AN historic Blackpool theatre invites visitors backstage as the North West's hidden attractions are revealed.

Blackpool Grand Theatre is among dozens of fascinating, curious and usually hidden attractions which will be opening their doors for free access during the weekend of September 13-16 , as part of Heritage Open Days, England's biggest and most popular voluntary cultural event.

Some of the country's best loved theatre actors, including Lily Langtry, Sir John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson and Thora Hird, have trod the boards - and used the dressing rooms - at the Grand since it opened in 1894.

The historic theatre, which is Grade II listed, was chosen for the regional launch of Heritage Open Days in the North West . It will be open to the public for tours between 1100-1600 on Saturday September 14 (tel 01253 290190 for tour times).

More than 2,200 properties are taking part in Heritage Open Days this year, including factories, football clubs, temples, private homes, castles, gaols, windmills and tunnels. The event is co-ordinated by the Civic Trust and funded by English Heritage and last year attracted over 800,000 people to sites across England.

Among attractions and activities in the North West taking part are the following:

Romans in Lancaster guided walk visiting the remains of the Roman bath house and other sites relevant to this significant period of Lancaster's history. Meet outside the John o' Gaunt gateway of Lancaster Castle. Further information from Lancaster TIC on 01524 32878. Monday Sept 16, 1100.

Viking heritage day at the chapel of St Patrick, Heysham. The ancient ruined chapel of St Patrick provides a dramatic backdrop for costumed storyteller and musician, Thor Ewing's Viking tales; meanwhile in nearby Rectory Gardens, there are performances of 'Viking Invaders', a light-hearted epic drama! Further information from Morecambe TIC on 01524 582808. Heysham village, near Morecambe. Saturday Sept 14, various times.

Manchester Velodrome, a Commonwealth Games 2002 venue. Manchester Velodrome, The National Cycling Centre, Stuart Street. The only Olympic size cycling track in Britain. Commonwealth Games venue and host to World Championships in 1996 and 2000. Tours at 1300 and 1500. Friday Sept 13, 1300- 1600. Pre-book on 0161 223 2244 (Max 12 people per tour). Booking required.

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, York Street. Talk on history of school, founded in 1554, followed by tours conducted by sixth form students. Saturday Sept 14, 1000- 1200.

Lytham magistrates court. Police Station, Bannister Street, Lytham. Edwardian magistrates' court, retiring room and cells. Original fittings, stained glass, dock and bench. Explanations by former magistrates, exhibition on history of the court. Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon Sept 13-16, 1100-1600. Parties may pre-book on 01253 733563.

County Sessions House, William Brown Street, Liverpool. Tours of the County Sessions House, a listed building, including the old court rooms with original fittings and the cells of the basement. Sat and Sun, Sept 13-14, 1100, 1230 & 1400. Pre-book on 0151 4784178/73 (max 15 people per tour). Booking required.

Leasowe Lighthouse, Leasowe Common, Wirral. Oldest brick built lighthouse in Britain, built in 1763. Part of North Wirral Coastal Park. Last trip to top of lighthouse at 1530. Sat, Sun Sept 13-14, 1000-1600. Physically disabled access on ground floor only.

Blue Coat School, Northgate Street, Chester. Opened in 1717, a

Grade II* building, occupied by Chester College history department. It includes the former chapel, school room, headmaster's office and dormitories. Tours every 45 min starting 1000. Upper Northgate Street - Chester city centre. Saturday Sept 14, 1000-1600.

Chester police HQ, Nun's Road. Constabulary HQ built in 1967, featuring textured concrete gable wall by William Mitchell. Won CTA 1969. Timed tours at 1000 & 1200 & 1400 will include visit to control room. Max 20 people per tour. Sat, Sun Sept 13-14, 1000-1400. Timed tours only. Pre-book on 01244 402110, please advise when booking of any special needs. Booking required.

Full details of Heritage Open Days, including a full list or participating properties, are available from the website www.heritageopendays.org HERE

Dr Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said: "The past belongs to everybody. Heritage Open Days have become an important part of the heritage calendar, allowing everyone, wherever they live and whatever their background, to enjoy, understand and feel a part of the country's rich and diverse cultural heritage."

Martin Bacon, Chief Executive of the Civic Trust, said: "Heritage Open Days gives members of the public a rare chance to see some of the best or most unusual properties England has to offer. Many are not usually open to the public. There are some really exciting attractions open this year and we urge people to discover the heritage and culture that is right on their doorstep".

As well as free entry to attractions not usually open to the public or to those that usually charge a fee, Heritage Open Days include local guided tours, towns walks, plays and historical re-enactmements, art festivals and children's activities.

English Heritage properties in the North West taking part are:

Beeston Castle, nr Tarporley, Cheshire. Enjoy a free visit to this majestic fortress that boasts stunning views and the fascinating exhibition, 'Castle of the Rock'. Free children's activity sheet. 11 m SE of Chester on a minor road off A49. Saturday Sept 14, 1000-1800.

Carlisle Castle. Visit for free this formidable medieval border castle where Mary, Queen of Scots, was once imprisoned, and take a guided tour. Featuring a new temporary exhibition of Roman finds from recent excavation. Saturday September 14, 1000-1800. Guided tours at 1130 and 1330. Pre-booking essential on 01228 591922. Max 25 people per tour.

Lanercost Priory, Cumbria. Enjoy a free visit to this popular property, an impressive 12th century Augustinian priory. The church, the remains and Darce Hall will be fully explained by Henry Owen-John (English Heritage) and John Lee (Lanercost PCC). Off minor road S of Lanercost, 2 m NE of Brampton. Saturday Sept 14, 1000-1800. Guided tours at 1100 and 1400.

Brougham Castle, Cumbria. Explore for free the remains of this

medieval castle, a vital military stronghold, later restored and developed by Lady Anne Clifford in 17th century. Martin Allfrey from the Collections Team will be on site from 1000-1600 to explain the archaeological collections to children. 1.5 m SE of Penrith, off A66. Sunday Sept 15, 1000-1800.

Piel Castle, Piel Island, near Barrow. David Sherlock, English Heritage Inspector of Ancient Monuments, will lead a guided tour of the ruins of this 14th century castle with its massive keep, inner and outer baileys, and curtain walls and towers. 3m SE of Barrow-in-Furness. Sunday Sept 15, 1000-1800. Fare for ferry crossing to Piel Castle will be £3.00 adults, £1.50 children.

Stott Park Bobbin Mill, Cumbria. Enjoy a free visit and join a tour of this magnificent working mill - discover its vital links to the Industrial Revolution in Lancashire. 1.5 m N of Newby Bridge, off A590. Monday Sept 16, 1000-1800. Max 12 people per tour. Please note that last tour of the mill starts at 1700.

Heritage Open Days is part of the Europe-wide initiative European Heritage Days, which takes place across 47 countries.

Doors Open Days in Scotland runs every weekend in September. Please see www.doorsopendays.org.uk HERE

European Heritage Days Wales runs September. 14/15 and 21/22 and 28/29 Please see www.heritagedays.net HERE

European Heritage Days Northern Ireland runs September 7-8. Please see www.heritagedays.net HERE

London Open House runs September 21-22 . Please see www.londonopenhouse.org HERE

For full details on location, access and dates and times of events at English Heritage properties taking part in Heritage Open Days please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/hods HERE or contact English Heritage customer services on 0870 333 1181.