Norfolk Heritage Open Days is back from September 8 to 17, with more than 300 free events celebrating the county's incredible history and culture. 

Visitors will get the chance to go behind the scenes at some of our most-loved buildings and the 2023 theme is 'Creativity Unwrapped', showcasing the amazing artistic imagination in Norfolk.

READ MORE: 7 of the friendliest places to live in Norfolk according to YOU

Eastern Daily Press: Anna Sewell House in Great Yarmouth Picture: Redwings Horse SanctuaryAnna Sewell House in Great Yarmouth Picture: Redwings Horse Sanctuary (Image: Redwings Horse Sanctuary)

1. Anna Sewell House

Where: Anna Sewell House, 26 Church Plain, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1NE

When: September 8, 13 and 15, 10am-2pm, drop-in

Explore the birthplace of Black Beauty author Anna Sewell and discover more about one of the most-read books of all time, with original hand-painted illustrations and early editions.

Eastern Daily Press: Dereham's Fiery Dragon Picture: MNR ArchiveDereham's Fiery Dragon Picture: MNR Archive (Image: NMR Archive)

2. Dereham’s Fiery Dragon - and other Railway Relics

Where: Dereham Station, Mid-Norfolk Railway, Station Road, Dereham, NR19 1DF

When: September 16, 9.30am-4pm, drop-in

Watch the 'fiery dragon' as it arrives and departs on scheduled passenger services and get a closer look at the locomotive from the station platform. Expect talks, tours, steam train action and children's crafts. 

Eastern Daily Press: The Crown in Great Ellingham Picture: Denise BradleyThe Crown in Great Ellingham Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant)

3. Great Ellingham One-Place Study presents Tales, Myths, Misdemeanours and More!

Where: The Crown, Great Ellingham, NR17 1LE

When: September 9 and 10, 11am-4pm, drop-in

A unique exhibition of stories about some of the inhabitants of the village of Great Ellingham during the 19th century with wonderful illustrations.

Eastern Daily Press: St Mary's Church, South WalshamSt Mary's Church, South Walsham

4. Harvest Flower Festival in St Mary’s Church

Where: The Street, South Walsham, NR13 6DQ

When: September 16 and 17, 10am-6pm, drop-in 

Beautiful, interesting and unusual arrangements and displays depicting harvest in flowers and other forms in St Mary's Church.

READ MORE: 10-acre pick-your-own sunflower field finally opens at Norfolk farm

Eastern Daily Press: Go behind the scenes at the Maddermarket Picture: Luke WitcombGo behind the scenes at the Maddermarket Picture: Luke Witcomb (Image: Luke Witcomb)

5. Maddermarket Theatre Tours

Where: Saint John's Alley, Norwich, NR2 1DR

When: September 9, 10 and 16, 10am-4pm, drop-in

From a medieval market to an 18th-century chapel, to an Elizabethan-style playhouse, you will learn more about the theatre with an access-all-areas tour.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk St John Ambulance MuseumNorfolk St John Ambulance Museum (Image: Supplied by HODS)

6. Norfolk St John Ambulance Museum

Where: St John Ambulance Museum, Preference Place, Bacton Road, North Walsham, NR28 9DR

When: September 9 and 10, 11am-4pm, drop-in

Family activities, first aid demonstrations and the story of more than a century of lifesaving work in Norfolk.

Eastern Daily Press: The Forum in NorwichThe Forum in Norwich (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

7. Norwich 100: Caring for the Past and the Future

Where: The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich, NR2 1TF

When: September 8-17, drop-in

A photographic exhibition that celebrates 100 years of The Norwich Society.

READ MORE: The celebrities announced for Norfolk and Suffolk pantomimes

Eastern Daily Press: Pavilion Theatre in Gorleston Pavilion Theatre in Gorleston (Image: EDP pics © 2006)

8. Pavilion Theatre - Guided Backstage Tours

Where: Pavilion Theatre, Gorleston, NR31 6PP 

When: Various dates and times, pre-booking required

Guided backstage tours of the original Edwardian theatre, showing you parts of the building not normally accessible to the public.

Eastern Daily Press: Debbie Thompson, theatre director of St George's TheatreDebbie Thompson, theatre director of St George's Theatre (Image: Archant © 2017)

9. St George's Theatre Open Day

Where: King Street, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2PG

When: September 9, 10am-4pm, drop-in

Visit St George's Theatre in Great Yarmouth, which is a beautiful Grade 1 listed building. The former chapel built in 1715 has been transformed into a working community theatre.

Eastern Daily Press: St Benet's Abbey in Ludham Picture: Glen GrimwoodSt Benet's Abbey in Ludham Picture: Glen Grimwood (Image: Glen Grimwood)

10. St Benet’s Abbey – Fish and Chippings

Where: Ludham, NR29 5NU

When: September 8, 13 and 16, 2pm, drop-in

Join a guided tour that demonstrates the creativity of the stone workers at the Abbey Gateway and explores the importance of fishponds in medieval monasteries.

Eastern Daily Press: Wymondham Vintage Day Picture: Anna MeekWymondham Vintage Day Picture: Anna Meek (Image: Anna Meek)

11. Wymondham Vintage Day

Where: Wymondham town centre, NR18 0AG

Where: September 17, 11am-4pm, drop-in

Learn about the history of Wymondham, browse classic cars and market stalls, discover heritage land management techniques and enjoy a picnic along the River Tiffey.

See the full programme and pre-book events at norfolkheritageopendays.co.uk

The Norfolk Heritage Open Days programme is coordinated and promoted by The Forum Trust with support from Broadland District Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, South Norfolk Council, North Norfolk District Council, Visit North Norfolk and many local organisations and individuals.

Eastern Daily Press: Chantry Place in Norwich sponsors our summer what's on content Chantry Place in Norwich sponsors our summer what's on content (Image: Chantry Place)

The summer what's on content in the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News is sponsored by Chantry Place in Norwich.