Buildings across our town will be throwing their doors open to the public in September for a chance to delve into local history.

This year, Heritage Open Days will be happening all over the country from September 6 to 15.

This is hailed as England’s largest festival of history and culture, with old buildings and landmarks welcoming in the public for a peep behind the curtain.

There are 21 venues open around Ipswich will be taking part,  including Ipswich’s court rooms, the Broomhill Lido and Sailing Barge Victor.

Where can I visit in Ipswich for Heritage Open Days?

Ipswich Town Hall

A civic building has stood on this site on the Cornhill since the Royal Charter in 1200. Fifty-minute tours will show onlookers around the current building, which dates back to 1868, with its grand staircases, old court rooms, council chambers and the Mayor’s Parlour.

When: September 7 from 10am and September 8, from 10.30am.

The town hall will be opening its doors to show members of the public around, including the old court rooms. The town hall will be opening its doors to show members of the public around, including the old court rooms. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Ipswich Magistrates’ Court

The court will be delivering mock sentencing exercises (Goldilocks and the three bears – guilty as charged?), opportunities to speak to magistrates and others involved in the criminal justice system, and behind the scenes tours of the court cells.

When: September 14, 11am to 3.30pm

Ipswich Magistrates' Court will be giving tours around the cells, and delivering a mock trial. Ipswich Magistrates' Court will be giving tours around the cells, and delivering a mock trial. (Image: Newsquest)

Sailing Barge Victor

First built in Ipswich in 1895, the barge was used for transporting linseed from East Coast farms to be milled in Colchester.

During the Second World War, she carried munitions from Chatham Dock, and in 1947 was one of the last sailing barges to be de-commissioned. Since then, she has been a charter boat, strip club and floating office! Victor was fully restored in 2005-6 and is now available for trips on the rivers Orwell and Stour.

Members will be available to chat about her maritime heritage, and nearby, on Albion Wharf, a Window Museum is open 24/7, with displays and a video of life on the Waterfront over the centuries.

Sailing Barge Victor was built in Ipswich in 1895. Sailing Barge Victor was built in Ipswich in 1895. (Image: Newsquest)

Broomhill Lido

Those who have been following the Broomhill Pool Trust's journey to get the pool restored to its former glory will surely be interested to see the historic lido, before renovations start at the end of the year.

New images of the restored pool were revealed earlier this month.New images of the restored pool were revealed earlier this month. (Image: Fusion Lifestyle/KLH Architects)

For a full list of every venue participating in Heritage Open Days, visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk