If you are in the town centre for next week's Ride London event and want to escape the crowds have a look just behind the High Street to find the oasis that is Maldon's secret garden.

The Friary Walled Garden is opposite the Chequers Lane alley which runs between Iceland and Barclays Bank, and next to the library in White Horse Lane.

It is believed that there has been a garden on this site since the days of the Carmelite Friary which was founded in 1293.

It eventually stopped being used in the 1970's and after years of neglect it was adopted by volunteers from the Maldon & Heybridge Horticultural Society in 1987.

Surrounded by high brick walls with gravel paths lined with box hedging and an informal cottage garden planting style it is about one fifth of an acre in size.

Entrance is free, but donations are welcome, and there will be plants for sale plus a fun quiz sheet for children.