HISTORIC buildings across Kirklees opened their doors for free at the weekend.

The annual Heritage Open Weekend proved a hit with people wanting to have a peek at places they normally would not see.

A total of 13 sites in the area opened. Among them were the Victoria Tower at Castle Hill, Holmfirth's oldest building, Th'owd Towser which was the town jail, built in 1597, Lydgate Unitarian Chapel in New Mill, the Quaker Meeting House in Paddock, the Colne Valley Museum at Golcar, and Lindley Clock Tower at Lidget Gate, Lindley.

The weekend is a national celebration of England's architecture and historic buildings and the aim is to encourage places of interest to open up areas not usually seen by the public and charge them nothing to come along.

In Kirklees it is organised by the Civic Trust and all the featured sites are run by volunteers.

One of the popular spots with Kirklees visitors was the High Flatts Friends' Meeting House, off Penistone Road, between Ingbirchworth and Birdsedge.

Quaker John Springer welcomed the crowds and spoke about the history of the building.

He said: "It has been great to meet lots of people who have shown a real interest in the history of the building.

"It really is so important that younger generations get the chance to come and see and learn about the history of the area.

"The meeting house has been here since about 1650 and the actual barn it is in probably dates back another 200 years before that."

Climbing the steps to the top of the Victoria Tower at Castle Hill was one of the high points for families.

People came from far and wide to experience the stunning panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside below.

One visitor, Neil Ray, 23, of Almondbury, said Castle Hill was one of his favourite spots.

"I am originally from the South but came to Huddersfield to go to university and stayed. When people visit me from home I always bring them here.

"The Heritage Weekend is great because people can come up the tower for free and spend time looking down on the town.

"It really is quite spectacular."