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You are here > Home > Things to Do > Houghton Lodge Gardens
About
It is a family home that has been described by visitors as ‘a little piece of heaven’ with gardens that provide colour and delight throughout the seasons.
Houghton Lodge and Gardens is situated in the heart of the Test Valley and only five minutes from the local market town of Stockbridge. Built in 1790 and probably intended as a fishing lodge, Houghton Lodge is the UK's best surviving example of an 18th century Cottage Orné. It is idyllically set above the tranquil waters of the River Test with untouched views across the valley and water meadows with glorious gardens sheltered by beautiful trees and swathes of lawn sweeping down to the River Test.
Enjoy both formal and informal gardens, including the traditional kitchen garden enclosed by chalk cob walls with espaliers, apple orchard, herb garden and orchid house.
In early summer the fragrant peonies line the stunning rose arbour path leading to hidden corners of the garden. The 350’ long herbaceous border has year long beauty, bursting with bulbs in the spring, a tapestry of colour in the summer, and dahlias to brighten your heart in the autumn.
Enjoy over 15 acres of meadows and walks along the picturesque River Test and meet resident alpacas, Tom, Dick, Harry and Herbert, and not forgetting the 'snorting' topiary dragon.
Freshly prepared light lunches, cream teas and homemade cakes are served with teas and coffees in the Honesty tearooms at Houghton Lodge Gardens. Entrance to the tearooms and art exhibition, which is situated in the Orangery, are free.
Houghton Lodge is also a stunning location for weddings, and is one of the most romantic historic houses in Hampshire. Licenced for civil ceremonies, with two exquisite rooms in the house plus a choice of five wonderful outside structures including a woodland grotto, riverside fishing hut and the walled garden orangery and conservatory.
Houghton Lodge & Gardens is an ideal attraction for group visits (which must be pre-booked), whether your passion is historic houses, horticulture and gardening or exploring hidden attractions.
A recommended visit time is 1.5 hours, however with 14 acres of picturesque countryside and tearooms, many visitors stay longer to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Opening Times
| Open (30 Mar 2024 - 29 Sept 2024) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Friday | 11:00 | - 17:00 |
| Saturday - Sunday | 10:00 | - 17:00 |
* General Opening Text
