Apple Day at Houghton Lodge Gardens

About

Apple enthusiasts, rejoice! Houghton Lodge Gardens' popular Apple Day is back and celebrating 10 fruitful years of festivities on Sunday 27th September from 11am to 4pm.

Your chance to 'Ask the experts' with Mr. Chris Bird, M.Hort (RHS) of Sparsholt College. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions about fruit tree growing, cultivating and pruning along with the chance to view and taste the many varieties.

Not sure if you have a 'cooker or an eater' in your garden? Bring your mystery apples for expert analysis and learn the true identity of your own garden's harvest. There will also be the chance to view and taste the many different varieties and participate in an ancient wassail ceremony, toasting the trees in the orchard for a bountiful future harvest.

Hampshire storyteller, Michael O'Leary will be entertaining visitors with his folk stories from Hampshire. For young adventurers, a magical Golden Apple lies hidden in the gardens. Uncover the 'Wish Trail' clues hidden within the gardens to find the rarest apple of all-find it and make a wish.

Treat your taste buds to apple-infused delights in The Glass House tearoom along with Houghton Lodge's very own apple juice which will feature in a special drinks menu.

Hydes Cider will join the festivities, offering samples and selling bottles of their natural cider. The team will also host talks at 11am and 2pm about their cider-making process, providing a fascinating "field-to-glass" look at a beloved local craft.

The gardens open at 10am, and all apple activities will run from 11am to 4pm. Entry to The Glass House tearoom and to speak with Sparsholt College experts in The Orangery is free, but normal entry prices to the garden apply.