The trust is launching a three-year project called New Stowe to transform the way visitors experience the world-famous gardens, and wants local residents to help plan for the future of this unique piece of the nation's heritage.

A new visitors' centre is part of a range of proposed improvements to the way the gardens are presented and explained, and members of the public are invited to have their say at two open days in early October.

David Brooks, Stowe's National Trust property manager, said: "We will be asking visitors and members of the local community what Stowe means to them and what we can do to revitalise this iconic piece of the country's heritage and restore its place in the hearts and minds of people in the 21st Century."

At the heart of the project will be the restoration of an old coaching inn and farmhouse close to the Corinthian Arch, which will provide a large new visitors' centre with first-class facilities.

Still known today as the New Inn, it was built in 1717 to provide rest and refreshment to the original visitors to Stowe, who flocked to marvel at the scale and splendour of the gardens.

The buildings are in need of major repairs but many original features remain which will be restored to provide an atmospheric and historically-authentic gateway.

The New Stowe project starts with public open days to be held at the New Inn, next to the Corinthian Arch, on Thursday, October 2, and Saturday, October 4, running from 11am to 3pm each day.

National Trust staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions, and participants can get a more detailed sneak preview of the exciting project. Parking is available at the Corinthian Arch and access to the New Inn will be on foot.

• See the National Trust advert on Page 17 for Open Day details.