IT’S the time of year when you can enjoy free activities and days out across Southampton and Hampshire as England’s largest history and culture festival returns.

The national Heritage Open Days starts this weekend and runs until September 20.

This year’s theme is ‘hidden nature’, which offers an opportunity for us to discover nature that exists on our doorsteps as well as the built heritage of our communities.

Areas of the countryside, usually inaccessible to the general public, will be opened up as well as gardens, green spaces, parks, orchards, vineyards, farms and forests.

Annie Reilly, head of producing at Heritage Open Days, said: “Over the last couple of months, with time outdoors being limited, access to nature has become even more important to many of us.

“From socially distanced ‘netwalking’ and rural rambles, to nature-inspired art collections, scavenger hunts, food and craft events – we’re excited to see how the theme of ‘hidden nature’ is interpreted and used to create exciting online and offline events and activities.”

Heritage Open Day events a taking place across Hampshire and Southampton.

Due to the current coronavirus restrictions some of the annual events have been moved on line while bookings will be necessary for others.

A complete list of all the events taking place across the county can be found at the National Heritage Open Days website.

But among those events going ahead are:

  • D-Day Lepe Heritage Group Exhibition

Lepe Country Park, Lepe, Exbury, September 12 and 13: 10am to 4pm

This free exhibition consists of maps, rare documents and photographs depicting the activities taking place at Lepe and Stanswood Bay prior to June 1944, culminating in the Embarkation to France.

  • Discover Hidden Nature at Lepe Point

Lepe Country Park, Lep, September 13: 10am to 2pm

Explore hidden nature at Lepe Point with the help of expert rangers who help you identify what you find.

There will be microscopes, magnifying glasses and other fact finding tools to use.

  • Hidden Nature Trail for Families

Lepe Country Park, Lepe, September 12 and 13: 10am to 3.30pm

Follow the nature trail to discover Lepe’s hidden nature around the conservation area.

  • Mayflower Theatre Heritage Open Day

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, September 12: 9.30am to 2.15pm

The Grade II Listed theatre will be open for visitors with Heritage tours which include access to backstage areas. There will also be a Mayflower 400 display and a Heritage Fayre.

  • Royal Victoria Country Park: Discovering Hidden Nature

Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey, September 11 to 20 10am to 4pm

A day out with three key activities happening each day. ‘Portraying nature’ allows you to bring out your creative side to sketch and paint scenes around the park. There is also a treasure hunt and bingo so something for nearly everyone.

  • Southampton Heritage Fayre

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, September 12: 9.30am to 3pm

Members of the Southampton Heritage Federation will have the opportunity to “show and tell” who they are and what they do. There is also the chance for new “volunteers” who can become active in maintaining the city’s heritage.

  • The Brickworks Museum, Swanwick Lane, Swanwick, September 17: 11am to 4pm

The last remaining steam driven brickworks in the UK now a museum of bricks and brickmaking. There is also a play area for the little ones to run around - you must bring hand sanitizer.