DOWNTON Hall will be opening its gardens to the public for charity again next month.

By permission of owner Mark Wiggin and his family the grounds which have been developed since 1760 will again be opened for the public to explore on Sunday, May 29 between 3pm and 6pm.

The grounds which are situated two miles north of Ludlow on the Bridgnorth Road were originally created when a small Gothic lodge was built. There was a small park from at least 1827, and the hall was also noted for its shrubberies and flowers.

By the late 19th century, Downton Hall was notable as an excellent example of an estate complex, with the hall, grounds, walled kitchen gardens, and the hall farm.

Over the last 20 years, the current owners have slowly but surely transformed the previously derelict grounds into well-maintained gardens.

Each year, a further project is embarked on and it is still very much a work in progress. Some of these finished projects include the creation of a large water garden, a laurel wood, specimen trees in a small arboretum, particularly fine azaleas, and numerous well-stocked borders, all overlooking a newly created cricket pitch.

All proceeds from the garden opening will be going to The Sebastian Coe Charitable Foundation in aid of Cancer Research and The Francis Crick Institute.

The entry is £5 per person entrance, and all children under 12 are free.