AN historic south Cumbrian landmark will share its secrets with the public this weekend as it opens its magnificent gardens to the world.

The National Gardens Scheme, which has run since 1927, raises money for leading UK charities though private gardens charging admission to enter.

Conishead Priory and Buddhist Temple has taken part in the event for the past 16 years, managing to raise thousands for good causes in the process.

Geoff Roe, the visitor manager at Conishead Priory and Modern Buddhist Temple, said: "We joined the National Garden Scheme in Cumbria 16 years ago and in that time over 2,300 people have visited and donated £7,100."

Visitors will be able to take in the priory's stunning gardens, learn more about what happens in the Buddhist temple, and explore the woods surrounding the area leading to the Morecambe Bay coast.

The priory's history stretches back more than 900 years and it has long been associated with peace and healing.

Mr Roe explained: "It began in 1160 as a small hospital run by Augustinian monks and then achieved priory status.

"Everything was going well until the reign of Henry VIII when it was completely destroyed, there is nothing left of the original priory.

"The building you see today was completed in 1836 as private mansion in the style of a ‘gothic fantasy’ by the Braddyll family. In 1878 it was converted for use as a hydrotherapy hotel known as the ‘Paradise Of Furness’.

"It became a convalescent home for Durham Miners Association in 1929, and was used as a military hospital during the Second World War."

In 1977 the land was purchased to house the Modern Buddhist Centre.

Through charging admission to private gardens, the NGS has raised more than £50m over its 90 year history.

Its chief executive George Plumptre said: "In our 90th anniversary, it's wonderful to celebrate all our new gardens coming in, but also look at the gardens which opened 90 years ago and are still open - even Sandringham."

This year, 3,650 gardens will be opening for the scheme, including more than 500 new and returning gardens, 270-plus groups of gardens, 38 allotment groups, 15 school gardens and 10 hospice gardens.

Conishead Priory and Modern Buddhist Temple will be open between 11am and 5pm tomorrow (April 22) and Sunday.

There are free guided meditation sessions, and a free guided tour of the historic house. There will also be free activities for children.

Admission for adults is £3.60, children go free.

For more information visit www.ngs.org.uk or www.manjushri.org.