Celebrate the Summer Solstice in Style!

If you’d like to celebrate the Summer Solstice, but don’t fancy the idea of shedding all your clothes and dancing naked round Stonehenge, there’s now an attractive alternative – and much closer to home.

For those who want to mark the passing of midsummer with a little more modesty, there will be special Solstice Tours of The Secret Gardens of Sandwich, giving gardening enthusiasts the opportunity to get up close and personal to nature – without too much personal exposure.

The gardens, 3.5 acres of stunning Jekyll-inspired beds, borders, meadows and woodland, are opening especially late on Thursday June 24, when Head Gardner Steve Edney and his team will be sharing the benefit of their expertise with visitors to this most glorious corner of Kent.

Visitors will enjoy a complimentary glass of wine before being taken on a guided tour of the various ‘rooms’ in this beautifully restored Edwardian garden – the spectacular Yellow Garden, breathtaking White Garden, inspirational Kitchen Garden and fantastical Tropical Border.

The Secret Gardens of Sandwich lay unseen for almost a quarter of a century and have been lovingly restored at a cost of more than £2 million by the present owners, Dominic and Stephanie Parker.

As well as the gardens themselves, The Secret Gardens of Sandwich contain a delightful Tea Room, serving home made cakes, light lunches, champagne and Cream Teas, plus a new gift shop with an eclectic range of unique and unusual gifts.

Gift vouchers, available by post as well as from the shop, can be exchanged for admission throughout the year, home-reared plants and other gardening gifts. These are sure to delight to all discerning gardeners and come in an attractive gift wallet, starting from just £5.

If you can’t make it down to Sandwich on Midsummer’s Eve, The Secret Gardens are open seven days a week, throughout the year. From now until September 30, opening hours are from 10am to 5pm, closing at 4pm from October through to December.

On June 24, gates will re-open at 5.30pm, with the Solstice Tours commencing at 6.45pm. Tickets are £16. Telephone 01304 619919 to book.

For more information contact Jane Shotliff on 01622 870272 or Simon Clubley at The Wow Factory on 01233 713 852.