SAMPLE real ales or go behind the scenes at a police station as part of a guided tour through Lancashire's history from September 8 to 11.

Some of the region’s finest buildings are taking part in a national celebration of architecture, history and culture.

Dozens of venues will be throwing open their doors to visitors for the Heritage Opens Days events in the county.

Events include the chance to discover the history of Blackburn's oldest orphanage at Child Action Northwest in Wilpshire, a tour of Moorhouses Brewery in Burnley and a guided tour through Whalley Abbey.

Gawthorpe Hall, Queen Street Mill Textile Museum in Burnley and the Bancroft Mill Engine Trust in Barnoldswick are among the many opening for free on at least one of the days during the four-day spree.

Heritage Open Days focus on architectural and cultural gems offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public.

Thursday, September 8

BURNLEY: Moorhouses brewery, 7.30.
BURNLEY: Worsthorne walk, 10.30.
BURNLEY: Padiham town trail, 6.
BURNLEY: Towneley Hall exhibition, 12-5.
RIBBLE VALLEY: Clitheroe Castle Museum exhibition, 11-5.
RIBBLE VALLEY: Samlesbury Hall, 11-4.

Friday, September 9

BURNLEY: Turf Moor tours 2, 4.
BURNLEY: Queen Street Mill Textile Museum and historic vehicle cavalcade, 12-5.
BURNLEY: Weavers' Triangle Visitor Centre, 2-5.
CHORLEY: Subscription Bowling Club 1850, 10.30-3.
CHORLEY: St George's Church, 10-4 (organ recital 2).
RIBBLE VALLEY: Clitheroe Castle Museum exhibition, 11-5.

Saturday, September 10

BURNLEY: Queen Street Mill Textile Museum and historic vehicle cavalcade, 12-5.
BURNLEY: Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham, 1-5.
BURNLEY: Oak Mount Engine House, 2-4.
BURNLEY: Parish Church of St John the Divine, 10.30-3.30, tour 11.
BURNLEY: St Catherine's Church, 10-4.
BURNLEY: St Mary's Church, 2-5.
BURNLEY: St Peter's Church, 12.30-4.15.
BURNLEY: Weavers' Triangle Visitor Centre, 2-5.
CHORLEY: Subscription Bowling Club 1850, 10.30-3.
CHORLEY: Rivington Unitarian & Free Christian Chapel, 11-3.
CHORLEY: St George's Church, 10-4.
PENDLE: Bancroft Mill Engine Trust, Barnoldswick, 11-3.30.
RIBBLE VALLEY: Clitheroe Castle Museum exhibition, 11-5.

Sunday, September 11

BURNLEY: Queen Street Mill Textile Museum and historic vehicle cavalcade, Burnley, 12-5.
BURNLEY: Oak Mount Engine House, 2-4.
BURNLEY: Weavers' Triangle Visitor Centre, 2-5.
BURNLEY: Weavers' Triangle guided walk, 2.15-3.15.
BURNLEY: Police station, tours 12, 1.30, 3.
BURNLEY: Fire station, tours 10, 11, 2.
BURNLEY: Towneley Heritage and Woodland Festival, 12-4.
BURNLEY: Towneley heritage walks, 1, 2, 3.
PENDLE: Bancroft Mill Engine Trust, Barnoldswick, 1-4.30.
RIBBLE VALLEY: Clitheroe Castle Museum exhibition, 11-5.
RIBBLE VALLEY: Whalley Abbey, 10-5.
RIBBLE VALLEY: Child Action Northwest, Wilpshire, 11-3.
RIBBLE VALLEY: Samlesbury Hall, 11-4, tours 11.30 and 2.
ROSSENDALE: Ramsbottom Heritage Gallery exhibition, 1-3.30.
ROSSENDALE: Peel Tower, Ramsbottom, 10-4.

For full details of all events across the country and more details on the events above, visit the website below.