near Richmond, focusing on the most recent 300 years of the abbey’s 850-year history is available tomorrow and Wednesday. Pre-booking is required.

More information and the full programme is available on the Heritage Open Day website www.heritageopendays.org.uk.