England's largest celebration of the nation's history and heritage, Heritage Open Days, is back from 11th-20th September, with a packed programme of events.
There will be thousands of events across the country, with the theme of Everyday Histories exploring what our ancestors' daily lives were like, including what they did for work.
There will be more than 80 Heritage Open Days events in Staffordshire alone, offering a rare chance to go behind-the-scenes, explore hidden places, and try new experiences - all free of charge!
Here are our highlights from this year's programme:
1. Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens (RBL National Remembrance Gardens)
Mark the 25th anniversary of the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens near Lichfield, by exploring the brand new archive of images, documents, and objects from the site's history.
Archiving Remembrance, on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September (11am-3pm), gives you the chance to meet the project team and learn how the stories they've uncovered are being preserved for future generations.
Afterwards, stroll the beautiful grounds - home to 25000 trees and 400 thought-provoking memorials.
There is no need to book in advance, and while it's free to enter, there is a parking charge for cars, motorbikes and scooters (£5 advance, £8 on the day).
Or leave the car at home and use the bus. There is a regular, daily service which operates from Tamworth Railway Station. Find out more: Getting Here page.
2. Shugborough Estate Open Day
Seize this rare opportunity to discover the delights of the Shugborough Estate, which is free to enter on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th September (9am-5pm).
This vast National Trust property, near Stafford, was a favourite walking spot of JRR Tolkien, and former home to celebrity photographer Patrick Lichfield.
And as part of Heritage Open Days, they are throwing open the gates so you can visit the Walled Garden, the Park Farm, and the Mansion House, while there will also be talks in the Chinese House and a watercolour exhibition in the Mansion.
Afterwards, let off some steam at the playground, with its zip-wire a favourite for younger visitors, browse the shelves of the second-hand book shop, and refuel with a light lunch or cream tea.
No booking required.
3. Biddulph Grange Garden Open Gates
Another National Trust property you can visit for free is Biddulph Grange Garden, which is taking part in Heritage Open Days on 11th and 12th September (10am-5pm).
This exclusive experience will give you special access to explore the extraordinary garden, with its Egyptian pyramids, Himalayan glen, Italian garden, unique Victorian display of fossils and much more.
Discover the Bateman Walk, created by horticulturist and former owner James Bateman, which links Biddulph Grange Hall with the beautiful St Lawrence Church, where Bateman preached in the 1800s.
Or wander on into Biddulph Grange Country Park, where you'll find woodland, meadows, and a fully-restored boat house dating back to 1904.
No booking required.
4. Tamworth Castle - Dragon Designs Clay Workshop
Hosted by Tamworth Castle, this free Dragon Designs Clay Workshop takes place at the Pop-Up Art Gallery in Ankerside Shopping Centre on Saturday 19th September (10am-2pm).
Inspired by a striking Victorian dragon vase created by historic local manufacturer Gibbs & Canning, this hands-on experience gives visitors the chance to create their own dragon-inspired clay keepsake to take home.
Alongside this, you'll also be able to view original ceramics, photographs and displays that reveal how Gibbs & Canning helped shape Tamworth's industrial and ceramic heritage.
Suitable for adults and children aged six and over. No booking required.
5. Middleport Pottery - 1940s Employment Records
Step back in time at Middleport Pottery and discover the stories of the people who kept one of Staffordshire's most famous pottery manufacturers running during the Second World War.
On Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th September, come and explore more than 500 employment records from Burgess & Leigh dating from 1941-42, offering a fascinating insight into everyday working life in the Potteries.
You may even uncover a relative, family name or familiar face, with volunteers on hand to help search the records and share the stories behind them.
Historic pottery objects and tools will also be on display, bringing to life the jobs and skills that helped shape Stoke-on-Trent's world-famous ceramics industry.
Advance booking is required.
6. Cannock Chase War Cemetery - Free Guided Tours
Explore the vital and fascinating role Cannock Chase, Staffordshire's National Landscape, played in both World Wars on these free guided tours of Cannock Chase War Cemetery.
At 10am and 12pm on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September, you can learn about the site's history as a military camp, used by the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, and prisoner-of-war hospital
And next door at the German Military Cemetery, you can discover an exhibition featuring the stories of some of the 5000 German and Austrian casualties buried there.
And you can find out more about the war graves and memorials, as well as the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission around the world.
Advance booking required.
7. Philip Astley Centre - Showpeople of North Staffordshire
Step into the colourful world of North Staffordshire's travelling showpeople at this free exhibition at the Philip Astley Centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Featuring photographs, film, memories and displays, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the families who have brought fairs and entertainment to towns and villages across the region for generations.
This exhibition celebrates the people behind the rides and attractions, highlighting their traditions, resilience and contribution to local communities.
While you're there, find out more about Philip Astley, the Newcastle-under-Lyme-born performer who went on to become the father of the modern circus.
No booking required.
8. Claymills Victorian Pumping Station - Claymills by Night
Experience what it would have been like to work at the 19th Century Claymills Victorian Pumping Station, near Burton upon Trent, which is opening at night as part of this year's Heritage Open Days programme.
On Saturday 12th and 19th September, this fascinating museum will be open from 7pm to 10pm, with a revealing look at their restored steam engines, which pumped sewage and improved sanitation in and around Burton upon Trent in the 1800s.
Some restrictions will be in place to adhere to local and national public health guidelines.
Booking in advance is essential. Contact 01283 509929 or email enquiries@claymills.org.uk to reserve your place.
9. Kinver Edge & Rockhouses - Free Entry
Kinver Edge & Rockhouses, in Kinver, South Staffordshire, were the last inhabited cave dwellings in the UK, with people living there as recently as the 1960s!
On Saturday 12th, Friday 18th, and Sunday 20th September (10.30-3.30), you can visit free of charge and hear tales of the families who lived in these houses, which had been carved into the sandstone in the 17th Century.
Afterwards, explore the heathland of Kinver Edge, and enjoy the dramatic views from the Iron Age Hill Fort, before stopping at the tea room to refuel with a light bite or cake.
No booking needed.
10. Mow Cop - Notable Natives
Take a guided walk of the imposing Mow Cop Castle and find out about the people and communities who lived and worked there.
Gain a fresh perspective on the folly and the dramatic landscape around it, with the help of an expert local historian, on Saturday 12th and Tuesday 15th September (meet at 10.50am for an 11am start).
Highlights will include the stories of the origins of the Primitive Methodist movement, and the life of Hannah Dale, the Giantess of Mow Cop, who grew to 5ft3 and 32st by the age of 11!
No booking needed.
More events in Staffordshire for Heritage Open Days
Many of our heritage attractions are taking part in Heritage Open Days this year, including Brampton Museum, Gladstone Pottery Museum, Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, and Moseley Old Hall.
For more information, and full listings of things to do across the country, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk.
And our History & Heritage page is a great place to start if you'd like to delve into Staffordshire's past and visit our stately homes, museums, cathedrals and castles at any time of year.
