Houghton Lodge Gardens
England’s best surviving example of a Cottage Orné and the jewel of the Test Valley
Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6LQ
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Bike storage facilities
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Cafe / restaurant
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Easily accessible without car
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Free parking
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Garden only
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Shop
The topography of the site means that it is regrettably not suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters as there are gravel paths (particularly in the walled garden) and the house is on a hill. For further details please refer to our accessibility guide.
Houghton Lodge Gardens have been described by visitors as, ‘the jewel of the Test Valley,’ and, ‘a stately pleasure-dome on the most romantic river in England.’
The grade II* formal and informal gardens surround the UK’s best surviving example of an eighteenth-century cottage orné, idyllically set above the tranquil waters of the River Test.
The walled garden is home to a heritage orchard enclosed by an historical chalk cobb wall. It provides protection to 32 different varieties of apple tree and recently crowned champion pear for being the widest espaliered pear tree in the world. There is a herb garden with medicinal, natural dye, perfumery/pot pourri and herbal tea beds. You can see traditional vegetable, hosta and iris beds, an impressive collection of Kelways peonies, bramley apple tunnel, cutting and scented beds, orchid house, sweet peas, and stunning rose and clematis arbour.
Outside the walled garden is the magnificent long border which provides a kaleidoscope of colour from summer to the first frosts of autumn. The new Oriental Garden was opened in 2023 to coincide with the 230th anniversary of Houghton Lodge. It includes a cherry orchard, rose garden, acer walk, Nikko bridge and Torri arch. In the water meadows visitors can engage with our ever-friendly alpacas, meet the little flock of Hebridean sheep and you may meet our resident topiary dragon who enjoys puffing her welcome! The serpentine walk offers an enchanting mix of the quiet and scents of ancient times. There is a semi formal box parterre that makes up the stunning peacock topiary garden. The fully licensed tea room in The Glass House provides delicious refreshments and light lunches.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Houghton Lodge and Gardens is a historic site located in the Test Valley, Hampshire, offering a variety of attractions and experiences for visitors. Below is a detailed summary of the opening times and features of the site:
Gardens
The gardens at Houghton Lodge open from 1st April. Visitors are required to pre-book tickets to access the gardens. The gardens feature a variety of attractions, including formal and informal gardens, a traditional kitchen garden, an orchard, and the newly opened Oriental Garden. Dogs are welcome on a short lead.
House Tours
Guided tours of the house are available, led by a family member or a guide. These tours provide insights into the history and architecture of the house, which is a Grade II* listed Cottage Orné built in 1793.
Group Tours
Group visits to the house and gardens are welcome but must be pre-booked. These tours are ideal for those interested in historic houses and gardens.
Oriental Garden
The Oriental Garden, a new addition to the site, was officially opened on 25th May 2023. It features a cherry avenue, acer walk, a burn-like stream, and various sculptures and structures inspired by Japanese gardens.
Glasshouse Tearoom
The Glasshouse Tearoom serves light lunches, cream teas, and homemade cakes. Entrance to the tearoom is free.
Accommodation
The Apple Rooms offer six boutique en-suite bedrooms, two of which are fully accessible. These rooms are named after apple varieties grown in the walled garden.
Weddings
Houghton Lodge is available as a wedding venue, offering picturesque views and tranquil surroundings.
Visitors are encouraged to allocate at least 1.5 hours for their visit, though many stay longer to enjoy the peaceful environment.
Adults: £12.50
Child (3-14years): £5.50
Under 3s: free
Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children): £30.50
Historic Houses members free entry to the gardens. Please present your card to the tearoom staff on arrival and they will scan your QR code. No need to book a time slot in advance.
For groups visiting the house, you will be guided by the owner’s family and learn of the history of this unique historic house and discover why it is one of the “must see” places of interest in Hampshire.
You will be regaled with stories of ancestors interwoven with social and family history, while you enjoy the exquisite woodwork, beautiful furniture and stunning architecture.
For groups visiting the gardens there is also lots to see!
Garden only: for Groups up to 29 £11.50pp, Groups of 30 and over £10.50pp.
House and Garden: for Groups up to 29 £30pp, Groups of 30 and over £27pp. Group visits must be pre booked – [email protected]
Refreshments can be provided for groups in our Glass House tea room. For further details please see visit our website.
The topography of the site means that it is regrettably not suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters as there are gravel paths (particularly in the walled garden) and the house is on a hill. For further details please refer to our accessibility guide.
Getting here
Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6LQ
The main visitor entrance is at /// underline.onto.jukebox
20 minutes from Andover, Romsey, Salisbury and Winchester, close to excellent road networks with the M3, M27, A303 and A30 running east/west and the A34 running north/south. Winchester and Andover are the nearest mainline stations (to/from London Waterloo). Five minutes from the local town of Stockbridge.
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