Discover Oxford's hidden treasures at Open Doors weekend

Oxford Preservation Trust is linking up with Oxford University, its colleges and other organisations for the Open Doors festival next month.

The conservation charity, which celebrated their 90th anniversary in 2017, is putting together an extensive programme for the weekend of September 14 and 15.

This year’s theme is Made in Oxford and organisers are promising a mix of the old and the new, hidden places, surprising stories and family fun, with thousands of people taking part.

Numerous colleges and churches will be welcoming people in as part of the weekend celebrations and more quirky locations will be on the map as well, including Osney Lock Hydro and the LMS swing bridge in Rewley Road.

Trust director Debbie Dance said: “The many people who come together to make Oxford Open Doors happen are all part of what makes Oxford such a great place to live.

“We not only have many treasures hidden behind doors but alongside this we have a great many special people ready to share their stories.

"The OPT team will be out and about over the weekend so come and find us and have some family-friendly fun whatever you chose to do.

“Oxford Open Doors is the success it is thanks to our partnership with the university, and this year’s sponsor, Malmaison.

“Add to this the many Oxford places and people who help make things happen, and our many smiling volunteers and we are in for a great weekend.”

Visitor attraction Oxford Castle & Prison will be free entry throughout the weekend, bringing history to life, sharing stories of the past, with archaeological displays and a treasure hunt.

Visitors to the heritage site off New Road will be able to see the former cells where Malmaison hotel now welcome its guests, and the ancient Well Chamber down inside the Mound.

Vintage buses will be running trips, firefighters will be available to talk to visitors young and old, and the BMW Mini car plant is also taking part, opening its car museum.

On Sunday, All Souls College will open its gates onto Radcliffe Square sharing some of its treasures and there will be a silver band to entertain visitors.

New College, where scenes were shot for the Harry Potter movies, is also taking part.

Visitors are likely to recognise the castle-like cloisters at the college, which doubled as the Hogwarts hallways in the movie version of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Last year more than 1,500 visitors called in at the Painted Room in Cornmarket Street, where Shakespeare is thought to have stayed. Brochures are now being distributed across Oxford’s libraries and community centres.

All events will be listed on oxfordpreservation.org.uk from Monday and booking is required for some events, open from August 28.