A series of open days to showcase and help people explore the rich heritage of South Derbyshire are taking place next month.

These events will run from September 8 - 17 at various locations across the district as part of the national Heritage Open Days initiative.

Established in 1994, Heritage Open Days is England's contribution to the European Heritage Days. 

It has since grown into the country's largest community-led heritage festival, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations.

South Derbyshire is blessed with many amazing heritage sites and there are over a dozen times and dates available for people to get involved with.

A long list of sites will be taking part – they include Hilton's St Mary's Church, Shardlow Inland Port, Sharpe's Pottery Museum in Swadlincote, Hartshorne Upper Hall and St Peter's Church in Hartshorne, St. Wilfrids Church in Barrow-on-Trent and Calke Abbey, near Ashby de la Zouch.

A weekend exhibition celebrating the history and heritage of Swadlincote and local villages will also be taking place at Swadlincote's Town Hall on September 16 and 17.

On Saturday the 16th this will be accompanied by free entertainment for all the family in Swadlincote town centre, with a virtual reality experience, children's craft activities and street entertainment. On Sunday 17th Antiques in the Street will take place on Swadlincote High Street.

Councillor Robert Pearson, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said: "I am looking forward to these Heritage Open Days taking place across South Derbyshire.

"We are lucky to have such rich heritage on our doorstep, so this is a fantastic initiative to get involved with and support. Hopefully, it will encourage lots of people to explore our local history and discover some of our hidden gems that they may not have been aware of."

For further information about the Heritage Open Days in South Derbyshire visit: Heritage Open Days 2023 - Visit South Derbyshire or telephone 01283 223333.