RARELY open to the public, Shobdon Court is a gem in the heart of rural Herefordshire and for one day later this month, its grounds will be opened for the public to explore.

Visitors to the parkland on Wednesday, September 19 (2pm-5.30pm) will also have the chance to walk around the beautiful St John the Evangelist Church, with its famed architecture and distinctive interior.

The event is part of the St Michael's Hospice Open Gardens programme and has been made possible thanks to Penny Corbett and Shobdon Church Preservation Trust.

A stroll around the grounds begins in a courtyard in front of the house, with a centrepiece lawn featuring a spectacular Cedar of Lebanon, Beech and Oriental Planes, among many other delights.

From here, descend the gently sloping entrance to the arboretum, boasting a mature tree canopy, and smaller acers below.

Two pools follow soon after, beside rhododendron, azaleas and camellia flowers.

After wending your way back, take some time to explore the beautiful St John the Evangelist Church, just yards from Shobdon Court.

A new church was built on the old site by Lord Bateman and his uncle, Sir Richard Bateman, and is a wonderful example of 18th Century Rococo Gothic architecture.

It was consecrated in 1756, although the oldest part of the building is its 13th Century tower which had been left untouched.

For more information, and to book reduced price advance tickets, visit st-michaels-hospice.org.uk