Royal secret garden revealed

Visitors will be able to have a sneak preview of the gardens prior to the official garden opening in July. The last time the 11-acre gardens were open to the public was in 1930 when it was the home of Princess Mary, the Queen's aunt.

The gardens, which feature a quarter mile-long avenue of lime trees planted by Royal visitors in the 1920s, have been restored by Goldsborough Hall's new owners, Mark and Clare Oglesby.

Plaques on the trees show the dates when dignitaries, including King George V and Queen Mary, planted them.

The garden boasts more than 50,000 daffodils in the lime tree walk and around the house. There are also the delicate pinks, whites and purples of the mini-hellebore walk and the striking blue grape hyacinths.

Goldsborough Hall gardens will be open from noon-4pm. Adults 3.50, children free. The gardens will also be open to visitors on Sunday, July 25, under NGS when the herbaceous borders, rose beds, lilies and sweet peas will be in full bloom.

For more information, visit www.goldsboroughhall.com or www.ngs.org.uk or call 01423 867321.