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Houghton Lodge Gardens
Houghton Lodge
North Houghton
Stockbridge
Hampshire
SO20 6LQ
North Houghton
Stockbridge
Hampshire
SO20 6LQ
About
Described by visitors as ‘a little piece of heaven’ this Hampshire garden provides 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.
The walled garden is home to a heritage orchard enclosed by a chalk cob wall. It provides protection to 32 different varieties of apple tree, and world record-breaking, champion pear for being the widest espaliered pear tree on record. There is a herb garden with medicinal, natural dye, perfumery/pot pourri and herbal tea beds along with traditional vegetable beds and a fruit cage with golden and red raspberries. See the hosta and iris beds, an impressive collection of Kelways peonies, Bramley apple tunnel, cutting, scented and wildflower beds, orchid house, sweet peas, and stunning rose and clematis arbor. Outside the walled garden is the magnificent long border which provides a kaleidoscope of colour from summer through to the first frosts of autumn.
In the Oriental Garden visitors can enjoy its cherry orchard, acer walk, rose garden, stream, and beautiful Torii arch, Moongate and Japanese bridge, as well as water-loving marginal plants growing on the banks of the pond and island. See our ever-friendly alpacas, meet the little flock of Hebridean sheep, and you may meet our resident topiary dragon who enjoys puffing his welcome!
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.
The Glass House tearoom offers fantastic coffee, freshly baked treats, and a selection of freshly prepared breakfast and lunch options.
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.
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.
The walled garden is home to a heritage orchard enclosed by a chalk cob wall. It provides protection to 32 different varieties of apple tree, and world record-breaking, champion pear for being the widest espaliered pear tree on record. There is a herb garden with medicinal, natural dye, perfumery/pot pourri and herbal tea beds along with traditional vegetable beds and a fruit cage with golden and red raspberries. See the hosta and iris beds, an impressive collection of Kelways peonies, Bramley apple tunnel, cutting, scented and wildflower beds, orchid house, sweet peas, and stunning rose and clematis arbor. Outside the walled garden is the magnificent long border which provides a kaleidoscope of colour from summer through to the first frosts of autumn.
In the Oriental Garden visitors can enjoy its cherry orchard, acer walk, rose garden, stream, and beautiful Torii arch, Moongate and Japanese bridge, as well as water-loving marginal plants growing on the banks of the pond and island. See our ever-friendly alpacas, meet the little flock of Hebridean sheep, and you may meet our resident topiary dragon who enjoys puffing his welcome!
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.
The Glass House tearoom offers fantastic coffee, freshly baked treats, and a selection of freshly prepared breakfast and lunch options.
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 (1 Apr 2026 - 31 Oct 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Sunday | 10:00 | - 17:00 |
| Bank Holiday | 10:00 | - 17:00 |
* General Opening Text
