The town's newly-restored Red Mount proved a popular attraction, with a long queue for most of Sunday to get inside the building which dates back to the 15th Century. The wayside chapel for pilgrims on their way to Walsingham had been closed to the public for more than ten years but following extensive works was open once more.

It was one of 32 historic buildings in Lynn which were open during Sunday when an open-top vintage 1937 bus was used to help carry visitors around the town.

Chairman of the Civic Society, which ran the event, Alison Gifford, said it had been a successful day.

"As an example, we had 636 people visit the Red Mount, 758 in the Town House Museum and 1,400 through the tourist office – which was very good," she said.

"The event would not be possible without the kindness and help of the owners of the private buildings and all those who volunteer to act as stewards," she added.

There was also entertainment including the town band and re-enactment groups and cannon firing from the Purfleet.

A number of volunteer guides and stewards were on hand at the venues to provide help and information for visitors who also had the chance to take part in the new pilgrimage trail as part of the restoration of The Walks.

The trail, developed by the Arts Centre and Norfolk Museum Service has plaques around the town at places of interest, with a guide for visitors to follow.

Anong the old favourites of the Town Hall and Custom House, were the privately-owned Clifton House, also undergoing restoration; St Ann's House (now offices), a new addition for this year along with the Tudor Rose where medieval re-enactors entertained.

Many of the historic buildings and sites are usually locked to the public and Sunday provided a rare opportunity to see inside many of them.

• The Red Mount will be open again to the public for at least 20 days next year during the tourist season – dates will be announced.