GARDENS which have remained unchanged since their establishment in the 19th century have been opened to the public for the first time.

Westonbirt School, an independent boarding and day school for girls in Gloucestershire, will be opening its grounds.

The school is near Westonbirt Arboretum, which is one of the region's top attractions and is a favourite with day-trippers from in and around Swindon.

The gardens combine formal and informal features originally established by the Holfords - the family responsible for planting Westonbirt Arboretum during the Victorian era.

The gardens will be open until Sunday April 20 from 11am until 4.30pm. Admission costs £3.50 for adults and £2 for children of school age.

For more information, call (01666) 88033 during office hours.

There are also views of Westonbirt House, now home to Westonbirt School and formerly the Holfords' mansion

It was one of the most extravagant homes to be built at the time.

The arboretum was once part of the same estate and is now owned and operated by the Forestry Commission.