Talks, trails, caves and cinemas - England's largest festival of history and culture returns for ten days this month in our area and it is all free. Here are seven things to look out for: 

1.  Pink Bunting 

Heritage Open Days runs from September 11 to 20, with free entry at every participating venue. 

It's organised nationally by the National Trust, supported by players of the People's Postcode Lottery, and delivered locally by thousands of volunteers and community groups. 

Civic Societies play a major role locally. Look out for the pink bunting marking each participating site, with dozens of venues taking part across Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham.

2. The Odeon turns 90

Harrogate's Art Deco cinema marks its 90th birthday with a rare opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and visit the projection rooms. It's one of the town's most recognisable buildings. The anniversary tours are expected to be among the most popular events of the festival in our area, alongside an exhibition on the cinema's history. 

3. Pateley Playhouse tours

If you are a lover of all things theatrical then the tiny, charming Patelely Playhouse tour is a must. It is a gem - hidden behind the main street.  It is the home of Pateley Bridge Dramatic Society, which puts on productions three or four times a year. This author has been to many of them. It is always a joy. Unquestionably worth a trip to Pateley to see. 

4. Go underground at How Stean Gorge

If cinematic and theatrical history isn't your thing and you are feeling braver, the caves and tunnels at How Stean Gorge in Nidderdale may be for you. It's a chance to explore a side of the gorge many visitors never see, with bats, trout and other wildlife to look out for along the way. It's an option if you're after something with a bit more adventure than the district's talks and church visits.

5. A trail for every taste

Walking tours are a big part of the programme this year. Choices include the Harrogate Heritage Plaques Trail, the Valley Gardens Walk, the New Park Heritage Walk, the Harlow Hill Cemetery Walk and the Pannal Heritage Walk, plus the Commonwealth War Graves Tour at Stonefall Cemetery and the Ripley Village Historic Walkabout. 

For something a little different, Washburn Heritage Centre is running 'Fewston Can’t Bury Its Dead' tours of Fewston Cemetery,  proof the festival isn't afraid of a macabre local story alongside the more conventional history.

6. Towers and Talks

In Ripon, St Wilfrid's Catholic Church and the Medieval Chapel of St Mary Magdalen both open to visitors, and Ripon Town Hall will also be offering a rare glimpse behind the seat of local democracy. 

Spofforth's All Saints' Church lets visitors climb its 15th-century tower to see a 200-year-old clock, and view the grave of Blind Jack of Knaresborough. 

In South Stainley, St Wilfrid's Church is hosting a week-long flower festival, and in Ripley  Sir Thomas Ingilby will be giving a talk in All Saints' Church on his swashbuckling ancestor, Rear Admiral Sir Robert Barrie.

7. Free doesn't mean turn up unannounced

Most sites are walk-in, but some of the more popular guided walks and tours need booking ahead. The whole point of the festival is opening up places you wouldn't normally get access to but numbers can be limited due to the nature of the event. Best check before you head out to a venue without a booking.

Want to know more? Head to the Heritage Open Days website  heritageopendays.org.uk