Apple enthusiasts, rejoice! Houghton Lodge Gardens' popular Apple Day is back for another year of fruitful festivities on Sunday 28th September 2025 from 11 am to 4 pm. Nestled in the picturesque Test Valley, Hampshire, the gardens will transform into an apple-lover's paradise, offering a delightful blend of education, entertainment and tradition.
With over 32 apple tree varieties at Houghton Lodge Gardens, including the world-record-holding espaliered pear tree 'Beurre Diel', Apple Day is a celebration of many ancient varieties that can no longer be found in shops and supermarkets.
Expert Horticulture & Apple Identification:
- Renowned horticulturist Chris Bird, M.Hort (RHS) and Sparsholt College team providing fruit tree pruning and growing advice
- Apple identification service – bring your own apples to discover if they're cookers or eaters
Learn about historic apple varieties and their heritage
- Cider Craft & Tastings
- Hydes Cider offering samples and bottle sales
- Educational talks at 11am and 2pm about the cider-making process
- "Field-to-glass" insights into local craft cider production
Family Entertainment
- Apple Trail – mystery adventure for children to find the stolen golden apple
- Michael O'Leary storytelling featuring folktales and the mythical "Apple Tree Man"
- Red Stags Morris dancers performing at 12:00pm and 2:30pm in the walled garden
Traditional Activities
- Open wassail ceremony – toast apple trees with Houghton Lodge apple juice
- Participate in the ancient ritual of chanting and making noise to ensure good harvests
Garden Exploration
- Wander through gardens featuring 32+ apple tree varieties
- View the world record-holding Champion espaliered pear tree 'Beurre Diel' (53ft 11in)
- Explore the ongoing Fluvii Sculpture Exhibition (until 30th September)
- Food & Refreshments
- The Glass House tearoom serving apple-themed treats and drinks
- Special drinks menu including Houghton Garden Gin Spritz
Entry to tearoom and to talk to Sparsholt College experts is free; normal garden entry prices apply
| Season (28 Sept 2025) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Sunday | 11:00 | - 16:00 |
A haven of peace above the tranquil beauty of the River Test. Grade II* Gardens with…
A fine example of an Iron Age hill fort and an excellent vantage point. Many finds shown…
Explore this isolated island of characteristic chalk downland set in a sea of intensively…
The Museum of Army Flying is an award-winning British military aviation museum about the…
A large area of beautiful downland and woodland, including West Wood. The Park is ideal…
Holbury Lakes Trout Fishery covers 40 acres of Test Valley countryside, and has been…
Discover the beauty and inspiration at the Gardens, woodlands walks and breath-taking…
The Andover Golf Club is a Members' Club. Established in 1907, it is a 9 hole parkland…
Three historic buildings, a tearoom and period garden.
Housed in a Georgian town house built in the 1750s, Andover Museum tells the story of the…
The Lights, Andover's professional arts and entertainment venue is the hub of creative…
The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a full day out for the whole family where you can get close…
Experience a world of water fun and adventure. An all-year-round tropical water…
Thruxton is one of the fastest circuits and one which has hosted many varied events.
Finkley Down Farm is the place to go! There is always so much to see and do. You can join…
Five splendid military museums on an historic site with Visitor Centre, café displays and…
© Visit South East England 2025. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
