It's a real square deal

Many of us will have marvelled (through the gates) at the beauty of the capital's garden squares, but few of us have access to these oases of green.

On Sunday 9 June, the gates of more than 70 of London's most beautiful private garden squares will be open to the public as part of the London Garden Squares Day - a joint initiative between English Heritage and the London Historic Parks And Garden Trust to highlight the contribution the gardens make to the capital's culture and history.

See the lesser-known Addington Square (SE5) with its Second World War bomb shelters beneath, or Charterhouse Square (EC1) - the site of 14th-century plague pits. Pay a visit to the Convent Of The Assumption (W8) with its Lourdes-type grotto, mulberry and fruit trees or Edwardes Square (W8) with its rose pergola and croquet lawn.

A £5 pass and info pack, bought at Waterstone's Piccadilly or any of the participating squares on the day, will allow access to all squares.

Most (but not all) will have entertainment, including live music, dancing and refreshments.

London Garden Squares Day
Sun 9 Jun
For details, call 020-7839 3969 or visit myweb.tiscali.co.uk/london.gardens