Houghton Lodge Gardens

About

A haven of peace above the tranquil beauty of the River Test. Grade II* Gardens with fine trees surround an enchanting and unique example of an 18th Century “Cottage Orne”. 

It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful houses and gardens in Hampshire. Enjoy both formal and informal gardens including the peaceful Walled Garden with ancient fan-trained fruit trees and a giant espaliered pear tree enclosed by a historical chalk cob wall. You will find a beautiful themed herb garden, rose arbour, peony walk, 300-foot herbaceous border and the semi-formal box-hedging that makes up the Peacock Topiary Garden.

From mown paths enjoy the natural wildlife of the peaceful Test Valley through 15 acres of ancient water meadows. Nearby, the woodland walk offers an enchanting mix of the quiet and scents of ancient times.  

Visit the Orchid House with many rare varieties. The light and airy feel of the Conservatory adjacent to the Orchid House is just a step away for a little peace and quiet.

There are plenty of surprises for children including the Topiary Dragon and Topiary Peacocks, resident Alpacas Tom, Dick and Harry and the riverside summer house with nature pictures, paper and crayons to wile away the time.

Daisy’s of Houghton Tea Rooms offers fresh homemade cakes, bakes, sandwiches, Panini’s, homemade soup, traditional or savoury cream teas and specialist coffees    
Enjoy the exhibition of Art in the Orangery with local professional artists providing a new display of paintings every two months between April and October. It also holds a delightful choice of gifts to take home, designed with a classic gardening theme.

Entrance to the teahouse and Art Exhibition are free.

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, a riverside fishing hut and the walled garden Orangery.