Raveningham Gardens, near Hales, is opening free of charge on Friday, April 17, 11am to 4pm, as part of the first National Open Gardens Day organised by The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society). 

Raveningham Gardens is in a glorious parkland setting. Visitors will be able to enjoy daffodils, viburnhams, hellebores and cornus and some tulips should also be in flower. There is a working Victorian walled kitchen garden, with glasshouses and a stocked conservatory, and an arboretum. More recent additions include a Herb Garden and a garden designed around Francis Bacon’s essays based on the passage of Time, plus contemporary sculptures and a new lake that was created to mark the Millennium. The 14th century Raveningham Church will also be open.

Sir Nicholas Bacon of Raveningham Hall, who is also President of The RHS said: “We are very pleased to be taking part in the first RHS National Open Gardens Day. Spring is such a wonderful time to visit gardens. National Open Gardens Day is an excellent way for visitors to some of the UK’s most beautiful gardens, to get a taste of how horticulture can enrich their lives.”

Tea and cake will be on offer in Raveningham Gardens’ tearoom.

Raveningham Gardens (NR14 6NS) is 10 miles south east of Norwich, signposted off the A146 at Hales, then B1136, t. 01508 548480, www.raveningham.com. The gardens are open from April 7 to August 27, Tuesday to Thursday, 11am to 4pm. There are also a series of special feature weeks. The next one is Spring Flowers Weeks, May 11-22 (closed Saturday and Sunday). Garden entry is adult £5, concessions £4.50, under 16 free. Dogs on leads are welcome.

National Open Gardens Days is part of RHS National Gardening Week, 13-19 April www.nationalgardeningweek.org.uk.