Bury St Edmunds and Felixstowe landmarks open for free as part of Heritage Open Days
During September some of Suffolk's most historic buildings, including one of the Martello Towers in Felixstowe, will be opening up for free, as part of the annual Heritage Open Days.
Each year members of the public are invited to get a unique look at Suffolk's famous landmarks - at the open days run by knowledgeable volunteers.
This year Heritage Open Days will be back between September 9th - September 18th - here are five places you might want to visit.
The Norman Tower, Bury St Edmunds
On Saturday, September 10, and Thursday, September 15, visitors will be able to enjoy a brief history of the Norman Tower, and hear about the art of bell-ringing.
Standing at one of the entrances to the Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds, the Norman Tower is one of the oldest Norman buildings in the UK and and one of the most complete Norman buildings in England.
The visits, which will be 45 minutes long, will feature a bell-ringing demonstration but will not include a trip to the top of the tower.
Anyone visiting the Norman Tower is asked to wear sensible, flat shoes because the building is accessed by three sets of steps, including a spiral staircase.
Booking is necessary for the Saturday open day and advised for the Thursday.
Visits can be booked by via Sarah Friswell by calling 01284 748730 or emailing: sarahfriswell@stedscathedral.org.
Ancient library, Bury St Edmunds
Hidden inside St Edmundsbury Cathedral is an ancient library, home to important manuscripts in the cathedral’s collection.
There are more than 550 books in the library, many of which were printed in the 16th and 17th centuries.
To see when you can visit the ancient library, and for more details of all the landmarks that will be open visit the Heritage Open Day website.
Pilgrims' herb garden, Bury St Edmunds
On Tuesday, September 13, between 11.30am - 12.15pm, members of the public will have the chance to explore the Pilgrims' herb garden in the grounds of the cathedral.
There will also be a special pilgrimage walk through Bury St Edmunds on Friday, September, 9, starting at St Saviour's (a former hospital), at the back of Tesco in Fornham Road.
Booking for both events must be done via Sarah Friswell (details above).
Martello Tower P, Felixstowe
Have you always wanted to see the view from the top of one of the famous Martello Towers in Felixstowe? Well here is your chance!
Martello Tower P is one of the best preserved Martello Towers on England's East Coast and will be open to members of the public for free on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11, between 10am - 4pm.
The National Coastwatch Institution, who have a lookout on top of the Martello Tower, say there is no need to book for the open days, which are sure to be very popular.
The Rotunda, Ickworth House
The impressive Rotunda at Ickworth House will be opening its doors between September 9 - September 18.
Head into the Rotunda to see Ickworth's array of treasures between 11am - 3pm each day, including Sundays.
Why not make a day of it and enjoy a walk around Ickworth park whilst you are there?
More details about visiting the Rotunda can be found on the Heritage Open Day website.
