FINCH Foundry, the Winsford Centre and Castle Drogo are three of the local attractions opening free for Heritage Open Days in September.

Heritage Open Days celebrate England's fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to places usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission.

The event takes place every four days in September, with buildings of every age, style and function opening their doors.

More than 300 events are taking place across the south west from Thursday, September 12 to Sunday, September 15.

Finch Foundry will open for free on Saturday, September 14, with talks and demonstrations at a quarter past the hour from 11.15am to 4.15pm. Castle Drogo will be open the same day from 11am to 5pm, showing visitors the extensive works going on at the property to save the castle from ruin.

The Winsford Centre was formerly the Winsford Cottage Hospital, built in 1900.

Designed by the world renowned arts and craft architect CFA Voysey, the building is largely unspoilt and visitors can see exactly how Voysey intended the hospital to function. The building will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, September 14.

Lydford Gorge's three-mile circular walk will be open for free on Saturday, Septmber 14 from 10am to 5pm. Visitors to Roadford Dam on Friday, September 13 can take part in tours behind the scenes at South West Water's largest reservoir. Booking on these tours is essential as places are limited — call Caroline Abbott on 01392 443766.

The event is England's contribution to European Heritage Days, taking place across 50 countries.

Open days are run locally by a large range of organisations, including civic societies, heritage organisations and local councils.

On a national level, Heritage Open Days is co-ordinated and promoted by the Heritage Open Days Partnership with funding from English Heritage.

For more information on activities across the area visit http://www.heritage">www.heritage opendays.org.uk