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Glanton gardens open day follows cancelled country show

ByPersuasionPR

Sep 27, 2019 #charity, #Events

The private gardens of a North Northumberland country house will open to the public – in a bid to soften the blow from the cancelation of this year’s Glanton Show.

There was disappointment when atrocious unseasonal weather washed out the annual gathering but the owner of Glanton Pyke – with gardens considered to be amongst the finest in Northumberland – is to allow visitors to explore almost 20 acres of grounds.

Between 1pm and 4pm, this Sunday (8th September), guests can enjoy a number of beautiful, individually styled gardens, superb specimen trees, greenhouses, a maze, water features, a meadow and woodland walks.

Refreshments – including tea and cakes – will be available to buy on the day with all proceeds going towards covering unrecoverable costs incurred by organisers of the Glanton Show. There will also be a stall for those looking to buy plants for their own gardens, a local history display and a raffle.

Glanton Pyke is owned by John and Claire Swanson. John said: “We have very occasionally opened our gardens for charitable events in the summer but thought that this year, in light of the unfortunate cancelation of Glanton Show, that we would host an event to celebrate and support our fantastic community. It will also provide a unique opportunity for the public to see the autumnal face of the gardens. All are welcome.

“Although I do get involved in the design process, my wife Claire is the driving force behind these wonderful gardens – which have evolved since we moved here over 30 years ago. We hope our visitors get as much enjoyment from them as we do.”

Jon Radgick, Chairman of Glanton Show, added: “The unavoidable last minute cancelation of the show left us with nearly all our costs and nearly none of our income. It is a hugely generous gesture on the part of Mr and Mrs Swanson to open their garden in support of the show, and we are very grateful.”

The earliest records of Glanton Pyke – which was built and owned by the Mills family – date back to 1706 but the house was continually altered and extended in the years that followed. The layout of the house – and grounds as they appear today – is largely the work of renowned architect John Dobson who, in 1820, was commissioned by then owner Henry Collingwood, to re-orientate and extend the property.

It stayed in the Collingwood family until 1987 when it was purchased by the Swansons.

The gardens, post code NE66 4BB, are located one mile west of Glanton, just off the A697.   The cost of entry on Sunday September 8th is £5, with children admitted free of charge.

*Picture caption: The beautiful gardens at Glanton Pyke are to be opened to the public for one day only*