A LISTED theatre and a Second World War bunker are just two of the local attractions included in a free national heritage festival.

Taking place from September 9 to 18, Heritage Open Days will take place across the UK where visitors will be able to gain exclusive behind the scenes access at historic locations.

Nationally, around at 4,500 locations will take part, with 72 in Dorset.

Included in this is the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre where visitors can have a full guided tour of the 1929-built art deco Grade II listed building, including special backstage access.

Tours will take place on Friday September 9, Monday 12, Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15.

Also able to be visited is a historic Second World War decoy bunker situated within the Moors Valley Country Park. The bunker was used during the war to power and control lights to mimic the nearby RAF airfields at Hurn and Ibsley.

The bunker is usually closed to the public, but will be opened for one day of access as part of the Heritage Open Days festival. It will be open from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, September 18.

Visit heritageopendays.org.uk for a full list of local locations.