Do you want to take a boating trip on the Thames? You might also like to explore hidden tunnels beneath Leeds.

The Heritage Open Days festival will host cultural events at thousands of venues and historic sites across the country from September 9-18.

From September 9 to 18, thousands of historic sites and venues across the country will be hosting cultural events — Cultural events will be held at thousands of historical sites and venues throughout the country, starting September 9 through 18.Credit: Getty

And best of all, they’re completely FREE.

Sophie Swietochowski selects eight of the most outstanding.

Buckinghamshire: Lace crafting

Learn about the history of lacemaking and even try your hand at the craft yourself — Learn more about the history of lacing and try it out yourself.Credit: Rex

Perched on top of a grassy hill, the medieval St Mary’s church in the village of Edlesborough is the perfect picnic spot, with endless views of rolling countryside.

Buckinghamshire was once the home of lacemaking. You can find out more about the history of the industry here and you can even learn how to make your own.

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You can watch live lacemaking on September 10,

Wild walks in Wiltshire

Wild walks around the farmhouse at the Richard Jefferies Museum will teach tots about the wildlife, flora and fauna on their doorsteps — Children will learn all about wildlife and flora by taking wild walks around the Richard Jefferies Museum’s farmhouseCredit: Getty

Nature-lovers should visit the Richard Jefferies Museum, Swindon. It has its own orchards and vegetable gardens.

Activities sheets and wild walks through the farmhouse will teach children about the wildlife, flora, and fauna that live near them.

The best day to visit is September 11 – as part of a Lazy Summer Sundays series you will be able to tuck into cream teas in the tranquil gardens while listening to live music.

Devon, make your own kaleidoscope

Join a workshop to make your own kaleidoscopes and paper-butterfly garlands — Make your own paper-butterfly garlands or kaleidoscopes by joining a workshopCredit: Getty

The Devon and Exeter Institution celebrates British history and visitors can physically relive it in this library next month.

Participate in a workshop and make your own kaleidoscopes or paper-butterfly garlands. Or just look at the endless array of books and two new pieces by Ingrid Pollard (Nominee for Turner Prize).

Pre-booking is required for some crafting sessions. Spaces are limited.

Check the calendar for dates and times at devonandexeterinstitution.org.

Flying cars in West Yorkshire

You’ll be able to see six of Rowland Emett's wacky inventions on display at the Merrion Centre in Leeds, including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang — You’ll be able to see six of Rowland Emett’s wacky inventions on display at the Merrion Centre in Leeds, including Chitty Chitty Bang BangCredit to Alamy

Remember Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?

The flying car from the 1968 film was created by artist Rowland Emett – and you’ll be able to see six of his wacky inventions on display at the Merrion Centre in Leeds.

Among other creations, the new exhibit features The Humbug Major Sweet Machine as well as The Hot Air Rocking Chair.

Then go downstairs for dinner and drinks – the Merrion Centre has popular chains, from Pizza Express to KFC, plus evening entertainment such as bowling lanes.

Take part in an archaeological dig in London

The grounds of Cranford House will be holding a special archaeological dig for Heritage Open Days — Cranford House’s grounds will be hosting a Heritage Open Days special archaeological digCredit: Shutterstock

Cranford Park, Hillingdon, West London, is the perfect place to be if you ever fantasized about being an archaeologist and uncovering hidden treasures in the style of Indiana Jones.

Cranford House will hold a Heritage Open Days special archaeological dig to discover historical facts about its kitchen gardens.

When you are fed up with digging, join a guided canal walk past London’s old mills and factories.

Boat trips on the Thames in Kent

Setting sail on a traditional barge is certainly the best way to take a boat ride down the River Thames — A traditional barge sails down the River Thames, making it the most scenic way to go.Credit to Alamy

You can take a boat ride down River Thames if you’ve never done it before. A traditional barge will be the best option.

Festival of Chatham Reach will be held on September 17, and promises plenty of maritime fun, including live sea shanties and tours of historic vessels.

Once you are done strolling the market and enjoying the homemade grub and local titbits it offers, go to one of the art workshops, or see a demonstration of river skills.

West Midlands: Pimm’s, hymns and parachutes

At St Laurence Church in Birmingham, you can end the day with Pimm’s and hymnsCredit: Getty

St Laurence Church, Birmingham offers plenty of entertainment for the whole family, including barbecue grub, homemade cakes, and beer.

A parachute-building lesson is available for youngster. They will have to safely deliver a teddy bear from the tower’s top.

For those who are serious about wellness, sound baths and yoga are available. Younger children can also join storytelling sessions or watch morris dancers.

At 4pm you can end the day with Pimm’s and hymns.

Explore underground tunnels on Merseyside

The maze of tunnels built by merchant Joseph Williamson are now open to the public. — The public is now able to see the maze of tunnels that merchant Joseph Williamson built.Credit to Alamy

In the early 1800s, merchant Joseph Williamson built a maze of tunnels beneath his home in Liverpool – and now they are open to the public.

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Venture below street level on an hour-long tour where you will also get a peek at the Georgian businessman’s banqueting hall and wine bins.

History buffs will uncover the secrets behind Williamson’s fortune, and can marvel at the sandstone architecture.

These are the best day events in the UK for next month, and they’re all free