Historic sites not normally open to the public welcome visitors for Heritage Open Days in September

In the swim

September 8 and 9, 10-11.30am

Ashton Old Baths will open its doors to the public for an exclusive tour. Visitors will be able to see the original Victorian internal brickwork design and artefacts, along with where the old swimming pool was and stunning the modern architecture.

Ashton Old Baths, Stamford Street West, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7FW. Pre-booking: Required

A varied existence

September 9, 10am-4pm

Church Cottage Museum tells the story of its life since its construction in 1590, as a Tudor dwelling in an agricultural community, as an inn during the 18th century, Victorian school room and finally as a family home again in the 20th century.

Church Cottage Museum at Broughton C of E Primary School, Church Lane off Garstang Road, Broughton, Preston, PR3 5JB. No booking required

The big sell

September 9, 10.30am-4.30pm

Discover how products have been advertised through the years and meet the trustees of this fascinating collection. There will also be presentations on gifted illustrators, artists and designers who have transformed the creativity of advertising across the decades.

The Richard Roberts Archive, Unit 14, Adswood Industrial Estate, Adswood Road, Stockport, SK3 8LF. No booking required

Travel back in time

September 9, 10am-3pm

An interactive pop-up museum celebrating the people, places and industries of Longridge.

Longridge Heritage Centre, Station Buildings, Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3JP. No booking required

Landmark tours

September 9 and 10, Open 10am-4pm. Tours from 10.15am-3.15pm

Visitors will see behind the Art Deco exterior of Georges Dock Building and take a tour of its stunning interior. There will also be free mini tours to the original control room, fan chamber and dock room which dates back to 1771.

Mersey Tunnels Combined Control Centre, Georges Dock Building, George's Dock Way, Liverpool, L3 1DD. Pre-booking: Book on day

Vintage vehicles

September 9, 10, 16 and 17, 10am-4.30pm

A grade II listed building, and one of Manchester's first bus garages, now houses a collection of over 80 vehicles, including a fire engine, prototype Metrolink tram, lorries and ancillary vehicles, along with a substantial collection of smaller items such as signage, uniforms, ticket machines, badges, photographs and documents.

Museum of Transport, Boyle Street, Manchester, M8 8UW. No booking required

Going underground

September 9, 10, 16 and 17, Tours at 11am, noon, 1pm and 2pm

Deep below Liverpool's streets are the historic subterranean tunnels and chambers built by Georgian philanthropist and merchant Joseph Williamson. Guided tours will reveal the unique history of this corner of the city through objects which tell a story of industrial and social history.

Joseph Williamson's House Site, Opposite No 39 Mason Street, Edge Hill, Liverpool, L7 3EW. Pre-booking: Required

An historic home

September 13, 11am, noon, 2pm and 3pm

Leighton Hall has been a much-loved family home and the centre of an agricultural estate since mediaeval times. Discover the history of the hall and how it has changed over almost 800 years with tours of the house, a woodland walk, birds of prey display and tea rooms.

Leighton Hall, Carnforth, LA5 9ST. Pre-booking: Required

A cut above

September 15, 11am: An experience that's a cut above. 1pm: An experience right at the cutting edge

The Lawnmower Museum is home to a replica of the first lawnmower – made in 1830 – along with the hundreds of different machines that followed, alongside curator tours and special tours of the reserve store.

106-112 Shakespeare Street, Southport, PR8 5AJ. Pre-booking: Required

Learn the ropes

September 16: Ringing room 'Have a go' tours from 1-4pm. Last tour at 3.30

The eight bells of St Mary and All Saints have sounded for 100 years. See demonstrations, learn about the creativity of those who devise the 'methods' by which the changes are rung, and try your hand at ringing.

Church of St Mary & All Saints, Church Lane, Whalley, Clitheroe, BB7 9SY. Pre-booking: Preferred

Street style

September 16, 11am-2pm

Tim Rushton and Liam Curtin, creators of the Northern Quarter Street signs, will talk visitors through their street sign designs and share tales of Manchester Craft and Design Centre in the 80s and 90s. The talk will be followed by a print demonstration and a hands-on mono-printing session where you will be able to take home your very own printed creations.

Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 17 Oak Street, Manchester, M4 5JD. Pre-booking: Required

Temple tours

September 16, 10am-6pm

This modern Hindu temple incorporates traditional design and artwork with guided tours providing an insight into Hindu beliefs and practice.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Lees Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 8BQ. No booking required

The view from the top

September 16, 10am-4pm and September 17, 2-4pm

Explore this ancient parish church, churchyard and tower, with elements dating from the 14th century, and see how it has evolved and changed through the years. It’s the one weekend of the year that the tower – and its stunning views – are open to the public.

Childwall All Saints Church Hall, 102 Childwall Abbey Road, Liverpool, L16 0JW. No booking required