THREE Swindon attractions will open their doors for free next month, offering visitors an exciting slice of culture as part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days event.

Swindon Science Museum, Steam and Lydiard Park House and walled gardens are all taking part in the annual event, to be held over four days from September 6 to September 9.

Not all the Wroughton-based Science Museum, built within seven large aircraft hangars, is regularly open to the public and it will be displaying rare collections.

Visitors will be able to see a 1904 Krieger electric car, watch a vintage motorcycle speed demonstration and view aircraft, fire engines and road vehicles dating back to the 19th Century.

"We did the event last year and it's a good chance for people to come and see what we're all about," said Graham Nicholls of the museum.

"We'll be running a Heritage bus through to hangars L1 and L4 and this is the only time they will be open in 2007."

The museum is part of a group of six cultural sites currently vying for a £50m grant from the Big Lottery Fund, the winner of which will be decided in a live television vote later this year.

If successful, the grant will be used to fund the Inspired project, a new interactive technology and innovation museum that would open in 2010.

"We really need this money," said Mr Nicholls. "Inspired would be one of the biggest museums in Europe, very interactive, and visitors would be able to see our whole collection."

The Heritage Open Days event, which encompasses 3,500 historic properties across the country, is organised by the Civic Trust charity alongside English Heritage and will be run by up to 30,000 volunteers.

Coun Justin Tomlinson, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and recreation, said: "Swindon has a wealth of history, which is accessible to everyone.

"The Heritage Open Days are a great opportunity for people to discover more about Steam and Lydiard Park, which are fantastic examples of the town's rich and varied heritage.

"Steam opens the doors of Swindon's charming Railway Village Museum to celebrate the national initiative, Heritage Open Days.

"The railway cottage is a delight to see and gives a real feeling of stepping back into the early 1900s.

"Don't miss the chance to explore Lydiard House and the newly-restored ornamental fruit and flower garden.

"Discover more about the people who lived and worked at Lydiard Park - see the family portraits, original furniture and ornate furnishings in the state rooms and enjoy the stunning displays of flowers, fruit trees and bedding plants in the faithfully restored 18th-Century walled garden."