Free access to garden extended after positive response

The Peckover House garden is much larger than expected because it extends behind neighbouring properties

Richard Humphrey/Geograph Peckover House, North Brink, Wisbech — The Peckover House garden is much larger than expected because it extends behind neighbouring properties

The 18th Century house was bought by a Quaker philanthropist family called Peckover in the 1790s
For more than 150 years, they created a large garden behind the house to showcase a wide range of horticultural styles
The garden was opened for free during the summer holiday and this trial has been extended until 30 October

Community groups, workers taking lunch breaks and families playing games are among those taking advantage of free access to a Victorian walled garden.

Peckover House, in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, usually charges adults £5 to visit the garden and £10 if a house tour is included.

The National Trust-owned property will remain free to visit until 30 October after a successful trial over the summer months.

Peckover House general manager, Donna Baldwin, said they were "overwhelmed with the positive response".

The back of the house can be glimpsed above one of its lawns

Richard Humphrey/Geograph Peckover House garden — The back of the house can be glimpsed above one of its lawns

The National Trust said feedback from residents of the Fenland town revealed many discovered the garden for the first time, while others were surprised there was a large, historic garden hidden in the centre of Wisbech.

The 18th Century house, which is on the North Brink, has been owned by the charity since the 1940s.

Its garden is far larger than visitors expect because it extends behind neighbouring properties and includes an orangery, orchard lawn, rose garden and herbaceous beds.

Ms Baldwin said people connected with the space in many ways "whether that was bringing a book to enjoy a quiet moment on their lunch break, coming along with the family to play games and let off steam or community groups connecting and visiting together".