IN the year of the pandemic - when so many things have been cancelled - Maldon's September Heritage Trail Weekend is still going ahead.

The theme for 2020 will be 'hidden nature', where Maldon Town Council is working with heritage sites to create a memorable weekend.

The event, which runs next Saturday and Sunday (12 and 13 September) sees a number of the town's top historic sites and buildings open their doors to the public.

Visitors can pop along to just one or take advantage of a diverse selection of Maldon's heritage attractions, with something to suit most tastes.

Covid-19 prevention and safety guidelines will be observed at all events.

All those planning to visit should check on the heritage open days website for full details of any booking required and any last-minute changes before heading out.

Attractions and heritage sites taking part in the weekend festival

Participating venues in this year's event include:

Friary Walled Garden in Whitehorse Lane, Maldon.

This is a garden full of both beauty and history, hidden in the middle of Maldon town centre. Behind the Iceland supermarket and next to Maldon Library, the secret garden is bound on three sides by high red brick and stone walls and features gravel paths with box hedging and borders containing a variety of interesting and unusual plants.

It includes different distinctive styles, with a Georgian layout and Edwardian era raised vegetable beds, fruit trees, old roses and memorial gardens.

The garden could date back further still, as seven centuries ago there was a monastic community next to the site and the garden could have been used for medicinal and other herbs.

It has been lovingly cared for by The Maldon & Heybridge Horiticultural Society since it took over the then very neglected garden in 1987.

The garden will be open to the public between 10am and 4pm on Sunday, 13 September.

Museum in the Park.

This delightful museum in the old Park Keeper's House in Promenade Park, Maldon, holds collections reflecting the social, domestic and industrial history of Maldon. It gives insights into Maldon's maritime past and in the Childhood Room children can play with toys from times past and take part in a quiz.

The museum will be open on Saturday, 12 September, from 1pm to 4pm, and Sunday, 13 September, at the same times.

Maldon Quaker Meeting House in Butt Lane, Maldon.

Built in 1821, this landmark Maldon building is set back in a burial ground maintained to encourage wildlife. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the peacefulness of the grounds and members of the Meeting will be happy to show visitors around.

The Meeting House will be open on Sunday, 13 September, from midday to 3pm.

Museum of Power in Hatfield Road, Langford.

The pride and joy of this amazing museum full of wonders is the steam pumping engine called 'Marshall'. There will be a book fair and craft stalls and the model village will be open both days. Marshall and the other engines will be running on Sunday only.

The museum will be open on Saturday, 12 September, from 10am to 3pm, and Sunday, 13 September, at the same times.

The Maeldune Heritage Centre, St Peter's Tower in Market Hill, Maldon.

Home to the Maldon Embroidery, a 42ft long history of Maldon, extensive photographic and video archives and – new this year – The Maldon Society's Oral Listening Post with a varied and interesting range of local history to listen to.

The Exhibition Hall features displays from local craftspeople and artists. Shopping opportunities include pottery, glassware, jewellery, ornaments, woodcraft, textiles, prints, books, greetings cards and postcards.

Individual talks and group bookings for the embroidery should be booked with Lynda O'Brien on 01621 851628 or by emailing Maeldune Heritage Centre.

The Moot Hall in High Street, Maldon.

The building has a medieval brick tower, with rare brick newell staircase, court room, council chamber and offers panoramic views over the Blackwater from the roof.

Stewards will be on every floor to explain the features and history of the building.

Opening times will be from 10am to 4pm on both the Saturday and Sunday, 12 and 13 September. Visitor numbers are limited and pre-booking is recommended – contact Victoria George on 01621 851553 or email the manager at the Moot Hall.

Thomas Plume's Library at 1, Market Hill, Maldon (above the Maeldune Centre).

This antique library, founded in 1704, houses the collection of books and pamphlets left to the town by Dr Thomas Plume.

It is open on Saturday, 12 September, from 10am to 4pm. Viewing is by appointment only with the library clerk on 01621 854850 or email the Thomas Plumes Library.