HISTORIC Haden Hill house, park and the old hall will be sharing some of their secrets and stories during public tours as part of national Heritage Open Days.

Local historian John Billingham will lead tours of the Cradley Heath park on Thursday and Friday September 8 and 9 from 11am until 12.30pm.

Best’s Angels tours of the 19th century Haden Hill House will also be run on both days between 10am and 4.30pm and from 2pm until 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday September 10 and 11.

Visitors will be able to learn about the lives of the two adopted daughters, Emily and Alice, of George Alfred Haden Haden-Best who built and owned Haden Hill House.

They will see Emily's diaries which reveal the travels the girls took around Britain. Alice was also a keen photographer and visitors can see a selection of photographs from 47 glass plates purchased several years ago of photos of the family.

On September 10 visitors can take their own Victorian portrait which may find its way onto the mantelpieces in the house. There will also be arts and crafts activities and trails for younger visitors.

Four hundred years of history can be discovered when the adjoining Haden Old Hall, which dates from Tudor times, opens its doors both days that weekend from 2pm until 5pm.

The popular Proms in the Park returns there on the Sunday to celebrate the Heritage Open Days with jazz, easy listening and Halesowen Brass Band from 2pm until 6pm, Proms in the Park. Visitors are invited to take a picnic and their own flags to wave.

The tours are part of series being held to showcase Sandwell’s heritage.

Cabinet member for leisure Councillor Richard Marshall said: “It is a great opportunity to tell the stories of the people and places around us and for visitors to get a glimpse behind the scenes at buildings or areas not usually open to the public or even just enjoy a great family day out with some of the events on offer.”