This spring marks the start of a series of exclusive out-of-hours garden tours at Glendurgan, taking in the highlights of the valley garden at this time of year.

The tours will be led by one of the garden team, who will explain more about how the garden, near Falmouth, is looked after on a day to day basis.

The four-year maze restoration project that is currently in progress will also be explained.

Ned Lomax, assistant head gardener, said: "We’re excited to offer these exclusive tours of Glendurgan for visitors who would like to know more about the plant collection we have here in the garden.

"It’s a wonderful opportunity to take a quiet stroll through the three valleys and ask one of the garden team any questions you may not have had the opportunity to ask during normal opening hours."

The three valleys and the steep paths allow for spectacular views of the garden’s rare and historic magnolias, including Magnolia campbellii alba which is found near the garden’s 186 year-old cherry laurel maze and Magnolia denudata located at the boat seat at the top of one of the garden’s three valleys.

Glendurgan is also famous for some of the largest and most spectacular camellias to be found in the country, with some approaching one hundred years in age.

The next garden tour will take place on Tuesday, April 2 (9.30-11am) and there will be another tour in May to take in the beautiful bluebells when they’re in bloom. Anybody interested in attending one of the tours is asked to book in advance by either emailing Glendurgan at glendurgan@nationaltrust.org.uk or by telephoning on 01326 252020 as spaces are limited.

Visitors are also advised to wear suitable footwear as the paths can be uneven and are steep in places.

The National Trust looks after a total of 433 hectares of countryside and coastline around the North Helford, including 25 acres at Glendurgan Garden near Mawnan Smith.