A RARE chance to get up close to an historic summer house which commands sweeping views across Morecambe Bay will take place this weekend.
Kirkhead Tower, in Kents Bank, near Grange-over-Sands, is a Grade II-listed structure thought to have been constructed in the early 19th century.
It underwent restoration last winter to stabilise the fabric of the stonework and to ensure it is able to withstand the elements for years to come.
Members of the public will be able to enjoy a fascinating tour of the building this Sunday, September 15, with guides from the Morecambe Bay Partnership.
The event will form part of a series of Heritage Open Days across the area.
Georgina Hurley, property manager for Holker Estates, which owns Kirkhead Tower, said she hoped people would seize the chance to find out more about this local landmark.
“Lots of people will have seen Kirkhead Tower on the hillside from Kents Bank and wondered about its past.
“Now is the time to see it up close and find out more about this lovely building overlooking Morecambe Bay.
“This will also be the first time anyone will have been able to enjoy a tour since the structure was restored earlier this year.”
Work to repair and stabilise the tower’s stonework took place thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of the Morecambe Bay Partnership’s Headlands to Headspace initiative.
The free tours will take place at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm and will include information about the recent conservation work, the known history of Kirkhead Tower and the nationally significant prehistoric environment and cave networks which surround it.
They are expected to take around 90 minutes with access via a steep incline.
Georgina added: “Heritage Open Days are the country’s largest festival of history and a great way to celebrate this is to find out more about this very special structure.”
Anyone hoping to join a tour is asked to book a place via eventbrite.co.uk
