A number of historic properties, places and spaces across the UK are to be opened up to the public this month as part of a wider European initiative to celebrate architecture and culture.

The Heritage Open Days scheme - co-ordinated by English Heritage - will enable members of the public to visit hundreds of sites across England this weekend (9-12 September) that are normally closed or charge a fee. Meanwhile, the Scottish Civic Trust has revealed that around 920 sites are to be opened up over four weekends throughout September as part of the Doors Open Days programme.

In Wales, visitors will benefit from free admission to 300 buildings and sites of historic interest on selected dates throughout September as part of Open Doors - organised by the Civic Trust for Wales on behalf of Cadw. More than 260 events will be held between 11-12 September in Northern Ireland as part of the European Heritage Open Days, which is organised by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Each of the four schemes form part of the wider European Heritage Days programme, which has seen 49 nations sign up across the continent. For more details on the four UK schemes, see: England: www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Northern Ireland: www.ni-environment.gov.uk Scotland: www.doorsopendays.org.uk

Wales: www.civictrustwales.org Image: Conwy Castle, one of the sites to be opened up as part of Wales' Open Doors scheme – visitbritainimages.com