One of Royston’s most important historic landmarks is being opened up to the public for a special one-day treat as part of a county-wide campaign.

Royston Cave, the man-made marvel which sits underneath the crossroads once formed by the ancient Ermine Street and Icknield Way highways, was first discovered in 1742 but its origins remain an enigma.

It is so popular with the punters that 162 people applied for just 10 free tickets made available for next Saturday as part of Herts Big Weekend.

Cave manager James Robinson said: “We look forward to meeting the lucky winners and hope that even if you weren’t lucky enough to win a free ticket, that you will come anyway as all income goes towards conservation and keeping the cave open to the public.

“Interest in the cave has been growing year on year following increased exposure in the media and a number of television documentaries that have included the cave in their line-up.

“We are expecting a bumper crop of visitors this year as more and more people add the cave to their ‘must see’ list.”

The new Royston Information Centre, in the town’s library, is sponsoring the special opening of the Cave.

It will also play its part in promoting tourism in Royston this year, so people are invited to pay them a visit, too.

You can pick up brochures on Royston, test your knowledge of Royston’s history on the interactive quiz and take a close look at the facsimile cave wall that forms part of the information area.

The cave is open between 2.30pm and 5pm – last entry 4.30pm – next Saturday, March 12 and thereafter on Saturdays and Sundays from 26 March to 25 September.

Tours are at 2.30pm, 3.10pm, 3.50pm and 4.30pm.

There are also tickets still available for children to get involved in free craft activities, that usually cost £2, at Royston and District Museum and Art Gallery in Lower King Street as part of the event.

The Royston Information Centre is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 10am to 5.30pm, Thursdays from 10am to 1pm and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm.

Herts Big Weekend is a countywide initiative to kick-start the tourism season in Hertfordshire. Hundreds of free tickets have been handed out for popular attractions and hidden gems throughout the county.

Visit www.hertsbigweekend.co.uk to find out how to claim a free ticket for events such as craft activities at Royston Museum.