Historic, innovative and quirky buildings across Newham are set to open their doors for one weekend only as part of Open House London.

The annual festival of architecture, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, will allow free access to buildings, some of which are normally closed to the public or charge for entry.

Among the borough’s highlights are the Abbey Mills pumping station, with tours of the site between 10am and 4pm on both days, and the world’s largest tidal mill, House Mill, which is open between 11am and 4pm across the weekend.

For those interested in religious architecture, two churches will be taking part - St Mary Magdalene and St Mary the Virgin.

Both date back to the 12th century and will be open between 10am and 5pm on Saturday, with St Mary the Virgin also open between 1pm and 5pm on Sunday.

Newham Recorder: The House Mill is a grade 1 listed 18th century tidal mill in Newham and is the largest existing tidal mill in the world. Volunteers are fighting to save the mill, reinstate the machinery to working order and develop education and hydroelectricity at the site.The House Mill is a grade 1 listed 18th century tidal mill in Newham and is the largest existing tidal mill in the world. Volunteers are fighting to save the mill, reinstate the machinery to working order and develop education and hydroelectricity at the site. (Image: Archant)

More modern sites include the Three Mills Lock, built ahead of the 2012 Olympics, which will be open between 10am and 5pm both days.

Temporary neighbourhood V22 Silvertown Studios, which will host affordable workspace and artists’ studios, is holding tours and an exhibition between 10am and 5pm both days.

A former Victorian public hall in Canning Town - now home to charity Community Links - will also be open on Saturday between 10am and 5pm, with a history exhibition, guided walks and activities for children all on offer.

Cyclists can take part in a tour of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park at 2pm on Sunday, exploring the construction of the site and the current infrastructure.

Newham Recorder: The House Mill is a grade 1 listed 18th century tidal mill in Newham and is the largest existing tidal mill in the world. Volunteers are fighting to save the mill, reinstate the machinery to working order and develop education and hydroelectricity at the site.The House Mill is a grade 1 listed 18th century tidal mill in Newham and is the largest existing tidal mill in the world. Volunteers are fighting to save the mill, reinstate the machinery to working order and develop education and hydroelectricity at the site. (Image: Archant)

Director of Open City, Rory Olcayto, said: “Open House is shining a light on the places shaping the capital with striking landmark buildings and new approaches to town planning.”

The Open House London scheme has been running since 1992 and now offers access to more than 800 buildings, tours and talks across the capital for one weekend each year.

Pre-booking is essential for some locations and tours, while other tours are first come first served with limited spaces.

For more information and to book, visit openhouselondon.open-city.org.uk

Newham Recorder: The House Mill is a grade 1 listed 18th century tidal mill in Newham and is the largest existing tidal mill in the world. Volunteers are fighting to save the mill, reinstate the machinery to working order and develop education and hydroelectricity at the site.The House Mill is a grade 1 listed 18th century tidal mill in Newham and is the largest existing tidal mill in the world. Volunteers are fighting to save the mill, reinstate the machinery to working order and develop education and hydroelectricity at the site. (Image: Archant)