A PICTURESQUE tourist attraction is throwing open its gates to the public on Friday (April 20) free of charge.

Grade II listed Houghton Lodge Gardens near Stockbridge is taking part in the National Open Gardens Day scheme celebrating gardens across the country. This year it coincides with National Gardening Week, which concludes on Sunday.

Houghton Lodge is owned by the Busk family and its extensive grounds sweep down to the banks of the River Test. This time of year there are carpets of spring flowers, including daffodils, primroses and blue scillia.

Other spring flowers include purple aubrietia, white alyssum and blue and white hyacinths.

Sophie Busk, who runs the gardens, said: “Spring has well and truly sprung at Houghton Lodge. We are waiting in anticipation to see the tulips flower around the garden, which we hope to be a mini tulip festival. The Topiary Garden is planted with five different varieties of purple tuli, and the raised beds in the walled garden with 1,500 different varieties of tulips!”

“With the recent opening of our new Tea House, Daisy’s of Houghton and our art exhibitions with Creative Coverage, the National Open Gardens Day gives us a perfect opportunity to thank our frequent visitors and to welcome new.”

Talks on plants are also being held at Houghton Lodge the same day between 11.30am and 2.30pm (charge £3). Houghton Lodge Gardens is open daily from 10am to 5pm.