Heritage Open Days to bring Cumbria's hidden history alive

As part of Heritage Open Days, National Trust locations across the county will host free events from September 11–20, inviting the public to explore the people, industries, and landscapes that have shaped Cumbria over centuries. Events include guided tours of the 19th-century Sedgwick Gunpowder Works, located on the Sizergh estate. Led by volunteers, the walks reveal the hidden history of an industry that once thrived in the Kent Valley. Visitors can also attend a screening of From Ruin to Revival, a new short film about the conservation of Sizergh's historic collections. This will be followed by a talk from furniture conservator-restorer John Wynn-Griffiths. In the Lake District, Force Crag Mine will open its doors to visitors to learn how generations of miners extracted ore from the fells. At Acorn Bank near Penrith, the historic watermill will be in operation, with stories shared about the people who lived and worked on the estate. In Grasmere, Allan Bank will offer a special guided tour focusing on its design, history, and literary connections. Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, featuring thousands of free events nationwide. For more information and booking details, visit heritageopendays.org.uk.