More than 100 garden lovers from across the North East came together to support healthcare charities when they visited Middleton Hall Retirement Village’s National Garden Scheme Open Day in July.

The popular event welcomed visitors to explore the retirement village’s award-winning 45-acre estate in Middleton St George, near Darlington, with proceeds helping to support the National Garden Scheme’s nursing and health charities.

Now in its seventh year as part of the National Garden Scheme, the open day once again proved to be a highlight of the summer calendar, giving visitors the opportunity to discover the beautiful gardens, woodland walks and landscaped grounds that make Middleton Hall so unique.

Guests enjoyed exploring the estate’s wide variety of green spaces, from the thriving kitchen garden, which supplies fresh produce to the village’s kitchens, and the busy chicken coop, to the colourful ceramic garden showcasing artwork created by residents. Visitors also had the chance to see the Estates team’s greenhouse, admire the residents’ allotments, enjoy the tranquil Japanese garden and wander through the estate’s extensive woodland walks.

The optional guided tours, led by members of the Estates team and independent residents, were once again a popular feature of the day. Visitors enjoyed learning more about the estate’s history, its carefully designed landscapes and Middleton Hall’s ongoing commitment to creating spaces that encourage biodiversity and support local wildlife.

Throughout the day, guests were able to relax with refreshments, including tea, scones and cake

Bryan Moore, Estates Manager at Middleton Hall Retirement Village, said:

“It was a real pleasure to welcome more than 100 visitors to Middleton Hall and share our gardens in support of such an important cause. It was especially lovely to see so many familiar faces returning year after year, alongside those visiting us for the first time. We are incredibly proud of our estate and the hard work our Estates team puts in throughout the year to keep the grounds looking their very best. It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying everything the village has to offer.”

The National Garden Scheme County Durham team added:

“A huge thank you to everyone who visited us at the National Garden Scheme Open Day, and to the organisers at Middleton Hall Retirement Village who made the event such a success. Your support is truly appreciated”

Please enjoy our gallery of photos from the day below. If you would like to explore more of Middleton Hall’s estate, you can also view our guides to the plants, birdlife and walking routes across the village HERE