An award-winning country house near Harrogate with Royal connections is issuing a special invitation to visit its historic gardens.

Nearly a century after HRH Princess Mary first welcomed visitors to the lovely gardens at Goldsborough Hall, the historic estate will once again open its gates in support of the National Garden Scheme, while celebrating a major milestone in its own history.

On Sunday, July 26, visitors are invited to explore the gardens as Goldsborough Hall marks 20 years of opening for the National Garden Scheme.

Princess Mary first opened the gardens for the NGS in 1928, and again in 1929 and 1930, beginning a tradition of charitable garden opening that continues today.

Rich history - Princess Mary first opened Goldsborough Hall's gardens for the NGS in 1928 – and again in 1929 and 1930 – beginning a tradition of charitable garden opening. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — Rich history - Princess Mary first opened Goldsborough Hall's gardens for the NGS in 1928 – and again in 1929 and 1930 – beginning a tradition of charitable garden opening. (Picture contributed)

Since acquiring Goldsborough Hall, owners Mark and Clare Oglesby have spent two decades restoring the historic grounds, carefully reviving forgotten borders, restoring heritage features and creating new areas that respect the garden's rich history while looking to its future.

This year's opening will be accompanied by a special exhibition, A Garden Reopened 1928–2026, which charts the remarkable transformation of the gardens through rarely seen archive photographs alongside present-day images taken from the same viewpoints.

The exhibition will tell the story of how a neglected historic landscape has been lovingly restored.

Visitors can wander through the herbaceous borders, rose gardens, kitchen garden, woodland walks and the historic Lime Tree Walk, while enjoying one of Yorkshire's finest private gardens at the height of summer.

Goldsborough Hall today - On Sunday, July 26, visitors are invited to explore the lovely gardens as the country house near Knaresborough and Harrogate marks 20 years of opening for the National Garden Scheme. (Picture contributed)

Built in the 1620s for Lord Chief Justice Sir Richard Hutton, Goldsborough Hall has a rich history spanning Civil War occupation by Oliver Cromwell to serving as the first marital home of HRH Princess Royal in 1922

The National Garden Scheme, has raised millions of pounds for nursing and health charities since its foundation, and every visit helps support its charitable work.

Goldsborough Hall's NGS opening will take place on Sunday, July 26, with admission from 11am until 4pm.

Refreshments will be available in the Orangery throughout the day.

There will be a plant sale in conjunction with Summerfield Nurseries.

Dogs on leads are also welcome.

Adults £7.50; under 12s free.

For more information, visit: https://www.goldsboroughhall.com/