They're buildings you've probably walked past dozens of times — minsters, churches, theatres, grand halls and even mills.
But have you ever had a chance to explore inside?
Heritage Open Days, held Thursday September 10 to Sunday September 13, will see scores of venues across Huddersfield and Calderdale throw open their doors to give the public a peek behind-the-scenes.
Guided tours of some of our area's oldest buildings, walking tours around town and special exhibitions of artefacts, including collections from the First World War, will run across the four-day event. And it's all free!
Here's what's happening in Kirklees and Calderdale:
Huddersfield
100 years celebration of Outlane Methodist Church
New Hey Road, Outlane, Friday and Saturday 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm, Sunday, 2pm-4pm
Guided tours of the building with display of photos and memorabilia, plus an art exhibition of pictures of Outlane Methodist Church and the local villae, plus quiz and children's trail.
Almondbury All Hallows Church
All Hallows Church, Westgate, Almondbury, Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 1pm-4pm
Exhibition of memorabilia, artefacts, photographs and church history supported by Huddersfield and District Family History Society, plus a chance to research baptism, marriage and burial records.
Arts and Crafts Houses in Huddersfield - guided walk
Clock Tower, Lidget Street, Lindley, Saturday 11am-12.30pm, 90 minutes
A walk around Lindley and Birkby to look at some of the houses built in the late 19th/early 20th centuries in the Arts and Crafts style. To book, call Huddersfield Library on 01484 223200 or email edgarwoodinlindley@gmail.com. Booking closes Friday September 11.
Behind the Scenes at Huddersfield Library and Art Gallery
Princess Alexandria Walk, Huddersfield, Thursday, tours 11am and 3pm
A tour of the Library and Art Gallery including the West Yorkshire Archives Service and areas normally closed to the public.
Cre8 Barn at Stirley Community Farm
Off Ashes Lane, Berry Brow, Saturday 12pm-3pm
Guided tour of the award-winning eco project and educational space. Get a taste of how old and new can be combined to create buildings for the future, plus stroll around fruit and veg gardens, the orchard and visit the Beef Shorthorns herd. Not suitable for children under the age of 10.
Edgerton Cemetery: A story book of Huddersfield's Great War (guided walk)
Cemetery Gates, Cemetery Road, Huddersfield, Sunday 11am
Walk exploring First World War monuments in Edgerton Cemetery, led by military historian Dr John Rumsby. To book, call Huddersfield Visitor Information Centre on 01484 223200 or email Huddersfield.Information@kirklees.gov.uk
Explore the History of Greenhead Park (guided walk)
Trinity Street, Huddersfield, Friday 6pm
Early evening guided walk, 60-90 minutes, visiting the main features of the park to reveal its history, led by historian David Griffiths. No booking required.
Greenhead Park Model Boating Display
Greenhead Park, Trinity Street, Huddersfield, Sunday 11am-3pm
Model boating display by the Huddersfield Society of Model Engineers on the paddling pool (previously the lower lake). Visitors can find out more about the history of society with displays in the Conservatory.
High Flatts Quaker Meeting House
Firth Lane, High Flatts, Huddersfield Thursday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm
Early Quaker house meeting house with spectacular views of the rolling countryside. Guided tours of the area available.
Huddersfield Brick-by-brick
Heritage Quay, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, Sunday 11am-3pm
Join archives staff and Brickz 4Kids for a creative workshop using LEGO bricks, recreating local landmarks and dreaming up new ones.
Huddersfield Grammar School and Royds Mount Building
Huddersfield, Saturday and Sunday 11am-3pm
A chance to view this Grade II listed Royds Mount Gothic Revival-style building, home to Huddersfield Grammar School. Enjoy refreshments in the school library.
Huddersfield Post Office and Delivery Office tour
Huddersfield Delivery Office, Northumberland Street, Huddersfield, Thursday and Friday 11am-12.30pm
Take a guided tour of the building and see how Royal Mail runs its business, with reminders of old systems and technologies above and below. Tours led by Royal Mail manager and Huddersfield Civic Society officer. Not suitable for children under 10.
Huddersfield Station Water Tower
The Association of Community Rail Partnerships, The Old Water Tower, Huddersfield Railway Station, Sunday 10am-4pm
Take a look at the restoration of the 1870s Water Tower which used to supply steam locomotives with water at Huddersfield Station. Now the base of the Association of Community Rail Partnerships, converted with a low carbon footprint in mind and winner of a Railway Heritage Award in 2013.
