This is Bristol --NUMEROUS historic and contemporary buildings revealed their hidden gems to the public as part of the popular Bristol Doors Open Day.
The special event – celebrating its 20th year this year – saw 62 venues participating, from the Bristol Old Vic, the oldest continuously working theatre in the UK, to the contemporary headquarters of the Environment Agency, Horizon House.
Entry to all the various buildings and sites was free.
Penny Mellor, who has coordinated Bristol Doors Open Day since 1994, said: "It went very well and many were saying the numbers of people visiting were up which is nice.
"It is very rewarding and a lot of people do a lot of hard work.
"One person said to me they had lived in Bristol all their life and didn't realise certain building were there – that is what it's all about."
Visitors to The Guildhall in the city centre were able to see the Gothic Revival former Crown Court building, while tours around the British Heart Institute behind the BRI were also on offer.
There was also the opportunity to look around the Victorian Arnos Vale Cemetery in Brislington, which was planned in 1837 as a Greek necropolis and is now a well-restored atmospheric area of tombs and graves.
Keen groups gathered for tours, which were held throughout the day with Bristol Temple Meads and Aardman studios quickly booked up.
There was much interest at Bristol Blue Glass which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Sam Toms from Stockwood went along to the site in Bath Road, Brislington with sons Jack, nine, and daughter Leah, four.
"The doors open day is a brilliant idea," she said.
"I've known about it for a few years but have always been working. The skills of the guys who make the Bristol Blue Glass are just amazing. It's fascinating."
Retired Pat Pick, also from Stockwood, added: "Having an opportunity to see behind the scenes is lovely."
At the Slipper Baths in Dean Lane, Southville hundreds queued to take a look at the first class baths beneath the Bristol South Swimming Pool.
Slipper baths are individual cubicles that were constructed in terrazzo for private bathing in an era when few houses in the area had indoor bathrooms.
Robert Willis, 87, of Bedminster used to bathe in Slipper Baths, right, located in another part of the city.
He said: "Most of us used them on the Saturday morning. We all used to sing because it would echo. Somebody would start and we would all join in – it was great fun."
Alan and Shirley Leslie made the trip over from Clevedon.
"Having the opportunity to see things like this is just fabulous," Mrs Leslie said. Mr Leslie added: "It really does bring history to life."
At Bristol Central Library large groups were given a 90-minute tour where they saw hidden gems including the chief librarian's office, the galleries and the reading room.
Nick Deacon, 30, of Hanham said: "It's like looking back into history and realising there is a whole hidden world of books.
"I love books and the opportunity to peek behind the curtain was too good to miss."
Fiona Stradling, from Redfield, said: "I have been to doors open days before but never in Bristol. The library building is amazing, a real jewel in our crown."
Steve Hunt, of Redfield added: "You just learn so much. It is a real labyrinth of wonders."
Tom and Anne Pinion took their daughter Olivia, four, to the Underfall Yard and The Old Stable Block in Cumberland Road, where there are workshops still used for boat and harbour maintenance.
Mr Pinion said: "It's a really interesting and educational experience and a great opportunity to take a look at things you just don't normally get to see." Reported by This is 8 hours ago.