An open-top bus is being laid on for a bumper weekend of rich culture and heritage spanning from Norman times to the 19th century in King's Lynn.

An open-top bus is being laid on for a bumper weekend of rich culture and heritage spanning from Norman times to the 19th century in King's Lynn.

Some of the town's most historic and nationally renowned buildings are being opened up to the public as part of Heritage Open Day, running from September 6 to 9 across the country and on Sunday, September 9, in King's Lynn.

The bus will leave the bus station between 10am to 4pm every 20 minutes, stopping at key buildings around the town.

Among the gems to visit is Clifton House, an extensive 18th-century merchant's house owned by English Heritage chief executive Dr Simon Thurley.

It will be open to show off its 14th-century undercroft and Elizabethan watchtower.

Also open will be 28 to 32 King Street, one of the most interesting homes in Lynn. Although it has a 19th-century exterior, a stone house of about 1180 with arches can be found inside.

Dr Thurley said: "This Heritage Open Day is set to be even bigger than last year, so even if you are a regular Heritage Open Day goer, there will be something new for you to see."

The event will also provide an opportunity to visit one of the first municipal cemeter-ies, the Hardwick cemetery, which is still laid out in its Victorian design and planting. The resting place of famous fairground ride builder Fred Savage is here too.

All Saint's Church, dating back to Norman times and incorporating a Jacobean screen and an anchorite cell, will be open and will have an antiques and collectibles fair.

Other buildings open include the South Gate, dating back to 1437, the recently restored Greyfriar's Tower, the 1928 Majestic Cinema, the Lynn Museum, the Hanse linked St Margaret's House, the Old Town Hall and Thoresby College.

Also open will be St Nicholas Chapel, the Guildhall of St George, where there will be the annual King's Lynn horticultural show, and 27 King Street, a fine Georgian town house built by a Dutch merchant.

Not previously open before on a heritage open day are the Jewish Cemetery next to Hillington Square and the London Road Methodist Chapel.

The event has been organis-ed by King's Lynn Civic Society with West Norfolk Council, King's Lynn Preserv-ation Trust, the Blue Badge Town Guides and friends groups. Some of the buildings will also be open on the Saturday. Tickets for the bus are £4 and children go free.

For more information on many of the other properties open and times pick up a Heritage Buildings Open Day booklet from the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) at the Custom House on the Purfleet, the Green Quay or True's Yard. Alternatively, call the TIC on 01553 763044 and they will post a copy.