A RARE chance to see the gardens at Badminton House is being offered on Monday.

A limited number of tickets have been issued for a private tour. Arrival at 11am is followed by light refreshments and an introductory talk on the gardens by the Duchess of Beaufort and gardeners. After a buffet lunch visitors will be able to continue exploring the gardens in the afternoon.

With their formal design and informal planting the main gardens wrap neatly around the house. The South Garden is geometric in style, including 16 box beds filled with roses. On the east front are two conservatories, both housing the climbing geranium Millfield Gem.

The elegant orangery overlooks the swimming pond with its central fountain and just beyond is the dog pool – which, despite the planting around it, is just that. There is also a large and productive walled garden, which provides cut flowers - including tulips, peonies, roses, dahlias and asters, and plenty of produce for the house and the kitchens. The archway, which runs the full length of the walled garden, is covered with roses, clematis, wisteria and yellow laburnum.

Admission is £35. Visit ngs.org.uk to book a place