MANY of the area’s most intriguing and historically significant buildings will be opening their doors especially next weekend as part of the national Heritage Open Days 2010 event.

Each year English Heritage celebrates the country’s finest architecture and culture by working with local volunteers to allow visitors free access to venues that are not usually open, or would normally charge an admission fee.

And once again many of the most interesting buildings in the Malvern and Ledbury areas will be taking part between Thursday and Sunday, September 9-12.

A returning event that has proved particularly popular in previous years will see Malvern St James school turning back the clock to the days when its buildings were home to the Imperial Hotel.

There will also be an exhibition marking the school’s links with the Girl Guide movement, which is celebrating its centenary this year. The event takes place from 3-5pm on Saturday (September 11).

In Upton-upon-Severn the new-look Heritage Centre, hidden away in the Old Churchtower, will be open from 10am-4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Staff will show off the centre’s recently refurbished displays and new touch-screen history pods.

Ledbury Heritage Centre, housed in a 15th century building in Church Lane, will be opening from 10.30am-4.30pm every day. As well as its usual displays the upper floor will be open, allowing visitors a close-up look at the timber-framed roof.

There will also be a special family activity session examining the widely-feared barber surgeons of medieval and Tudor times.

Ledbury’s iconic black and white Market House will be open at various points over the weekend, and St Katherine’s Chapel opens its doors from 2-4pm on Sunday.

The Butcher Row Museum, in Church Lane, is hosting a special ‘Ledbury Trades’ exhibition and the unique 16th Century Painted Room, in Church Street, is another ‘must-see’ attraction.

Other local venues taking part include Eastnor Castle, where guided tours will be available by pre-booking, and National Trust’s Croome Park and Lower Brockhampton estates.

Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, said: “Heritage Open Days are organised by local people who dedicate their spare time to opening properties and staging activities, and it is their knowledge and enthusiasm that make the events happen.”

A full list of local events and more details are available at heritageopendays.org.uk or from Tourist Information Centres.