Something for everyone this Doors Open Days weekend
The annual event, which encourages people to discover Inverclyde by visiting places and buildings of interest for free, takes place over the weekend of September 9 and 10.
The local programme is organised by Inverclyde Council and many of the events and activities are in-person meaning it's a great opportunity for people of all ages to get out and about to discover somewhere new.
Visitors to the Beacon Arts Centre can go behind the scenes at the popular theatre and even step on stage for a selfie in front of the fantastic 500-seat auditorium.
Other venues taking part include The Watt Institution, The Inverclyde Shed, Wemyss Bay Station and Gourock Park Bowling Club.
Inverclyde Heritage Network has also organised a variety of walking and coach tours to show people around the Three Hills, Ardgowan Square area of Greenock West End and Port Glasgow.
Provost Drew McKenzie said: “There is so much to discover in Inverclyde and Doors Open Days is the perfect opportunity to get out and about.
“A host of fun and informative events have been put together and caters for people of all ages and abilities.
“Best of all, Doors Open Days is completely free so I hope people take advantage and enjoy what looks certain to be a brilliant weekend of events and activities across Inverclyde.”
Places are limited on all tours and must be booked in advance.
To reserve a place and to find out more, visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk, and log on to www.discoverinverclyde.com for information about what else there is to do and see in Inverclyde.
Doors Open Days is coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust and is supported by Historic Environment Scotland.
Doors Open Days events in Inverclyde include:
In person
Gourock Park Bowling club, an introduction to lawn bowling for all ages. Equipment provided; just bring flat, smoothish shoes. 10am -12noon. (Saturday)
The Beacon. A unique opportunity to tour backstage areas usually closed to the public. Guided tours at 11am, 2pm and 3.30pm. (Saturday)
St Mary's Catholic Church. Volunteers will be on hand to give guided tours on request. Saturday 11am till 4pm; Sunday from 1pm till 3pm.
Watt Institution. A series of exhibitions will be available on site while colouring sheets and a hunt the bear activity are available for younger visitors. 10am till 4pm (Saturday)
St John the Evangelist. Church members will be on hand to provide more information on the building. Saturday 11am-4pm and Sunday 11am (Sunday service) till 4pm.
The Inverclyde Shed. There will be guided tours of the community workshop from 10am till 12noon.
Wellpark Mid Kirk. Church members on hand to talk about the building, the organ will be played and there will also be an interactive quiz and craft sessions for children. Saturday, 12pm - 4pm; Sunday 1pm till 3pm.
Wemyss Bay Station. Guided tours of the award-winning station at 11am, 12noon, and 2pm. There also will be a quiz for children about the station, available from the station bookshop between 10am and 4pm.
Tours
Port Glasgow/Kilmacolm/Quarrier's Village Coach tour. Starting and finishing at Port Glasgow Health Centre car park this tour will mix the town sights of Port Glasgow, highlighting the historic street names and and street sculptures with the rural areas of Kilmacolm and Quarrier’s Village. Saturday 1pm - 3pm.
Guided coach tour of Three Hills. Starting and finishing at Cathcart Square, Greenock, this tour takes advantage of the magnificent views in Inverclyde from three of the hills in the area; Knocknairshill, Tower Hill and Lyle Hill. The tour will also include Greenock’s Esplanade. Saturday 10am - 12pm.
Guided Walking tour of Ardgowan Square area of Greenock West End. Staring and finishing at the Mansion House this walk will show you the magnificent architecture of Ardgowan Square area and learn about some of the people who lived there. Sunday 10am - 11.45am
Guided Walking tour of Port Glasgow. Starting outside The Star Hotel John Wood Street Port Glasgow and finishing at Health Centre car park. The tour will take in the the murals in Port Glasgow Station, in the Health Centre car park and at Bay Street, the Endeavour and the Ship Builders sculptures, Newark Castle and Gourock Ropeworks. Sunday 12.30pm - 2pm.
Inverclyde Heritage Network self-led walk. Families use observational skills to discover the fascinating details decorating the outside of the Inverclyde Municipal Buildings, the former Watt College and buildings in William Street while learning about the history and heritage of the area. The trail can be downloaded as a PDF before leaving home by clicking the link in the Other Websites part of this page or collect a paper copy from the Fire & Rescue Museum.
Gourock Past and Present (audio tour). Link to this is available via the Doors Open Days website in the Other Websites part of this page.