Houghton Lodge Gardens, nestled above the River Test in Stockbridge, is gearing up for its annual Apple Day, featuring folktales, Morris dancers, and a golden apple hunt.
The event, taking place on September 28, will also feature the participation of local cider experts, adding a new twist to the usual festivities.
The historic gardens will be bustling with activities from 11am to 4pm, inviting visitors to delve into the rich heritage of apples, including numerous historic varieties rarely seen in supermarkets.
Houghton Lodge hosts a lively celebration of apples(Image: Houghton Lodge Gardens)
Renowned horticulturist Chris Bird, from Sparsholt College, will be on hand with his team to offer guidance on pruning and growing fruit trees.
Attendees can bring apples from their own gardens for identification, learning about their history and whether they are suitable for cooking or eating raw.
New to this year’s line-up is Hydes Cider, offering samples and selling bottles of their natural cider.
The team will also host talks at 11am and 2pm, providing insights into their cider-making process from field to glass.
Local storyteller Michael O’Leary(Image: Houghton Lodge Gardens)
Young adventurers can embark on a curious “Apple Trail” to solve the mystery of who has stolen the golden apple.
Local storyteller Michael O’Leary will captivate audiences with enchanting folktales, including his spine-tingling account of the mythical “Apple Tree Man.”
The lively Red Stags Morris dancers will be performing in the walled garden at 12pm and 2.30pm, adding a dose of tradition and fun.
Visitors are also invited to participate in an open wassail, a time-honoured ritual aimed at awakening the apple trees and ensuring a bountiful future harvest.
This involves toasting the trees with a cup of Houghton Lodge apple juice, chanting the wassail song, and making noise to drive away bad spirits.
In addition to the apple festivities, visitors can explore Houghton Lodge’s stunning gardens, home to over 32 varieties of apple trees, including the champion espaliered pear tree ‘Beurre Diel,’ recognised as the longest espaliered plant in the world, standing at 16.44 metres.
The Glass House tearoom will be serving a special drinks menu featuring apple-based treats and drinks, including a Houghton Garden Gin Spritz.
The gardens open at 10am, with apple activities running from 11am to 4pm.
Entry to The Glass House tearoom and to speak with Sparsholt College experts in The Orangery is free, but regular entry prices to the garden apply.
Visitors can also enjoy the Fluvii Sculpture Exhibition and trail, which runs until September 30.
Houghton Lodge Gardens will remain open daily from 10am to 5pm until October 31.
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