From tunnels to tugboats and Bridewells to buses, we are hemmed in by glorious examples of our heritage, as Peter Elson discovers

FEW of us can resist getting a glimpse of life behind closed doors. We’ve all passed houses or other buildings which reek of character and wondered what it was like inside.

Those so afflicted will be relieved to know that once again they have a snoopers’ charter to legitimately poke around such properties during English Heritage Open Days, from tomorrow until Sunday.

More than 4,000 homes and properties across the UK are involved in this long weekend, which is the biggest community participation scheme of its kind.

Some one million people will be visiting these otherwise hidden treasures.

As in previous years, Merseyside, Cheshire and Lancashire are fielding some terrific properties.

Actor and heritage campaigner Griff Rhys Jones, a self-confessed snooper who recently tried to swim across the Mersey for his Rivers television programme, says: “The whole idea appeals to our innate urge to get inside and poke about.”

Rather amusingly, Rhys Jones tells of hosting his own open days while restoring his Welsh farmhouse.

Although down in deepest Pembrokeshire, it attracted more than 1,000 visitors.

”All people wanted to do was walk around and poke around,” he recalls, sounding surprisingly surprised.

”What I like about the open days , apart from the range of architecture, is that it is about history and continuity,” he adds.

“We live in a society composed of a lot of different people who have great imagination.

“We are all here just for a short time. But all of that imagination and those ideas go into this incredible melting pot.”

English Heritage has taken over the running of this 15th annual Open Days event after the collapse of the Civic Trust.

Baroness Andrews, English Heritage chairman, agrees with Rhys Jones’s assessment: “Nosiness is a British characteristic.

“This is a great opportunity to explore places which, however familiar, are normally closed and therefore mysterious.

”They demonstrate that the great wealth of our culture and history is all around us.

“It’s on every street and under our feet – and that we can explore for ourselves.

”They provide a chance not only to discover secret history, but to meet the people who live or work there and who are passionate about their subject.”

Heritage Open Days is part of European Heritage Days, taking place across 49 countries during September.

Patrick Burke, of English Heritage North West, says: “This is the free event with something for everyone.

“It includes domestic buildings, industrial architecture and the natural environment.

“This is heritage in its broadest sense, from bricks to food.”

Over the last five years in the North-West, there has been a 50% increase in the number of venues, with 180 to choose from this time.

“What makes it special is the voluntary sector’s participation,” says Burke.

“This involves 40,000 people across Britain, and it’s a bit different from the normal experience of visiting places.

“These volunteers often speak with unbridled enthusiasm from the heart, which brings places alive.

“Smedley Hydro, in Southport, is one place that I’ll get along to, as it’s now a records office.

“Warrington is looking good, with venues like the Town Hall and Masonic Hall.