A new visitor centre, learning space and restored gardens have been opened to the public by English Heritage at Wrest Park, Bedfordshire, following a £3.8m revitalisation project.

The work has formed the first phase of a 20-year restoration project for the historic location, which has been part-funded with the help of a £1.14m Heritage Lottery Fund grant. English Heritage's revival of the estate has included bringing the gardens back to their early 20th century appearance, before the de Grey family sold Wrest Park in 1917.

Inside the French-inspired mansion, the conservatory and the countess; sitting room will be opened up to the public and an exhibition will detail the history of the estate. English Heritage chief executive Dr Simon Thurley said: "Wrest Park tells the story of England's love affair with landscape. It is a unique place capturing 300 years of gardening history.

"With the successful completion of this first phase of restoration, Wrest Park can rightfully reclaim its place as one of the great gardens of England." Image: English Heritage