The stunning colours, textures and sights of the informal gardens at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice go on show next month.

The hospice is opening its doors as part of the National Open Garden Scheme on Saturday 6th July between 10am and 4pm.

The Grade 2* Listed medieval estate boasts lawns, planted beds and breathtaking views towards Gloucester, Cheltenham, The Malvern Hills and beyond.

Tended all year round by a team of 25 dedicated volunteer gardeners, there is never a better time to take in the hospice grounds, which are currently in beautiful late spring display.

Garden highlights include a feature garden designed by RHS Chelsea Gold Medal Winner, Peter Dowle. Beautifully incorporating 45 different species, the design has an olive tree, strawberry tree, an acer palmatum, a chines windmill palm and scotch pine along with a number of bed rocks.

In celebration of the estate's medieval history, the bed rocks are blocks of stone from the original 13th century manor house, many of which display the marks from the stonemasons who handcrafted them.

Garden visitors will have the chance to enjoy the new Charles Irving Woodland Walk - an all-weather wheelchair friendly walkway which loops around the hospice's pond and woodland.

From the pathway, visitors will be able to spot a special new addition to the gardens, a Yellow Norweigan Maple planted by the Hospice's Royal Patron, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, marking the occasion of his 70th birthday year during his last visit.

To the front of the hospice, the Cotswold stone terrace and seating area offer the perfect spot to enjoy the views. Both the recently refurbished terrace and woodland walk were made possible thanks to a donation from The Charles Irving Charitable Trust.

Elise Hoadley, hospice director, said: "We do all we can to make sure our hospice is a home from home for our patients and their families and our grounds play an important part in making everyone feel welcome and relaxed while boosting wellbeing. We're thrilled to be part of the National Open Garden Scheme this year so we can share our beautiful grounds with the local community."

David Bills, head gardener at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: "Our grounds give our patients and their families and visitors something beautiful to look at and enjoy throughout the year, with colour in every season. I hope lots of people take the opportunity to come and explore our traditional cottage garden framed by herbaceous borders and orchard with sedum, fuchsia, wild roses, lupins, hardy geraniums, allium, lavendula, buddleja, digitalis, hosta, and aubrieta, abound amongst flowering shrubs, climbers, and attractive acers."

Admission on the gate costs £5 on the day, with children free, and homemade teas and cakes available in support of the hospice.