The secret garden that’s normally closed to the public - but you can visit it this Easter

This Easter you can visit a secret garden which is only open to the public on select days of the year. Tucked away off a quiet road in the Wirral, around an hours’ drive from Greater Manchester, are the gardens of Poulton Hall.

The historic hall has parts which date back to the 1650s and overlooks a beautiful three-acre garden with velvety lawns, wildflower meadows and a stunning walled garden. Usually the gardens are available to hire for private events, but Poulton Hall participates in the National Garden Scheme, which sees more than 3,500 private gardens across the country opening their gates to visitors on set dates, either by arrangement or on open days.

The scheme allows visitors to appreciate these hidden horticultural gems, and also helps to raise money for charity thanks to the visitor’s donations. You can check the National Garden Scheme website to find the nearest gardens near you and when you can visit.

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Now that spring is here many gardens taking part in the scheme have open days coming up, including Poulton Hall. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a day out over the Easter weekend and a chance to take in the beautiful flowers that start to bloom at this time of year.

Not just a place for green-fingered adults, Poulton Hall Garden is a place that kids will love too. The hall was the former home of Roger Lancelyn Green, a children’s writer known for his retellings of King Arthur and Robin Hood.

The garden celebrates the former resident with hints to these legendary figures, so little ones can let their imagination run wild. There’s even a sculpture of the late writer within the garden.

The garden will be open from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday March