OPEN house

To coincide with the Heritage Open Days festival in September, The Landmark Trust, 01628 825925, landmarktrust.org.uk, will open its doors to the public free of charge. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit important historic sites that have been sensitively restored. A highlight of the event is the open day at Astley Castle, where a modern home is clasped within the shell of the ancient castle, which made it the winner of the 2013 RIBA Stirling Prize for architecture.