Numerous buildings, which are usually closed to the public, were opened up from Friday (September 11) to Sunday (September 13) for free.

Chichester Cathedral opened four behind-the-scenes areas, usually kept under lock and key.

Click on the green play button to see a video filmed at the cathedral.

See a gallery of photographs taken at Chichester Cathedral here.

Visitors had the chance to climb up steep spiral steps to the cathedral library with its huge collection of rare books stored in the cathedral heights.

In the historic song school room, home of the famous Cathedral Choir, visitors discovered a secret chamber which was hidden behind wooden wall panelling.

The Bishop's Chapel, which is the private chapel of the Bishop of Chichester, was also opened up. Inside, visitors had the rare opportunity to see the chapel's unique 13th-century Chichester Roundel.

Ruth Poyner, cathedral spokeswoman said: "These usually private areas of the cathedral are fascinating to visit.

"The library and song school are wonderfully atmospheric hideaways located high up in the cathedral triforium and the Bishop's Chapel is equally special, it is steeped in history and feels like a real sanctuary."

Children also took part in the cathedral's Heritage Open Day during a Come on Safari event.

Youngsters followed a trail around the cathedral in search of insects, birds and other animals which adorn the walls of the ancient building.

The cathedral was one of more than 20 properties in the Chichester district open as part of the heritage scheme, which gives people the chance to celebrate England's architecture and culture for free.

There was open access to the West Sussex Record Office where visitors had a peep in to the work of Screen Archive South East which manages film archives, while record office archivists gave talks on the conservation of the books and records held.

This year, Poyntz Bridge, a cast-iron swing bridge which was restored by the Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society and is only open to the public on a limited number of occasions, was the starting point of a guided walk around Chichester Canal basin.

Visitors to Chichester's historic Guildhall were entertained by live harp music which caught the attention of youngsters, while their parents browsed an exhibition telling the story of the building.

The University of Chichester also took part and offered a guided tour around some of the Bishop Otter Campus' most beautiful buildings and historic features.


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