National Trust Heritage Open days return - here's how to find out what's on in Shropshire

The country’s largest festival of history and culture is back this Friday and includes a host of activities across Shropshire.

Heritage Open Days celebrate the extraordinary places and stories across the country - and Shropshire is no exception.

The celebration, which runs from Friday, September 11, to Sunday, September 20, is presented by the National Trust, supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery, and run by thousands of local organisations and volunteers.

In Shropshire this year’s festival includes events up and down the county including Whitchurch, Shrewsbury, Ironbridge, Broseley, Bridgnorth, Wellington, Ellesmere, Newport, Oswestry, Broseley, Ludlow, and Much Wenlock, along with many more.

There are a host of locations in Shropshire taking part, including a number of National Trust sites.

This year’s theme is ‘Everyday Histories’, exploring daily working life through the ages, be it butchers, bakers, or candlestick makers - people will be able to see what their ancestors did, and what their daily life was like.

Annie Reilly, the National Trust's audience and engagement director, said: "England's largest festival of history and culture is back. Heritage Open Days opens the door to thousands of extraordinary stories, places and experiences on your doorstep.

“With over 6,200 free events across the country, millions can discover the places around them in new and -often-surprising ways. By inspiring curiosity today, the festival helps build a stronger sense of connection, care and action for the future.”

In Shropshire the National Trust’s Dudmaston Hall, Benthall Hall, and Coalport China Museum and Broseley Pipeworks, will all be putting on events.

People will be able to visit Dudmaston Hall for free from September 13 to 20 - excluding September 18 and 19.

Dudmaston is a family home set within 3,000 acres of beautiful countryside with something for everyone.

The country mansion’s traditional rooms contrast with contemporary galleries displaying British modern art, including Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore.

Visitors can tuck into a treat in the Orchard Tearoom or browse the second-hand bookshops for a new read.

They can also head outdoors to the garden and enjoy views across the water, take a stroll through the dingle towards big pool and soak in the stunning Shropshire scenery.

Benthall Hall is also open for free on September 12, 14 and 20.

The hall is an intimate family home and garden situated on a plateau above the Ironbridge Gorge.

Within the fine stone house people can discover the history of the Benthall family from the Saxon period to the present day.

With the house explored they can then head outdoors to Benthall's 19th-century garden.

Planted by George Maw, a passionate botanist, bulb collector and breeder, the garden features an impressive crocus collection in spring and autumn.

The Ironbridge Gorge’s celebrated Coalport China Museum and Broseley Pipeworks are also open during the event.

Visitors can book free, guided tours for the China Museum and the pipeworks at Ironbridge Gorge on September 11, 12, and 13, and again on September 18, 19, and 20.

Visitors can explore the everyday lives of generations of the female workforce which played an integral part in the ceramic industries.

The event will allow visitors to not only explore the lives of ordinary working women but also access the ‘Findmypast’ website to begin to explore their own family history.

Meanwhile the Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire will be taking part on Friday and Saturday, September 18 and 19.

People will be able to discover one of Staffordshire's most celebrated historic landscapes, spending the day exploring the walled garden, park farm, the hall, and formal gardens.

The beautiful Chinese House will be open to visitors on Saturday, September 19, while the Painted Paradise watercolour exhibition can be enjoyed in the hall throughout the weekend and during September.

The estate will be open from 9am to 5pm on both days, offering plenty of opportunities to experience the history, heritage and green spaces of Shugborough.

The Biddulph Grange Garden will have free entry from 11am to 4pm on Friday and Saturday, September 11 and 12.

People will be able to wander through the garden's world-famous collection of themed landscapes, inspired by journeys around the globe.

Visitors have the freedom to explore James Bateman's estate, complete the mile walk to the cave, wander Lime Avenue to the adjacent St Lawrence church where Bateman preached or enter the garden from the adjacent churchyard and on to what is now Biddulph Grange Country Park managed by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.

Kinver Edge & the Rock Houses will also be free to visit on September 12, 18 and 20, where people can discover the surprisingly cosy homes carved into the rock of an imposing sandstone ridge.

The famous Holy Austin Rock Houses are cosily restored to help visitors soak up the atmosphere of these unusual homes.

Everyday objects, tools and furnishings tell the stories of how life was lived there until the 1960s.

Walks in the surrounding countryside of Kinver Edge cross open heathland buzzing with wildlife, and woodland trails leading to more rock houses set back in the trees.

A full list of events taking place in Shropshire throughout the festival is available online.