THE chance to picnic in splendour is being offered to music lovers who visit historic Hampton Court next week.

The 15th Century estate will provide the backdrop to a classical concert staged to celebrate the start of the Leominster Festival next Thursday, May 31.

Guests will be given the chance to stroll around the Van Kampen Gardens, which only opened to the public in June last year, before the Artesian String Quartet strikes up as the sun goes down.

Picnickers will be welcome, but the Orangery restaurant will be open for light suppers.

"The evening is just one of several events planned this season at Hampton Court," said a spokesman for the property.

"There are other events planned for Easter, the midsummer weekend and an autumn event to open woodland walks."

Future plans for the garden, near Hope-under-Dinmore, include the full restoration of Victorian conservatory designed in the 1840s by Joseph Paxton, architect of Crystal Palace for the 1851 Great Exhibition.

Tickets for the event cost £8.50 and can be booked in advance on 01568 797777.