Take a look behind closed doors of historical landmarks on your doorstep for Heritage Open Days

Scores of the county’s rarely open landmarks open their doors next weekend for Heritage Open Days.

Running from Thursday, September 6, to Sunday, September 9, it throws open the doors of the nation’s historical monuments and buildings, which would otherwise remain closed.

Part of the wider European Culture Convention, including 50 countries, every site welcomes visitors for free.

Among Kent’s attractions will be the restored 14th century Rochester Bridge Chapel, one of only six still standing in the country. Open on Saturday and Sunday, September 8 and 9, visitors can see where travellers and pilgrims could pray for a safe journey, plus examples of stained glass, stone arms and plaques.

Here are a few other Kent landmarks worth checking out:

Sunday, September 9

See life in Norman times in the grounds of the castle, where re-enactors will give an insight into domestic life with demonstrations of leather working, net making, drop-spinning, weaving and cookery. Norman soldiers will give a show of arms throughout the day.

Deal Town Hall

Friday, September 7 to Saturday, September 8

Artefacts, paintings, ceremonial robes and insignia will be on display. Read about early Deal and the local lifeboat service, as well as the mining history of Deal and Mill Hill.

Fordwich Town Hall, near Canterbury

Thursday, September 6 to Sunday, September 9

Built in 1544 during the reign of Henry VIII, this brick and timber-framed building was once used as a court room and jail. The Town Hall is still used by the present town council for meetings and is the oldest and smallest still in use. An historical audio-visual commentary can be viewed in the Undercroft throughout.

Fort Amherst, Chatham

Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9

Britain’s best surviving example of a Napoleonic fortress, it was built to defend the Royal Dockyard at Chatham from a land-based attack. The Fort sits in 20 acres of parkland and includes 2,500 feet of tunnels some 60 feet below ground, as well as a range of historic buildings and cannons. Book on 01634 847747.

Shorne Parish Church, near Gravesend

Saturday, September 8

Take a look inside the historic parish church, which is normally closed. Parts date from the Anglo-Saxon period but mostly from the 12th to 16th century. Tours are free.

Union Windmill, Cranbrook

Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9

Take a tour of the tallest smock mill in England. Restored to working order, visitors will have access to six floors of milling machinery and equipment. Make flour using the demonstration mills and follow the quiz trail to view the cap of the windmill and be rewarded with a certificate.

To see the other Kent properties taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk