TWO gardens will open their doors to the public this weekend as part of a national scheme.

Congburn Arboretum at Edmondsley, near Stanley and Crook Hall, in Durham, will be open their gates on Sunday as part of the National Gardens Scheme.

The Arboretum offers woodland walks through the snowdrops and the developing woodland on the hillside and will be open from 10am to 4pm. Admission is £3 for adults and free for children, although due to the slopes it is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Crook Hall and Gardens, in Sidegate, Durham is open from 11am to 3pm and costs £7, or £5 for children.

The medieval manor is set in four acres of romantic gardens, with orchard, maze and moat pool.

Refreshments are available in the main building and the site is wheelchair accessible.