Gardeners in the canalside hamlet of Avoncliff near Bradford on Avon are inviting people to leave their cars at home when visiting open gardens later this summer.

Eight gardens will be open to the public on Sunday, 14 June, and all can be easily reached from the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath, or by taking the train to Avoncliff.

The gardens, which include the Mad Hatter Tea Rooms, Avon Villa and the overground garden of Avoncliff’s underground eco-house, are open as part of Dorothy House Hospice Care’s 2009 open gardens season.

Dorothy House community fundraiser Yvonne Brunton said: “There is limited car parking at Avoncliff, so this seems like an ideal opportunity to go for the green option and let the train take the strain.

“It’s a short trip from Bath, Westbury, Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon, and you can pick up a timetable from your local station.