Don't forget your binoculars when going along to the Heritage Open
Days.

This annual event in Coventry is perfect for lovers of architecture
and culture who love looking round properties which are usually
closed or which normally charge an entry fee.

The 12th Heritage Open Days features more venues than ever before -
23 - on September 9 and 10 to coincide with the theme `Faith in the
City'.

St John the Baptist Church in Baginton which dates back to the 13th
century is included for the first time along with St Bartholomew's
Church in Binley.

Count the 180 steps to the top of St Michaels' 295ft spire at
Coventry Cathedral and use your binoculars to gain a bird's eye view
of the city's skyline or have a look around a Second World War air
raid shelter at the Coventry Watchmakers' Museum Project.

The historic 1909 steam boat President, which last visited the city
in 1990, will be moored in the Canal Basin for the weekend and there
will be free tours in narrow boats along with commentary pointing
out places of interest as you chug along Coventry Canal.

Children get the chance to make a King Henry VIII masquerade mask at
the Priory Centre and find out what life was like in the Roman army
at the Lunt Fort.

The venues are open at different times throughout the Heritage Open
Days weekend - to find out more log on to www.visitcoventry.co.uk