ENGLAND’S biggest volunteer event has been extended into a second weekend, with many of Cumbria’s historic places free to explore over the next few days.

Heritage Open Days runs from today until Sunday, following last week’s opening, making it the biggest event since it launched in 1994.

In our region, this means opportunities to experience some of the county’s hidden treasures, learn more about the history, and see some things that usually only a privileged few only get to see.

Tomorrow at noon, Sizergh Castle opens up the private family chapel of the Stricklands - the Chapel is still in use to this day, holding. Now visitors have the opportunity for one day only to share this private space.

One of the highlights of the programme comes tomorrow evening when visitors are treated to a free, behind the scenes tour of the Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston. They will be able to view archive material about the history of the yacht and find out more about the story of the rescue and the rebuild. This is an opportunity to view the luxurious interior saloons of this unique steamboat, and the engine will be on view with the fire box will be well stoked.

From tomorrow to Sunday, you can participate in a guided walk to learn of the history of Levens village, its church, chapel, school and village institute, the public houses, early landscape and some of the families that lived there. Pre-booking is preferred.

Visitors will get the chance to look round the Newland Charcoal Iron Furnace on Saturday and Sunday, where there will be an exhibition of the furnace’s history and operation and guided tours will be given to explain things further.

The site contains the remains of the 18th century water powered blast furnace, used for around 150 years to produce Pig Iron.

On Sunday, Holy Trinity Church, in Chapel Stile, opens its doors to the public.

This lovely country church has some interesting stained-glass windows, colourful tapestry and graves of people of note. Tours of the belfry and viewings of the clock workings can also be made by arrangement.

The full programme and pre-booking information can be found online at www.heritageopendays.org.uk