Huddersfield Town Hall
Ramsden Street, Huddersfield, Friday 11am-2pm Saturday 11am-4pm with live music
On Friday take a tour of the building, including the world famous Father Willis Organ, and learn about the history of the hall — plus meet the Mayor and learn more about his role. On Saturday in the main hall will be performances by Huddersfield Choral Society, Kirklees Youth Brass Band, Slaithwaite Light Orchestra, Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra, Honley Male Voice Choir, Colne Valley Male Voice Choir, Virsa Bhangra music and dance, organist Gordon Stewart, the Mrs Sunderland Music Festival and Tower Brass. Plus tours of the building and meet the Deputy Mayor. Tours must be booked in advance — call Huddersfield Visitor Centre on 01484 223200.
Lawrence Batley Theatre Heritage Open Day Tours
Queen Street, Huddersfield, Thursday 2pm and 3pm
Take a look behind-the-scenes at the Grade II listed building on a tour delivered by theatre staff. Learn about its history and development from Methodist chapel to through night club, restaurant and squash club to theatre. Booking required — call 01484 430528/ Booking closes at 5pm on Wednesday September 9.
PechaKucha Night at Cafe Ollo
The Media Centre, Northumberland Street, Huddersfield, Thursday 7pm-10pm
Originating in Japan and now held in 840 cities worldwide, PechaKucha nights are informal gathering where people share ideas, works, personal stories, holiday snaps and more — using a simple presentation format where you show 20 images, each for 20 seconds. Not suitable for children under 16. To book, click here.
Queensgate Market
Queensgate Market, Princess Alexandra Walk, Huddersfield
Saturday, tours 11am-12.30pm and 1pm-2.30pm
Take a tour with an expert guide to learn a detailed history and enjoy special access throughout the market, with rarely-seen views of the spectacular umbrella rood sections.
Ramsden Heritage Trail, Huddersfield (guided walk)
Market Cross, Market Place, Huddersfield, Sunday 2pm
Led by historian David Griffiths, this guided two hours and two miles walk visits key sites of the Ramsden family, lords of the manor from 1599-1920, and explores their role in the development of Huddersfield.
Skelmanthorpe Textile Heritage Centre
6 Queen Street, Skelmanthorpe, Thursday-Saturday 12pm-6pm with loom demonstration 1pm-4pm, Sunday 10am-4pm, walk 11am
Former weavers cottage, furnished as it would have been in 1900, with an authentic hand-loom in working condition, plus displays linked to Huddersfield's textile history. Guided history walks also offered.
St Bartholomew's Church, Marsden
Church Lane, Marsden, Friday and Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm
Marsden Remembers exhibition, commemorating sacrifices made in the First World War and new Book of Remembrance, plus artwork and research by local pupils and parish records.
St Mark's Church, Longwood
St Mark's Road, Longwood, Saturday 10am-12pm
19th century church with bell tower added 100 years ago this year. Stained glass windows including the War Window, dedicated in 1922 to the dead of World War One, plus display of research into local men who lost their lives.
St Stephen's Church, Lindley
Lidget Street, Lindley, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 1.30pm-4.30pm
Grade II listed building designed by Joseph Kaye, 'the Builder of Huddersfield'. Plus exhibition about the effect of the First World War on Lindley and information about the ongoing repairs to the historic tower.
The Media Centre, Huddersfield
7 Northumberland Street, Huddersfield
From Grade II listed Creative Lofts to the modern Friendly St Buillding, the Media Centre is home to almost 200 businesses. Learn about the development of the centre and visit three acclaimed creative agencies.
Tolsen Museum
Wakefield Road, Huddersfield, 12pm-4pm
Fascinating collections reflecting Huddersfield's past including Bronze Age remains, classic bikes, the history of the textile industry and a toddler trail.
Victoria Tower, Castle Hill
Castle Hill, off Lumb Lane, Almondbury, Saturday and Sunday 12pm-4.30pm
Built to commemorate the 60 year rain of Queen Victoria, the tower was erected following a public appeal for funding. Visit the tower and explore the diverse habitats around Castle Hill.
North Kirklees
All Saints Parish Church, Batley
Stocks Lane, Batlley, Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 12.30pm-4pm
14th century church with tomb to Sir William and Lady Anne Mirfield, plus old registers dating back to Elizabeth I.
St Saviour's Church, Batley
Brookroyd Lane, Batley, Saturday 10am-4pm
Grade II listed building with Victoria and Albert stained glass window and Robert Thompson altar rail.
Gomersal Moravian Church
Quarry Road, Gomersal, Sunday 1pm-3pm
Grade II listed building built in 1751, with display about Bohemian reformer Jan Hus, whose followers founded the Moravian Church in 1457. Plus display about the links between the church and the Taylor Family of Red House and their Bronte connections.
Red House Museum, Gomersal
281 Oxford Road, Gomersal, Saturday and Sunday 12pm-5pm
Enjoy free entry to the house, with costumed tours on the hour and on Sunday, traditional crafts with the Friends of Red House Museum.
