Cerne Abbas, midway between Dorchester and Weymouth, is most famous for its chalk giant carved into the hillside.

However in June the open gardens weekend also attracts a large number of garden lovers.

This year about 25 gardens will be open on Saturday 18 and Sunday, 19 June from 2-6pm. The gardens offer a wide variety of designs and plantings ranging from courtyards to larger gardens, such as Barnwells which is an Arts and Crafts garden laid out in 1/3 acre and featured in The English Garden Magazine. Also of special interest is the Squibb Garden next to St Mary’s Church; this has been renovated and is maintained by village volunteers. Many of the gardens offer unique views of the village and have vestiges of the Abbey that stood at the top of Abbey Street.

All the gardens are within easy walking distance of the free carpark. An excellent plant stall is located in the village square next to the ticket office where day tickets and maps are available at £5 for adults and accompanied children are free. And what could be better than tea in the vicarage garden adjacent to a clutch of open gardens.

The proceeds will be divided equally between The Charles North Charity and The Weldmar HospiceCare Trust.

For details call 01300 341311 or visit .cerneabbasopengardens.org.uk