HIGHROYD Memorial Chapel and Garden in Menston and an Edwardian villa in Ilkley are among hundreds of venues nationally taking part in Heritage Open Days.

The initiative, now in its 21st year, gives people free entry to buildings renowned for their historic importance.

"It has become England's biggest heritage festival – involving 40,000 volunteers – and celebrates our fantastic history, architecture and culture," said a spokesman.

"Heritage Open Days is an event for everyone, and features everything from castles to city halls and police cells to private homes. The variety of places and ways to discover them are endless."

The venture, which runs during four days next month, is managed by the National Trust and funded by the People's Postcode Lottery and Historic England.

High Royds Memorial Chapel and Garden at Buckle Lane in Menston was restored in 2011 to create a tranquil garden of remembrance. The chapel, which contains details of the 2,861 people who are buried there, remembers those who have gone before and helps with the campaign to remove the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health.

Its loving restoration has created an oasis of peace, and a special thanksgiving service will be held at 4pm on September 13.

An additional feature added is the restoration and replacement of a bronze memorial plaque featuring the names of the members of High Royds staff who gave their their lives during the first and second world wars. This is enhanced by a display of a Tower of London poppy, which made such a national impact in November 2014 when the start of First World War was commemorated. The event, organised by the Friends of High Royds Memorial Garden, is not suitable for children under the age of ten.

The chapel and memorial garden will also be open on September 12 and 13, from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. There will be free car parking and toilet facilities, by kind permission of the Hare & Hounds pub.

There will be a heritage walk in Ilkley at 2pm on September 13, from the Memorial Gardens past some of the Villas at the west of Ilkley to Heathcote. Heathcote is an Edwardian house designed by Edwin Lutyens. There is a formal garden in front of a garden terrace, with a lawn offering great views south to Ilkley Moor.

During the tour, there will be a presentation about the history of the house and its past owners, including John Thomas Hemingway, who commissioned it.

The walk, organised by Ilkley Civic Society, lasts about two hours and pre-booking is required. Contact Alex Cockshott via e-mail at jcockshott@uwclub.net or on 01943 601561.

Booking closes at 5pm on September 11.

Visit heritageopendays.org.uk for more details.