Dewsbury Minster Tower Tours
Rishworth Road, Dewsbury, Saturday 9.30am and 4pm
See the 1,000-year-old stonework and ascend the stone spiral staircase to the Ringing Chamber, the clock room and see the bells being rung.
Pioneer House Tours, Dewsbury
The Hive, 14-16 Long Causeway, Dewsbury, Saturday 12pm and 1.30pm
Tour offers history of the landmark building, which has been externally restored as is now the focus building of the Dewsbury Townscape Heritage Initiative.
St Michaels and All Angels Church, Thornhill
Church Lane, Thornhill, Dewsburym Friday 7pm-9pm, Saturday, 10am-4pm with Tito Gitan concert 7.30pm-9.30pm, Sunday 10.45am-4pm.
Ancient Grade I listed building with medieval glass and monuments, plus and exhibition showing the artistic and craft skills of the people of Greater Thornhill.
Tour of Dewsbury Town Hall
Old Wakefield Road, Dewsbury, Saturday 11am and 3pm
A behind-the-scenes tour of the historic building built in 1889, including the council chamber, old court room, prison cells, concert hall and Mayor's Parlour.
Creative Arts Hub open weekend, Mirfield
51-53 Huddersfield Road, Mirfield, Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm
Display of photographs charting the changes to the 1930s Art Deco Hub building over the years, plus creative workshops linked to the original purpose of the building.
St Mary's Community Heritage Site, Mirfield
St Mary's Church, Church Lane, Mirfield, Satuirday 10am-5pm, talk 11.30am, Sunday 10am-5pm, talk 11.30am, walk 2pm
Archological dig open or public participation with team of archeologists. Remains of the motte and bailey castle, 13th century church tower, murder grave of 1800, celtic grave stone and more. Tours to the top of the church tower throughout the weekend and heritage walk led by historian Frances Stott from Mirfield Library car park at 2pm on Sunday.
Calderdale
Brighouse Heritage Town Walk
11 Sefton Crescent, Brighouse, Friday 10.30am, 90 minutes
A walk along the canal towpath to view some of the early canalside buildings, plus importatn Victorian buildings in the centre.
All Saints' Church, Elland
Savile Road, Elland, Sunday 12pm-4pm
Grade II listed building designed by George H Fellows-Prynne around 1900, described as one of the finest churches built in the 20th century.
Church of St Mary the Virgin, Elland
Church Street, Elland, Friday 11am-1pm and Saturday 10am-4pm
Stone built 12th century parish church with original chancel arch, Norman bell cote, medieval stained glass and interesting graveyard.
All Souls Church, Halifax
Boothtown Road, Haley Hill, Halifax, Saturday 11am-2pm and Sunday 11am-4pm
Victorian Gothic church commissioned by mill owner and philanthropist Edward Ackroyd and designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. Guided tours from CCT staff.
Cinema — Behind the screens at the Projected Picture Trust, Halifax
Dean Clough Mills, Halifax, Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm
Cinema projectors from the early years to the present day, plus private viewing cinema where visitors can see rare films from the Trust's collection.
Great War Collection Day at Bankfield Museum, Halifax
Boothtown Road, Halifax, Saturday 10am-3pm
Following the format of the Antiques Roadshow, visitors will be invited to bring photographs and other Great War memorabilia for assessment and research by local historians.
Guided Walk of Great War locations in central Halifax
Halifax Minster, Church of St John the Baptist, Church Street, Halifax, Sunday 2pm, 90 minutes
Guided walk accompanied by tablet or smartphone interaction with Halifaxgreatwar.org website. Pre-booking preferred, contact Alan Rhodes on 01422 647457 or email Alan.Rhodes @talktalk.net.
Halifax Minster
Unit 6, Causey Hall, Dispensary Walk, Halifax, Thursday and Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-4pm with tours 11.30am, 2.30pm and Versatile Brass and Halifax Young Singers concert 7.30pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm, tours 11.30am, 2.30pm
Follow the History Trail around the medieval Minster, with Minster silverware display. Plus Tower Tours, short prayer sessions and 10 minute organ recitals. Book the Hidden Halifax Walking Tour here.
Halifax Playhouse
King Cross Street, Halifax, Friday 7pm-11pm, Saturday 10am-4pm and 8pm-11pm
Originally a Hanoverian Methodist Chapel built in 1836, it was bought by Halifax Thespians and converted into a theatre in 1949. Guided tours of both front of house and backstage.
