The annual Heritage Open Days are a great way of exploring the many historic gems in our county and finding out about its varied past. These are some of the venues open in our area between Thursday and Sunday.

Dereham Times: Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse opens for free on Sunday. Picture: Ian BurtGressenhall Farm and Workhouse opens for free on Sunday. Picture: Ian Burt

The Hoste hotel in Burnham Market is holding a Remember Nelson exhibition, featuring letters written by Horatio Nelson, together with prints and displays and an original life mask of Lord Nelson cast in Vienna in 1800. Open daily from 10am to 5pm from Thursday to Sunday, the free exhibition showcases exhibits and artefacts about Nelson's life, career, early life in Norfolk, famous battles and legacy. Born in Burnham Thorpe in 1758, Nelson frequented The Hoste – formerly the Pitt Arms – in his early years. Before being recalled to service in 1792, he is known to have stayed in Room 5.

Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse will open its doors for free on Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

Dereham Times: Sally Francis of Norfolk Saffron in her shepherd's hut in Burnham Norton.Sally Francis of Norfolk Saffron in her shepherd's hut in Burnham Norton. (Image: Archant)

Visitors can enjoy a fascinating journey through the story of rural Norfolk with an historic workhouse and traditional farm. The museum galleries are a real treasure trove of household objects, fascinating tools and workhouse treasures from times gone by. Discover the enchanting gardens and the historic orchard, set in a timeless landscape, or let off steam in our thrilling woodland playground. For more information visit www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/gressenhall.

Norfolk Saffron in Burnham Norton will have a small display in their shepherd's hut on the fascinating history of saffron-growing in North Norfolk, which lasted from the late Tudor period (and possibly earlier) to the Georgian era. Local cultivation of the world's most precious spice was lost for over two centuries before being restarted in 2009 by Norfolk Saffron. Now, the business produces award-winning saffron and saffron products, which will be on sale. They will not be offering tours of the saffron field. They will be open at Prince of Wales House, Norton Street, Burnham Norton from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday.

Dereham Times: Cycling part of Marriotts Way. Picture: citizenside.comCycling part of Marriotts Way. Picture: citizenside.com (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

Marriott's Way Vintage Cycle Rally starts at Whitwell & Reepham Station on Sunday frm 10am to 4pm. Celebrate the bicentennial of the earliest form of bicycle with a ride along the Marriott's Way Heritage Trail. The Draisine or 'Dandy Horse' was unveiled in 1817 but vintage cycles of all types will converge at Whitwell Station and ride a route along a section of Marriott's Way towards Norwich, with traditional entertainments and activities for all. You are welcome to bring your own modern or vintage bike and/or wear vintage clothing to the event.

Walsingham Methodist Chapel is open Friday and Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sunday 10am to 2pm. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, visited Walsingham in 1781. Subsequently construction of a meeting place started in 1793 and this was opened as the present chapel in 1794. It has been used for worship ever since and is the oldest Methodist Chapel in use in the East of England. It remains largely as built and with its imposing pulpit, balcony and original pews gives a fascinating insight into the past and of the centuries after the reformation and before the Shrines were built in the 20th century. On display are various artefacts and explanatory boards etc.

Dereham Times: Walsingham Methodist Chapel. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLYWalsingham Methodist Chapel. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2010)

For more information on Heritage Open Days visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk