Devonport Naval base is to throw open its doors at the weekend (Saturday September 13 and Sunday September 14) as part of one of the biggest and most popular cultural events in England.

Members of the public are invited to go into the Plymouth base to have a close look at the dockyard’s collection of architectural gems.

The Open Weekend coincides with the national heritage Open Days, when the best and most unusual buildings in the country not normally open to the public are unveiled free of charge.

Notable Devonport buildings on the regular guided tours staged over the weekend include the 1850s fire station and police and cashier buildings, Bonaventure House, the great Covered Slip, the 18th century Ropery and King’s Hill gazebo.

During these tours visitors will also be able to see the many historic buildings in Morice Yard, North Yard and the former Naval Barracks.

A special feature of the weekend will be an impressive miniature scale matchstick fleet built by Phillip Warren, of Plymouth, who has devoted many years to the work, while on the Sunday visitors will be entertained by the brass band Sound Brass.

Boat ferries will also be available for Open Weekend visitors, running from Saltash Pier to North Corner, next to the base.

The ferries, for a charge, will leave Saltash at 10am and 11.30am, returning from North Corner at 1,15pm and 4.15pm.

A ferry also leaves from Phoenix Wharf, Barbican, at 10.45am and 11.30am, returning at 1.15pm and 4.15pm.

Cdr Charles Crichton, Devonport Naval Base Liaison Officer, said: “This is a marvellous chance to see the historically-valuable buildings in the Naval Base.

“We are particularly proud to be part of the national Heritage Open days that give the public a rare chance to see protected buildings normally closed to them.”

Visits to the decommissioned nuclear submarine Courageous should be booked at the Naval Base.

Entrance to the Open Weekend is free, and there will be on-site parking at the entrance via Granby Gate, which will be open from 10am to 5pm.

Further information is available by calling 01752 552976.