DENBIGH'S Open Doors event is back to share its heritage and historical secrets this month.

Denbigh is home to the highest number of listed buildings within a Welsh town, so if you’re keen to see the outside of a mid 16th century town house (Bryn y Parc); a Gothic style 19th century terrace of cottages (Castle Hill) or visit one of the many stunning churches dotted in and around the locality, then make sure you book your slot early.

Kicking off the weekend of events (September 10-12) will be an online session hosted by expert Will Davies from Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service.

Will will share his knowledge and ideas with participants around the recent discoveries found at Denbigh Castle and Town Walls. The on-line event has been organised thank to support from Cwmulus and pre-registration is essential through www.cwmulus.org

Chris Evans, Denbigh Open Doors group chair of volunteers said: “Denbigh’s Open Doors is a great opportunity to learn more about the rich history of your local town or for visitors from further afield to catch a glimpse into the medieval past at Denbigh’s stunning Castle.

“Denbigh Town’s 4.7 hectare of walls, the town’s library, Burgess Gate, the Friary and Dr Evan Pierce Memorial Gardens are some of the delights within the town that are well worth a visit during the weekend. With tours and guides in and around Denbigh also available, there is something to suit everyone’s taste.

“We are very excited to be opening the gates and doors to some of Denbigh’s heritage locations after last year’s break, due to the pandemic. Even though this will be a slightly slimmed down event, with more focus on outdoor sites and tours there is anticipation to see people enjoy the many different locations and learn more about our very special town. We would encourage booking places early to avoid disappointment.”

For the younger generation, Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych has arranged an on-line Minecraft session, in Welsh, on Friday September 10 and a bilingual Lego workshop to build the old shire hall, now the town’s Library, in Lego at the building itself on Saturday afternoon, 11 of September. Both of these activities will need to be pre-booked.

Those keen to see some historical features at religious buildings, five churches’ doors will be open during the event at Llanynys (Sant Saeran), Llangynhafal (Sant Cynhafal), Llanychan (Sant Hychan) and two in Denbigh, St.Marcella’s (Eglwys Wen) and the ruins at Leicester’s Church.

Gwaenynog Garden on Pentrefoelas Road out of Denbigh, where Beatrix Potter was inspired to write and illustrate her famous children’s books will also be open, as will the nearby Bodfari Woodland Skills Centre where visitors can see the techniques used to build traditional timber framed buildings.

If you want to see a 16th century stone gentry house, you can book a slot to visit Dolbelydr, near Trefnant. The birthplace of our modern Welsh language, Henry Salesbury wrote his Grammatica Britannica, a Welsh grammar, in 1593 at this house. A Grade II* listed building, now in the care of the Landmark Trust, it is usually available as a holiday accommodation. Reservations essential through https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/news-and-events/upcoming-events/dolbelydr-open-day-21/

“Our very own former county archaeologist, Fiona Gale will be on hand to offer some guided tours during the weekend. A font of local knowledge, you will need to be quick to book these extremely popular guided tours,” concludes Chris Evans.

Booking is essential for all tours and activities through Denbigh Library on 01745 816313, and special measures due to Covid-19 guidance will be in place at all locations.

Detailed information, including times and location addresses, are available from www.visitdenbigh.co.uk, Facebook: @opendoorsdenbighshire or Twitter: @OpenDoors_D or call in to Denbigh Library.