A FASCINATING world which usually lies behind closed doors will be inviting visitors to catch a rare glimpse of the area's heritage.

As the county takes part in Heritage Open Days 2000, historical buildings, which are not usually open to the public or charge admission, will be hosting free guided walks and tours this weekend.

The event, which is part of European Heritage Days involving 47 countries and in its seventh year, is expected to attract record numbers of visitors to numerous venues in Cumbria and North Lancashire.

The event is taking place with the help of local volunteers, who are giving up their time to organise tours and share their knowledge of the region's bygone days.

Arts minister Alan Howarth said the event was one of the "highlights of the cultural and architectural calendar," as visitors had the chance to see the world "behind closed doors at some of the nation's most impressive buildings."

More than 20 Cumbrian sites will be offering a free look behind the scenes, including Kendal's Unitarian Chapel and Stott Park Bobbin Mill, at Finsthwaite, near Newby Bridge, where a traditional wood turner will be at work as tours go on throughout Saturday.

The 'Friends of Furness Abbey' will help interpret the history of the site, built in 1123, which was once the second richest Cistercian monastery in England, during tours from 11am and 2pm on Sunday.

The privately-owned Pendragon Castle, which has received more than £160,000 grant aid from English Heritage, will be hosting tours at noon and 2pm on Sunday, which will link up with coaches from the Market Place in Kirkby Stephen.

Lancaster's quayside Maritime Museum is offering a free feast of sea songs and shanties from the days of sail, featuring Liverpool shanty group Stormalong John - widely regarded as the world's leading performers of the genre.

Other performances, supported by story telling, will take place on Saturday and Sunday at noon and 2.45pm.

Holker Hall, at Cark-in-Cartmel, will be running tours to Cumbria's oldest Ice House, dating from around 1732, which is dug into the ground and shaped like an igloo to maintain coolness.

Visitors will also be able to appreciate for free the national award-winning gardens, including the woodlands, water features and many rare plants and trees.

For further information or to reserve a place on a tour at Holker Hall contact 015395-58328.

For further information on free entrance to attractions contact the Tourist Information Centre at Lancaster on 01524-32878, or Cumbria Tourist Board on 015394-44444.