A WARM welcome awaits visitors to a huge range of museums and historic buildings around Fenland this weekend, as the district celebrates its annual Heritage Weekend from Thursday September 6 to Sunday September 9.

There’s a rare chance to take a look around buildings that are normally closed to the public, and residents interested in their family trees can take the chance to undertake some family research.

A number of guided walks are also available, along with tours of buildings, photographic displays and a range of family and children’s activities.

Wisbech

Council chamber: Built in 1811 as an Exchange Hall, the building was originally a gentleman’s club billiard room and newspaper room. It houses many works of art, artefacts, and official documents. Opens Thursday and Friday, 9am to 3pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm.

Vivien Fire Engine Trust: Vivien the vintage fire engine proudly served Wisbech from 1932-1963 and will be parked outside the council chamber on Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm

Peckover House: National Trust property with two acres of garden. Free entry Saturday, normal admission fees on Sunday.

Wisbech Grammar School: One of the oldest schools in the country, founded in 1397. Open on Sunday 12 noon to 4pm.

Wisbech Castle: Not only a museum, but home to two historic libraries and an archive. Open Saturday, 10am to 4pm.

Fenland Family History Society: Experienced researchers offer help and advice at Wisbech Library. Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am to 4pm, workshop Saturday, 10.30am to 2.30pm..

Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House: Free entry on Saturday, normal entry fees on Sunday. Octavia View also hosts an art exhibition, open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm

Rose and Crown Hotel: The oldest surviving hotel in town, started life back in the 15th century. Open Thurday ,Friday, Saturday and Sunday, conducted tour each day at 11am.

Wisbech Courthouse: Take the chance to view the court, which was closed last year. Open Saturday 10am to 4pm.

Fenland & West Norfolk Aviation Museum: All aviation archaeology exhibits are housed in purpose-built premises at Bambers Garden and Leisure. Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Wisbech Cemetery: Friends of Wisbech Cemetery on hand to help with family research, Sunday 10am-4pm, guided walk at 2pm.

March

Trinity Church: Displays of 1980s development work. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am to 2.30pm, and Sunday for worship. Tours Friday and Saturday 10am.

March Railway Station: A number of railway related displays on show. Open Saturday.

March Museum: Open both Saturday and Sunday. Children’s drawing competition for a picture of a building or monument, entries close 2.30pm Sunday.

Guided Walks: A look at West End on Saturday from 10am-2pm, meet at the back of Barclay’s Bank. Also, Old London Road, Sunday 2pm, meet at March Museum.

March Society: The Society will exhibit photographs at March Library, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Ship Inn: Display of the 17th century pub’s history, normal opening hours.

March Waste Transfer Station: Tours offered Friday. No young children, stout shoes necessary. Book online www.themarchsociety.org.uk

Churches: Tours of St Wendreda’s Church Thursday and Friday, 11am and 2pm. Tours of St Peter’s Church Thursday and Friday by appointment and hourly on Saturday from 11am-3pm, church open each day 9am to 5pm

Chatteris

Bygones: Slideshow organised by Chatteris Community Archive, Friday 2.30pm at the library.

A Stroll around Hive End: A leaflet led trail; pick up leaflet from Chatteris museum or the library. Museum open 2pm to 4.30pm Thurday, and 10am to 1pm on Saturday. Library open 10am to 5pm on Friday, and 10am to 1pm on Saturday.

Red Telephone Box: The Gilbert Scott designed box in Wood Street will contain photos from Chatteris Community Archive.

Other events

Whittlesey Festival: A family day out, including a classic car show, dancing and entertainers. Sunday, 10am-4pm.

Merchants’ Trail, Wisbech: Take in the beauty of the Brinks and Georgian properties. For details, see www.strideguides.com/Wisbech

Bandstand Marathon on Sunday September 9: March Brass 2000 will perform in West End Park, March, from 2-4pm; Chatteris Town Band will play in Market Hill from 2-4pm; Wisbech bandstand will host the Wississippi Jazzmen from 2.30-4.30pm.