TWO dozen gardens across Stokesley will be opening to visitors during a special weekend next month.

For one weekend only, July 3 and 4, visitors can discover the secrets of Stokesley’s best-kept gardens at Stokesley Open Gardens 2021.

The event, sponsored by Access Loft Conversions, gives visitors the opportunity to view 24 of the most beautiful gardens in Stokesley – some steeped in history behind old walls and alleys, others brand new and some redeveloping and creating new designs and plantings.

There will be nine new gardens open to the public alongside old favourites from previous events and admission funds will go towards Teesside Hospice.

The garden owners will be on hand to share gardening advice, tips and experiences, and to raise additional funds.

Several of the gardeners will have plants, cakes and refreshments for sale including Pimms and a chocolate fountain.

There will also be a jazz singer, family games and treasure hunts.

The event is organised by dedicated volunteer Julia Haigh who said “Our Stokesley community really comes together for this wonderful biennial event, with nature trails, lawn games, ice creams, pizzas, chocolate fountain, scarecrows, beekeepers, bringing together all ages.

"Come and relax and enjoy Pimms, cafes, jazz - and buy plants and cakes to take home.

"We have gardeners of all ages and visitors of all ages, all keen to have fun and share their love of gardening and the therapy that it brings.

"This year we are delighted to include nine new gardens and the allotments - come and explore and discover the hidden Stokesley.”

Admission is £6 via programmes available from various Stokesley shops including the Teesside Hospice Charity Shop, The Yorkshire Store, D. A. Grainge, Bexters Tearoom, Three Tuns Wynd or via teessidehospice.org.