Norfolk gardens opening in April for National Garden Scheme

To celebrate the spring season, secret gardens across Norfolk are opening to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

The NGS raises money for health and nursing charities through admissions and refreshments.

1. Gayton Hall

Gayton Hall Gardens has a lake and an abundance of blooms to wander through (Image: National Garden Scheme)

Where: Gayton Hall, Church Farm Barns, Gayton, King's Lynn, PE32 1PL

When: Sunday, April 1, 11am to 4pm

Price: £6, children go free

This rambling semi-wild garden has over two miles of paths that meander through lawn, streams, bridges and woodland.

Primulas, astilbes, lysichiton, hostas and gunnera grow along the water's edge.

There is a good display of spring bulbs and a variety of unusual trees and shrubs that have been planted over the years.

2. Holkham Hall Garden

Secret parts of the Holkham Estate will open to the public this April (Image: iwitness24)

Where: Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1RH

When: Friday, April 17, 10.30am to 4pm

Price: £20

Discover the hidden corners of Holkham which are not usually open to the public, with a guided tour of the arboretum and private terraces.

Stroll through the arboretum, home to rare trees from around the world, with historic features including a shell garden and former rose garden.

Step on to the terraces designed by WA Nestfield, with an impressive fountain and parterres with breathtaking parkland views.

Pre-booking only. Tickets include homemade refreshments in the Lady Elizabeth Wing.

3. East Ruston Old Vicarage

East Ruston Old Vicarage was named the best garden in the UK earlier this year (Image: Colin Finch)

Where: East Ruston Old Vicarage, Vicarage Road, NR12 9HN

When: Saturday, April 18, 12pm to 5.30pm

Price: £15.50, children go free

This is a large garden with traditional borders and modern landscapes that was named the nation's best at the start of March.

Discover different types of gardens, including walled, rose and exotic gardens, topiary and box parterres.

There are also water features, a Mediterranean garden, a fruit cage and colourful containers in spring and summer.

Visitors can also enjoy a cornfield and meadows, vegetable and cutting gardens, parkland and a heritage orchard, all in 32 acres.

4. The Elms

The Elms near Beccles is opening to the public (Image: National Garden Scheme)

Where: Elms Road, Toft Monks, Beccles, NR34 0EJ

When: Sunday, April 19, 10am to 4pm

Price: £5, children go free

Gardens are set around a beautiful moated Queen Anne house.

Visitors will discover the extensive spring bulb display as well as the stunning herbaceous borders and wander through the formal rose garden with a rose arch.

There are views of the ponds, arboretum and year-round interest.

5. Wretham Lodge

The garden at Wretham Lodge has burst into colour (Image: Supplied)

Where: Church Road, Wretham, Thetford, IP24 1RL

When: Sunday, April 26, 11am to 5pm

Price: £7, children go free

Wretham Lodge gardens cover 10 acres surrounding a former Georgian rectory.

In spring, there is a mass of species tulips, hellebores, fritillaries, daffodils and narcissi, and the bluebell walk and small woodland walk come to life.

In the more formal area, there are topiary pyramids and yew hedging leading to double herbaceous borders.

Visitors can wander through shrub borders and rose beds, a traditionally maintained walled garden with fruit, vegetables and perennials.