Houghton Lodge Gardens is the ideal place to visit, whether your passion lies with Historic houses or beautiful gardens - or both. One of the most beautiful privately owned homes and gardens in Hampshire. The Grade II* listed formal and informal gardens surround the UK's best surviving example of an 18th Century Cottage Orné. It is idyllically set above the tranquil waters of the River Test.

The walled garden is home to a heritage orchard enclosed by a historical chalk cob wall. It provides protection to 32 different varieties of apple tree, and recently crowned champion pear for being the widest espaliered pear tree in Britain. There is a herb garden with medicinal, natural dye, perfumery/pot pourri and herbal tea beds. See traditional vegetable beds and a fruit cage with golden and red raspberries. You will also see our hosta and iris beds, an impressive collection of Kelways peonies, bramley apple tunnel, cutting, scented and wildflower 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 through to the first frosts of autumn.

The new Oriental Garden opens in 2023 to coincide with the 230th anniversary of Houghton Lodge. Visitors will be able to appreciate its cherry orchard, acer walk, rose garden, stream, and beautiful Torii arch, Moongate and Japanese bridge, as well as new water-loving marginal plants growing on the banks of the pond and island. See our ever-friendly alpacas, meet the little flock of Hebridean sheep, and you may meet our resident topiary dragon who enjoys puffing his welcome! The serpentine walk offers an enchanting mix of the quiet and scents of ancient times, and before returning to the walled garden, see the splendour of the semi-formal box parterre that makes up the stunning peacock topiary garden.