Heritage Open Days are here! Take your opportunity to visit some of the Island’s most special heritage sites during the first two weekends in October, when members of the Isle of Man’s Heritage Attractions Network will open doors to a variety of unique Manx attractions. Manx National Heritage, the Manx Aviation and Military Museum, Jurby Transport Museum, Isle of Man Railways, Milntown House and the Manx Bat Group are pleased to come together to offer Manx Heritage Open Days across the first two weekends in October. This special series of open days includes the opportunity to learn about the Manx Regiment at the Manx Aviation and Military Museum, enjoy guided tours of fascinating sites including Kerroogarroo Fort in the North of the Island, enjoy a Bat Walk at the Laxey Wheel and see recently restored open carriages on the Isle of Man Steam Railway. Suzanne Williams, Coordinator of Heritage Open Days said: “The event list for the two weekends is fantastic and encompasses so many aspects of Manx Heritage. I hope the public will get involved and see something new!” Heritage Open Days celebrate culture, natural and industrial history by providing access to properties that are not usually accessible, interpreted, or normally charge admission. The event sees Isle of Man heritage organisations working together to give residents a chance to explore the amazing attractions the Island has to offer for free or a reduced charge. It is a chance to enjoy a wide range of guided tours, events and heritage activities, including some the public may not have realised were there. Heritage Open Days leaflets are available at all Manx National Heritage sites and available online at www.storyofmann.com. Manx Heritage Open Days take place on 30th September to 2nd October and 7th October to 9th October 2011. Some talks and guided tours require pre-booking as places are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment. PROGRAMME OF EVENTS: Friday 30th September • Jurby Transport Museum - display of historic Manx transport photographs and local scenes. 10am to 4pm. FREE. • Manx Aviation and Military Museum - guided tours 11am, 2pm and 4pm. FREE Saturday 1st October • Isle of Man Railways - Derby Castle workshop open for FREE tours. Tours start at 10am, 11am, Midday, 1pm and 2pm. Please wait at Derby Castle ticket office for your guide. • Isle of Man Railways - Laxey sub-station open for FREE visits throughout the day. Directions available from Laxey Railway Station. • Isle of Man Railways - All Southbound trams will stop at Bulgham Head for views and photo opportunities. • Isle of Man Railways - Snaefell tram No.1 will be on display at Laxey station. • Isle of Man Railways - Snaefell Railway Timetable D in operation. • Jurby Transport Museum - display of historic Manx transport photographs and local scenes. 10am to 4pm. FREE. • Manx Aviation and Military Museum - guided tours 11am, 2pm and 4pm. FREE. • Milntown House - guided tour. Tickets ?6. Booking advisable on 01624 818091. Sunday 2nd October • Jurby Transport Museum - display of historic Manx transport photographs and local scenes. 10am to 4pm. FREE. • Isle of Man Railways - Derby Castle workshop open for FREE tours. Tours start at 10am, 11am, Midday, 1pm and 2pm. Please wait at Derby Castle ticket office for your guide. • Isle of Man Railways - Laxey sub-station open for FREE visits throughout the day. Directions available from Laxey Railway Station. • Isle of Man Railways - All Southbound trams will stop at Bulgham Head for views and photo opportunities. • Isle of Man Railways - Snaefell tram No.1 will be on display at Laxey station. • Isle of Man Railways - Snaefell Railway Timetable D in operation. • Manx Aviation and Military Museum - guided tours 11am, 2pm and 4pm. FREE. Friday 7th October • Manx National Heritage - Jurby Church and Stone Crosses talk and tour, 11am, 1pm and 3pm. FREE. Book at the Manx Museum Reception or call 01624 648000. • Jurby Transport Museum - display of historic Manx transport photographs and local scenes. 10am to 4pm. FREE. • Manx Aviation and Military Museum - guided tours 11am, 2pm and 4pm. FREE Saturday 8th October • Manx National Heritage - Bat Walk at the Laxey Wheel. Please wrap up warm and wear sensible shoes. 6pm. FREE. Book at the Manx Museum Reception or call 01624 648000. • Manx National Heritage - Crime and Punishment talk at Castle Rushen Courthouse. 11am, 1pm and 3pm. FREE. Book at the Manx Museum Reception or call 01624 648000. • Manx National Heritage - behind the scenes tour of the Large Objects Store. 11am, 1pm and 3pm. FREE. Book at the Manx Museum Reception or call 01624 648000. • Isle of Man Railways - Entrance to Port Erin Railway museum will be FREE, open 9am to 5pm. • Isle of Man Railways - Douglas Steam Railway workshop open for FREE tours. Tours start at 10am, 11am, Midday, 1pm and 2pm. Please wait at Douglas station ticket office for your guide. • Isle of Man Railways - Extra Rolling Lunch train with recently restored open coaches in operation (train fares apply); train departs Douglas station at 12:10pm, returns for 1:38pm (drinks and refreshments sold separately on the buffet cars) • Jurby Transport Museum - display of historic Manx transport photographs and local scenes. 10am to 4pm. FREE. • Manx Aviation and Military Museum - guided tours 11am, 2pm and 4pm. FREE Sunday 9th October • Manx National Heritage - guided Tours at Kerroogarroo Fort. Rough ground please wear sensible shoes. 11am, 1pm and 3pm. FREE. Book at the Manx Museum Reception or call 01624 648000. • Isle of Man Railways - Entrance to Port Erin Railway museum will be FREE, open 9am to 5pm. • Isle of Man Railways - Douglas Steam Railway workshop open for FREE tours. Tours start at 10am, 11am, Midday, 1pm and 2pm. Please wait at Douglas station ticket office for your guide. • Isle of Man Railways - Extra Rolling Lunch train with recently restored open coaches in operation (train fares apply); train departs Douglas station at 12:10pm, returns for 1:38pm (drinks and refreshments sold separately on the buffet cars) • Jurby Transport Museum - display of historic Manx transport photographs and local scenes. 10am to 4pm. FREE. • Manx Aviation and Military Museum - guided tours 11am, 2pm and 4pm. FREE Please note that limited availability is available on all pre-bookable tours - book early to avoid disappointment! Please car share where possible as many sites have limited parking. Sensible footwear and warm clothing is recommended for all tours. ENDS