The summer holidays are wonderful for spending lots of time with children and grandchildren, but it can sometimes be hard to find activities that will keep little ones entertained and at the same time won’t break the bank!

So why not visit a National Gardens Scheme (NGS) garden?

There are almost 500 gardens open across England and Wales during the summer holidays, many of which don’t charge for young people under 16 years of age.

All NGS gardens are inspiring, uplifting places, guaranteed to keep the family entertained for an afternoon.

The benefits of NGS gardens to young people are many: a new place to explore, fresh air and beautiful colours to enjoy, and the opportunity to learn about plants and nature first-hand.

NGS gardens provide the perfect setting for families to relax and enjoy each other’s company in, and are also very good value for money. We hope many families will visit NGS gardens over the holidays.

Visitors to NGS gardens will also have the benefit of knowing that their entrance fee is supporting wonderful causes; since its foundation in 1927, the NGS has donated over £45 million to nursing and caring charities, including Marie Curie and Carers Trust.

Details of all NGS gardens opening over the Summer Holidays can be found on the NGS website: www.ngs.org.uk

George Plumptre

Chief Executive of the National Gardens Scheme