Halifax Town Hall
Crossley Street, Halifax, Friday 5.30pm (talk), Saturday 10am-4pm, tours 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, Sunday 11.30-4pm, tours 12.30pm, 2.30pm
Visit the Grade II listed building voted in the top ten town halls in the country in 2008 by Architecture Today magazine. Also exhibition by Projected Picture Trust showing cinemas and film production in Calderdale from the turn of the last century to the present day.
Illingworth Gaol and Stocks, Halifax
121 Keighley Road, Illingworth, Halifax, Saturday and Sunday 12pm-4pm, tours every 20 minutes, maximum 10 people per tour
Visit the double stocks dated 1697 and look inside the 1823 Illingworth Gaol and find out what it would have been like to have been imprisoned there. Hear true crime stories about the prisoners held in the Gaol.
IOU Open Studio, Halifax
The Victoria Walkway, Dean Clough Mills, Halifax, Saturday 11am-3pm
Explore the IOU gallery and workshop currently in development and due to open in Spring 2016.Check out props, costmes and objects from shows and art installations spanning nearly 40 years.
Lister Lane Cemetery, Halifax
Lister Lane, Halifax, Sunday 12.30pm-4pm, guided tours at 1.15pm, 2.45pm
Discover the cemetery's connections to the Lusitania and the Battle of Waterloo and view more than 100 gravestones removed from the Square Chapel.
Mount Zion Methodist Heritage Chapel
Per Lane, Ogden, Halifax, Friday 11am-4pm, Saturday 10.30am-4pm, Sunday 10.30am-1pm, service at 2.45pm
Explore the Methodist Heritage Chapel in which John Wesley preached and stayed, celebrating the 200th anniversary of its rebuilding this year. Take a look at its Wedding Display including dresses, photos and flowers.
St John's Church, Coley, near Halifax
Coley Road, Coley, near Shelf/Hipperholme, Friday 1pm-5pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm, talk at 3pm
Explore the church and learn about its history, with volunteers on hand to provide tours and information. A talk will be given at around 3pm on Sunday afternoon by vicar Rev. Canon James Allison about the church.
The Artworks — Exploring the Mill, Halifax
Shaw Lodge Mills, Shaw Lane, Halifax, Sunday 11am-4pm
Explore the art school, gallery and artist studios set inside the Grade II listed Shaw Lodge Mills, plus a sneak preview of Christine Halsey's upcoming exhibition The Mending Room, which explore connections between mending and domestic oppression from the 19th and 20th centuries to the present day.
Hardcastle Crags and Gibson Mill, Hebden Bridge
Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Mill, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm
Learn about the history of Gibson Mill with displays, exhibitions, tours and a trail.
Hebden Bridge Little Theatre, Hebden Bridge
Holme Street, Hebden Bridge, Saturday 10am-4pm
Guided behind-the-scenes tours of the 120-seater purpose build theatre, including dressing rooms, the wardrobe department, props, lighting and sound and the stage itself.
Wainsgate Baptist Church, Hebden Bridge
Wainsgate Lane, Old Town, Hebden Bridge, Sunday 2pm-4.30pm
A chance to see inside the Grade II listed church and its extensive burial grounds.
Christ Church Sowerby Bridge, Victorian Sights and Sounds
Christ Church, Wharf Street, Sowerby Bridge, Saturday 10am-3pm, organ recital 1pm-3pm
Explore the Grade II listed church to see the sights and hear the sounds of Victorian times, with stained glass windows and an organ recital at 1pm with a JJ Binns organ with four keyboards and more than 2,000 pipes.
St Peter's Church, Sowerby
St Peter's Avenue, Sowerby, Sowerby Bridge, Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm
Visit the Grade I listed Georgian Church, with principle features unchanged from the time of its construction in 1766, plus art exhibition of work from local artists and organ recitals.
Tod Town Hall
Todmorden Town Hall, Bridge Street, Todmorden, Saturday and Sunday 11am-3pm, tours leave the Heritage Centre every 30 minutes
Take a look inside the Grade I listed building, including the grand staircase, ballroom, council chyamber and the new Heritage Centre. Tours throughout the day and refreshments provided.
Todmodern Unitarian Church
Honey Hole Road, Todmordern, Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm
Large gothic chruch built 1865-1869 in memory of philanthropist, MP and cotton manufacturer John Fielden (1784-1849).
Further afield...
Behind the scenes at the National Coal Mining Museum
Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield, Thursday and Friday 2pm-3pm
Rare access behind-the scenes to the museum stores and workshops, plus the chance to see parts of the museum's collection of artifacts not currently on display. Usual exhibits and underground tours in the 140m deep New Hards coal seam will also be running.
Sandal Castle
Manygates Lane, Wakefield, Saturday and Sunday 11am-3pm
Sir Thomas Lunsford's Regiment of the Civil War Society and the Friends of Sandal Castle present a living history camp.
