UK DEPARTURES

Opportunities for would-be travellers abound on 16 and 17 September, when the annual Open House celebration unlocks the doors of numerous buildings normally off-limits to visitors - 300 of them in London.

Starting at India House at the east end of The Strand, you could continue by exploring a defunct Underground station (Aldwych), the Savoy Theatre and the Royal Opera House, taking in the Travellers' Club and ending up at New Zealand House. Other interesting possibilities in the capital are the Ealing Studios, the Hoover Building, and Bankside in Southwark. Finally, you could return to the Indian theme at the new Hindu temple in Neasden. Call 0891 600080 for further information.

Sabbath observance is taken seriously in the Outer Hebrides, and the Gatliff Hebridean Hostels Trust advises "Please avoid arriving or departing from the hostels on Sundays". This not-for-profit organisation maintains a chain of crofters' hostels on Lewis, Harris, North Uist and South Uist. No advance bookings are accepted for the hostels, but "it is very unlikely that any travellers will find themselves turned away". Most hostels open all year. Details from the trust at 71 Cromwell Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis PA87 2DG.

Lighting-up time for Walsall's illuminations is lagging a little behind Blackpool, whose lights were switched on last night. The display in the arboretum of the Midlands town will be opened a fortnight from today by children's TV presenter Toby Anstis. Noddy and Big Ears are the stars this year.