Hidden Gardens of Bury St Edmunds fund-raising event takes place today, in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care

Grab your comfortable shoes and sunhats, for today some of the best gardens in Bury St Edmunds will open their gates for an annual fund-raiser.

The Hidden Gardens event, which has been running for more than 30 years, will see 30 tucked away treats open to the public to raise funds for St Nicholas Hospice Care.

Visitors will be able to see secret patios, green lawns, lush borders, vegetable gardens and greenhouses, with each garden giving a glimpse into the horticultural passions of its owner.

George Chilvers, hospice community fund-raising manager, said: “It’s hard to believe this event has been going for more than 30 years.

“Our visitors come from far and wide. It is a lovely way to spend the day and an opportunity to see what delights there are hidden in the centre of town.”

So, what can visitors expect from the day?

• The event runs from 11am-5pm

• Tickets cost £7 each (under 16s free). They can be bought from the Hidden Gardens gazebo on Angel Hill, from 10.30am – card or cash payments.

• Tickets can also be purchased in advance at https://stnicholashospice.org.uk/news-community/events-listing/bury-st-edmunds-hidden-gardens/

• The event programme includes details of each garden and a map

• All the gardens are within walking distance of each other

• Some hosts will serve refreshments and some will be selling plants – cash-only payments

• There will also be music in some gardens

• There will be a plant sale on Angel Hill, hosted by Woolpit Nurseries, with proceeds supporting the charity

Some of the garden highlights this year:

• 24 Westgate Street, Turret Close: A lavender walk, rose garden, water feature and small woodland walk feature at Turret Close, which was bought by the hospice in it’s early days, in 1984. While no longer the hospice’s home, Turret Close remains a part of the organisations history.

• 84 Eastgate Street, The Glen: New this year, this is a tranquil garden with Victorian lime kilns and a 15-metre covered well. The garden is a mix of old and new, with established borders, a traditional greenhouse, mature trees, a pond and a summer house. Pimm’s will be served in return for donations.

• 6 Westley Road: Step into this jungle garden via the side greenhouse and discover a haven packed with succulents, a large pond (complete with waterfall) and a mix of hardy tropical plants, including palms and dahlias.

• Other new gardens this year include: the Cathedral Office, Abbey House; 2 School Hall Lane; 7a Hardwick Lane, Medlar House; and 7b Hardwick Lane, Quince House.

• There are three extra stops with gardens, refreshments and toilets: The Constitutional Club, in Guildhall Street; Theatre Royal, in Westgate Street; and Bury Farmers Club, in Northgate Street.