DORSET Architectural Heritage Week open days will be returning once again this September and the programme of events is out now.

The programme is available digitally from dahw.org.uk and until and Saturday July 15, more than 6,000 copies of the programme will be distributed to local libraries and Tourist Information Centres throughout Dorset.

There are more than 70 different properties taking part and opening their doors free of charge and there are a number of new events alongside several returning favourites from previous years, with water mills, museums, private houses, stately homes, cemeteries, town halls, and even a few air raid shelters there is something for everyone.

The week starts on Wednesday September 7 to Thursday September 14.

Event manager Ian Utley said: "Architectural Heritage Week is an annual event which aims to stimulate public awareness of Dorset's rich architectural and cultural heritage. The first half of the week is part of the national Heritage Open Days but Dorset contains such a wealth of fascinating architecture that the events continue in the county for a further four days.

"This is a chance to visit buildings not normally open to the public, to go on guided walks, hear talks and generally enjoy the county’s rich historic environment."

Due to the popularity of Heritage Week the demand for places vastly outnumbers the amount of tickets available so all visitors for bookable events are limited to two tickets per person.

. To ensure that everyone has a fair chance of obtaining a place

on each bookable event all tickets are allocated by ballot and all visitors are limited to 2

tickets per person, per event. Please respect this when applying!

There are 3 easy ways to enter the ballot and apply for tickets:

Events in west Dorset include guided tours and milling at The Town Mill, Lyme Regis, The 16th century Guildhall, Lyme Regis, Lyme Regis Cemetery Chapel, Mapperton House and Belmont House, Lyme Regis.

The week-long event is organised and run by East Dorset Heritage Trust.