Heritage Open Days are taking place from Friday, September 9, to Sunday, September 12, offering free access to properties normally closed to the public.

Among the buildings which will be opening its doors will be Old Bowlish House, in Shepton Mallet, which will be open on all three days for guided tours.

A clothiers house built in about 1620 and refronted in about 1735.

Many original Georgian and Jacobean features can be seen and there is a ruined mill and house in the garden.

Tours will take place at 11am and 1.30pm with an additional tour at 4pm on the Saturday and Sunday.

Pilton Tithe Barn will be opening on the Sunday, from 11am to 4pm.

The 14th century barn has been repaired with green oak roof using traditional carpentry techniques.

Lytes Cary Manor, owned by the National Trust, is offering free entry as part of the scheme on the Saturday, from 11am to 5pm.

Visitors will be able to view the intimate manor house, chapel, walled gardens and estate.

The City of Wells Almshouses are opening on the Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 4pm each day.

The five almshouses are located on two sites within easy walking distance of each other, and both sites will be open.

A self-guided walking tour takes visitors around the two sites and includes a visit to the almshouse chapel and the Bubwith Guild-room.

Further details can be obtained from the Almshouse Manager, Mrs Anne Coombs on 01749 675813.

Wells Cathedral is holding a family activities and children's festival on the theme of "Ten" on the Saturday, with morning workshops from 10.30am to noon, a family service from 12.15pm to 12.45pm and afternoon workshops from 2pm to 3.30pm.

There will be 10 different activity stations offering all sorts of entertainment.

There is no booking or charge – a registration desk at the entry will take details of participants and give out maps.

The Old Deanery, in Wells, is opening from 10am to 4pm on the Saturday.

It is a medieval Grade I listed building and the site of an 800-year-old garden, revived in memory of Dean William Turner from the 16th century, the "father of English botany".

It has an outstanding view of the West Front of Wells Cathedral, and contains plants mentioned by Turner in his writings.

Guided tours – only day of the year this historic building is open to the public.

Vicars Hall and Treasury is opening to the public from noon to 6pm on the Friday.

Unchanged since mid 14th century , the choirmen dined as a body in this hall.

Also see the Vicars' muniment room and treasury, a place forgotten by time.

Wells Town Hall archives will be opened to the public on the Saturday, from 10am to 4pm.

There will be tours of the town hall and a display of the archives.