DOORS were opened across Oxford as thousands of people came to the city to take a sneak peak at areas normally off-limits.

It is estimated more than 20,000 people attended events as part of the “open doors” weekend More than 180 venues opened their doors to the public and events were run at attractions across the city.

Seven classic Oxford built cars were on display at the Oxford Castle yard.

The oldest vehicle on display was Colin Kilpatrick’s Morris 4 Oxford 14 Stroke 28 — better known as the Bullnose Morris and built in Cowley in 1926 The 68-year-old, from Summertown, let children have a go behind the wheel.

He said: “I am very comfortable with everyone seeing it and letting children get in and out which is the important part. There is no point hiding them away or saying please don’t touch.”

The annual event was organised by the Oxford Preservation Trust, and director Debbie Dance said it had been a huge success.

She said: “We’re absolutely delighted. Looking around, there were smiles on everyone’s faces, which was absolutely wonderful.”

At the Old Fire Station, performances, installations and open studios brought visitors through the doors all weekend.

Visitors to the community venue were treated to a dance theatre performance from Cafe Reason, a four-piece outfit which wandered amongst visitors to the venue and neighbouring cafe, often howling and interacting with punters.

In the dungeons of Oxford Castle, visitors were given a glimpse of life in a Victorian prison by Tracey Slator , who told youngsters the punishments children as young as seven would have gone through.

Visitors were also given the chance to have their photograph taken for an old-fashioned mug-shot. County council leader Ian Hudspeth was one of many whose face was shown on screens for all to see. His crime – public nuisance.

More than 2,600 people visited Exeter College’s chapel, dining hall and fellows’ garden on both days.

Kaye Lindsay, 47, was in Oxford for the weekend.

She said: “We have just been wandering because it’s just a city that you want to wander through and look at – it’s beautiful.”