The gardens have many features and flowers that will be blooming in the spring
As the weather starts to improve thanks to the new spring season, you might be thinking of places you can visit to enjoy some time in the outdoors. Cambridgeshire has plenty of green spaces to see with your family but you also do not need to travel too far if you want to go somewhere new.
The National Garden Scheme puts on open days of gardens across the UK for people to enjoy throughout the year. The garden surrounding the Tudor Kirtling Tower will be open for one day on Sunday, March 29, and might be worth a visit if you love history.
The tower can be found right on the border of Cambridgeshire with its main feature nowadays being the three-storeyed Tudor gatehouse. The origins of Kirtling Tower date back to 1219 when it was a castle with a moat, a ditch, and a palisade.
The castle went through a range of rebuilds including in the 1550s by architect Francis Adams when it was renamed Kirtling Hall. The hall continued to be developed and by the 1660s, it was the largest country house in Cambridgeshire.
The property went into decline in the 19th century with most of the castle being pulled down in 1801. In the 1830s, the gatehouse was turned into a residential property and was renamed Kirtling Tower.
During the open day, guests will have a chance to walk around the 25 acres of parkland where you can see views of the surrounding countryside. The dry moat has been planted with daffodils and trees alongside the “beautifully designed garden”.
The garden has a range of historical features such as a Walnut Avenue and an ancient Tudor Walk. You can follow the grass paths to see lots of spring flowers blooming and take a look at the Cutting Garden, which is full of roses and sweet peas.
The Cloister Courtyard has been planted with hydrangeas and roses. There will be some craft and plant stalls to take a look at as well as light refreshments on offer.
Tickets for the open day costs £6 for adults and are free for children. Tickets can be booked through the National Garden Scheme website.
The gardens around the tower will be open from 11am until 4pm. Kirtling Tower can be found on Kirtling Road, which is around a 38 minute drive away from Cambridge via the A1303.