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
Disabled access to Houghton Lodge Gardens is challenging due to the topography: the house and gardens are on a steep bank, there are steps, some areas are wet and boggy, and there are gravel paths that make wheel movement difficult, which means it is not suitable for wheelchair users and mobility scooters.
Although we have put signage in the garden indicating a pathway for wheelchair users, this is because we have some very intrepid visitors. This signage is the least awkward route but we still do not recommend it for independent users of wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
We have spent a considerable sum of money to install ramps to make the tearoom and its terrace and entrance to the walled garden accessible as well as installing a fully accessible toilet. We have also removed gravel from the walled garden paths to make navigation easier, however, despite these improvements we know that the garden is not and never can be fully accessible.
We always want everyone to have a lovely time while they are visiting, and it is so sad when visitors are not able to see all of the garden, but we feel it is important that we highlight these severe shortcomings. For further details please refer to our Accessible Guide.
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.
Opening Times
The Gardens at Houghton Lodge are currently open to visitors. For specific opening days and hours, please contact the property directly.
What to See Throughout the Year
Houghton Lodge Gardens offer colour and delight throughout the seasons, with particular highlights including:
- Bulbs in spring
- Fragrant peonies in early summer
- A tapestry of colour in summer
- Dahlias in autumn
Special Events
Apple Day takes place on Sunday 27th September 2026.
Adult £14.00
Child £5.50
Child under 3 free
Family £33.50 (2 adults and 2 children)
Special Events
Apple Day takes place on Sunday 26th September 2027
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 £12.50pp, Groups of 30 and over £11.50pp.
House and Garden: for Groups up to 29 £33.50pp, Groups of 30 and over £31pp. 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.
Disabled access to Houghton Lodge Gardens is challenging due to the topography: the house and gardens are on a steep bank, there are steps, some areas are wet and boggy, and there are gravel paths that make wheel movement difficult, which means it is not suitable for wheelchair users and mobility scooters.
Although we have put signage in the garden indicating a pathway for wheelchair users, this is because we have some very intrepid visitors. This signage is the least awkward route but we still do not recommend it for independent users of wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
We have spent a considerable sum of money to install ramps to make the tearoom and its terrace and entrance to the walled garden accessible as well as installing a fully accessible toilet. We have also removed gravel from the walled garden paths to make navigation easier, however, despite these improvements we know that the garden is not and never can be fully accessible.
We always want everyone to have a lovely time while they are visiting, and it is so sad when visitors are not able to see all of the garden, but we feel it is important that we highlight these severe shortcomings. For further details please refer to our Accessible Guide.
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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