THIS weekend offers the last chance to see the Perseus and Andromeda fountain before restoration work begins.

The Victorian fountain at Witley Court and Gardens which features the famous scene from Greek mythology will be out of action while it is restored by English Heritage.

The display will take place hourly every day this week, culminating in the final firing at 5pm on Sunday, August 21.

The fountain is considered one of Europe’s grandest, with 120 jets hidden among sculptures of shells, sea nymphs, dolphins and a huge serpent designed by James Forsyth in Portland Stone.

Firing high into the air and said to make the sound of a steam engine, the fountain will be taking a well-earned rest over the autumn and winter months.

Work to restore the fountain to its former glory will begin in the week of 22nd August, when the water in the fountain pool will be drained before cleaning begins to remove moss and lichen from the delicate Victorian stonework.

After cleaning work, a programme of masonry repairs - including reattaching Andromeda’s right arm, which suffered weather damage late last year - will take place.

In October, a viewing platform will be in place to give visitors a chance to enjoy the cleaning and repairs up close. The fountain is scheduled to be fully cleaned and restored ahead of firing once more in April next year.

Witley Court was once a famed party house, but since a 1937 fire it has stood as a spectacular ruin surrounded by beautiful gardens, which are open to explore.

The weekend includes behind the scenes tours of the Witley Court (August 21), plus Hands on History events for young explorers with outdoor crafts, a bug hunt and more.

Witley Court is open from 10am to 6pm daily.