A HOST of the most historic buildings across the Bradford district will open their doors to the public to mark this weekend's English Heritage open days.

Around 20 sites will be available to visit free of charge, including various town halls, churches, and museums, with many holding events such as guided walks and exhibitions.

Established in 1994, more than 5,000 buildings across England will be open over the weekend, with the number increasing each year.

In Bradford city centre, City Hall will be open tomorrow for the final 'Sneak a Peek' tour of the year, which Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, executive member for culture, said have been "really popular" over the summer.

"It's another opportunity to see a fabulous building that belongs to us all, so I'm sure we'll get a good number of visitors on Saturday.

"We have a rich heritage in Bradford and our buildings reflect that proud history.

"We can walk past some buildings every day but never venture inside or know the stories behind them, and this weekend is an opportunity for people to spend some time visiting those places."

A number of churches will be open with special exhibitions, including the Lower Wyke Moravian Church, built in 1753, which will display church registers, photos, and other memorabilia to chart the history of the site.

Peter Walker, a volunteer at the church, said: "We have been involved in the open days for the last seven or eight years, and always get a very good response," he said.

"Some people come to look at the registers to delve into their family history, while others are interested in the church and the architecture of the building."

In Bradford, the new police museum, set up on the site of the old police station in City Hall, will be open, St Cuthbert's Church in Heaton will host a photo exhibition, and a guided walk around Manningham will take place on Sunday.

In Bingley, guests can enjoy a backstage tour of the Arts Centre, involving parts of the theatre not usually seen by the public.

In the Keighley area, East Riddlesden Hall will hold free guided tours, and the Keighley Shared Church will be open to display registers and memorabilia.

Visitors to Ilkley can see its 1908 library at the Town Hall, view Quakerism past and present at the Farfield Friends Meeting House in Addingham, and explore the paupers' graveyard at Menston's High Royds Memorial Chapel and Garden.

A variety of sites in the Otley area will be open over the weekend, including the town's museum and courthouse, All Saint's Parish Church, and the Chevin Forest Park.

In Pudsey, the town hall will open its doors and Fulneck Moravian church will host a display of letters, medals and trench art related to the First World War.

In Gomersal, guests can explore the Moravian Church and Red House museum, and visitors to Brighouse can embark on a guided walk of buildings linked to the town's industrial past.

For full details of events, including those across the Bradford district, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk.