Cream tea and a secret garden

Visitors to the Judges' Lodgings Museum in Lancaster have the chance to visit its secluded garden, while enjoying a cream tea on Saturday 22 August.

From 12pm to 3.30pm, the museum will open up the tranquil garden, which has been maintained by a small group of volunteers.

Cream teas will be available to buy from an outdoor tearoom set up especially for the event.

Punch and Judy sessions will be performed during the afternoon.

Jennifer Ingham, Lancashire County Council's museum manager at the Judges' Lodgings Museum, said: "We thought that offering a cream tea would be a superb way to add to the enjoyment of the garden".

"The garden is to the rear of the building and not many people know that it exists. It has been tended by some green–fingered volunteers and we now have a peaceful area with a lawn and beautiful flowers in the border."

"We're hoping that the afternoon can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, and there will be performances of Punch and Judy shows in the small courtyard free of charge for children to enjoy, while their parents or grandparents appreciate the garden and the cream tea."

Admission to the cream tea event will be free, but costs apply to enter the museum.

Summer opening times are 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and 12pm to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Admission to the Judges' Lodgings Museum is £3 for adults and £2 for concessions. Accompanied children go free.

The Judges' Lodgings does not have access between floors for pushchairs or wheelchairs. There are steps up to the main entrance and a slope to the side entrance which can be used for those with limited mobility.

For more information, phone 01524 32808 or email [email protected]

Alternatively, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums

The Judges' Lodgings Museum is open seven days a week from 1 April to 31 October. Opening times vary throughout the season, so please check before visiting.