Families can meet Albert the Tortoise and learn about the Countess of Warwick's pets at the Gardens of Easton Lodge open day.

The gardens will be open on Sunday, August 18 from 11am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.

Tickets can be booked from www.eastonlodge.co.uk or www.trybooking.com.

Visitors can explore the glade, treehouse, Japanese-style garden and sunken Italian garden - which was designed by Edwardian garden designer Harold Peto.

The Woodwind of Stortford groupThe Woodwind of Stortford group (Image: The Gardens of Easton Lodge Preservation Trust)

Local children's author Ian Brown will talk to children at midday and 2.30pm and read from his books about Albert the Tortoise, which are illustrated by Eoin Clarke.

He will be accompanied by the real Albert the Tortoise - who is more than 80 years old - and his books and other merchandise will be on sale.

Around the gardens children can also find and learn more about Olympic heroes, and there will be face painting, craft activities and a trail in the glade.

The Woodwind of Stortford sax group will play at 12.30pm, and the entire woodwind group will play a mix of popular music from 1.30pm.

Lily pond at the Gardens of Easton LodgeLily pond at the Gardens of Easton Lodge (Image: The Gardens of Easton Lodge Preservation Trust)

There will also be garden games, including croquet on the lawn, as well as a wood turner and plant, craft and garden produce stalls.

Visitors can learn more about the Countess of Warwick and her many animals in an exhibition curated from the archives of the Garden of Easton Lodge Preservation Trust.

Daisy, the Countess of Warwick, kept and cared for a large and varied collection of animals at Easton Lodge and Warwick Castle over the years.

Flowers at the Gardens of Easton LodgeFlowers at the Gardens of Easton Lodge (Image: The Gardens of Easton Lodge Preservation Trust)

At different times, her menagerie included cats, dogs, monkeys, rescued circus ponies and a baby elephant called 'Kim'.

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The Countess of Warwick also had a strong interest in animal welfare, and was involved with both the RSPCA and the RSPB.

On the open day, the trust's volunteers will provide refreshments, including hot and cold drinks, cheese, bacon or hummus rolls and a selection of homemade cakes.

Visitors are also welcome at the Gardens of Easton Lodge from 11pm to 3pm on Thursdays throughout the season, and hot and cold drinks and homemade cake will be available.