A new guide showcasing some of the best historical spots across Mansfield’s town centre will be launched on Saturday (12 September) to coincide with Heritage Open Days.

The Mansfield Heritage Trail leaflet has been redesigned to guide visitors around some of the most interesting buildings and monuments across the town. The updated version of a guide that previously proved popular with tourists, gives both visitors and local people alike an insight into the history of the town and provides a flavour of what life was like in times gone by.

The free leaflet is available from Mansfield Museum on Leeming Street, which is a good starting point for the self-guided tour around the town. The Heritage Trail is also available to download from www.mansfield.gov.uk/heritagetrail

The trail has been divided into sections so that visitors can decide what they would like to see and how far they want to walk. They can follow the guide and look out for bronze plaques set into the ground at various stops on the tour. There are also places to stop for a rest and refreshments. The entire route can take up to two hours.

Cllr David Smith, Portfolio Holder for Cultural Services, Town and District Centres at Mansfield District Council, said: “There is so much to see around Mansfield’s town centre. It is full of historical buildings and monuments and each has its story to tell. The trail is a great way to learn more about Mansfield and its rich history. Even those who have lived in Mansfield for years are sure to discover new and interesting facts and stories about the buildings they pass by every day.”

A mini version designed specifically for children is also available free of charge so that families can follow the trail together. It includes fun activities for youngsters including spaces to draw and mini quizzes.

Visitors are invited to follow the Mansfield Heritage Trail as part of the town’s participation in Heritage Open Days, which celebrates England’s history, architecture and culture. Mansfield is hosting a variety of activities on Saturday 12 September sponsored by RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects). Activities will take place at Mansfield Museum and in the Market Place from 10am to 2pm along with a craft market.

The museum will host various fun craft and Lego activities for children with an architectural focus.

Among buildings that will be open to the public on this day will be Bridge Street Methodist Church, the Old Meeting House Unitarian Chapel, in Walkden Street, and St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Church Side.

At the Old Meeting House, the oldest purpose-built nonconformist place of worship in Nottinghamshire, there will be lots going on during the day including a photography exhibition by Sherwood U3A, and lacemaking, which visitors will be able to try, with members of the Nottingham Lace Society.

At 11am there will a talk on the history of the building and at noon, Tony Wade, of Sutton-in-Ashfield, will be singing traditional Nottinghamshire folk songs.