ALICE in Wonderland-themed gardens will be coming to the grounds of a five-star hotel at the end of the summer.

Rockliffe Hall, in Hurworth, near Darlington, announced plans earlier this year for a 1.5 acre parkland scheme.

Work is now underway on the £750,000 development, which will be called Mischmasch, inspired by a periodical written and illustrated by author Lewis Carroll, who spent much of his childhood at nearby Croft-on-Tees.

Mischmash’s “Wonderland of Curiosities”will include an Alice in Wonderland nature trail, sculptures, a large adventure playground, water fountains and a maze.

A main feature of Mischmasch will be six Arctic cabins in an area of woodland, featuring different indoor experiences including interactive and electronic games and the start of a journey to find the Cheshire Cat. A new glasshouse will become the venue for pop-up events and weddings, a walled kitchen garden will allow chefs to grow their own produce for the hotel’s three restaurants.

There will be two tennis courts and a wildflower nature trial around the outskirts of the new site.

The development will offer facilities for families and young children as well as providing a extra venue in the glasshouse.