Houghton Lodge - Gardens to visit Hampshire
Houghton Lodge is a family home that has been described by visitors as ‘a little piece of heaven’ with gardens that provide colour and delight throughout the seasons.
Houghton Lodge and Gardens is situated in the heart of the Test Valley and only five minutes from the local market town of Stockbridge. Built in 1790 and probably intended as a fishing lodge, Houghton Lodge is the UK’s best surviving example of an 18th century Cottage Orné. It is idyllically set above the tranquil waters of the River Test with untouched views across the valley and water meadows with glorious gardens sheltered by beautiful trees and swathes of lawn sweeping down to the River Test.
Enjoy both formal and informal gardens, including the traditional kitchen garden enclosed by chalk cob walls with apple orchard, herb garden, cutting beds and orchid house. The world record espaliered pear grows against the west facing wall.
In early summer the fragrant peonies line the stunning rose arbour path leading to hidden corners of the garden. The 350’ long herbaceous border has year long beauty, bursting with bulbs in the spring, a tapestry of colour in the summer, and dahlias to brighten your heart in the autumn. The new Oriental Garden opened in 2023 with rose garden, cherry orchard and acer walk.
Enjoy over 15 acres of meadows and walks along the picturesque River Test and meet resident alpacas, the small flock of Hebridean sheep, and not forgetting the ‘snorting’ topiary dragon.
Freshly prepared light lunches, cream teas and homemade cakes are served with teas and coffees in the Glasshouse Tearoom. Entrance to the tearoom is free.
Houghton Lodge Gardens is an ideal attraction for group visits (which must be pre-booked), whether your passion is historic houses, gardening or exploring hidden attractions.
A recommended visit time is 1.5 hours, however with 14 acres of picturesque countryside and tearooms, many visitors stay longer to enjoy the peaceful surroundings in one of the best gardens to visit in Hampshire.
Recognised as a Global Top 10% Attraction for Exceptional Visitor Experience.
Gardens
Houghton Lodge is a Grade II* listed “Cottage Orné”, surrounded by mature trees and lawns sweeping down to the banks of the famous River Test and is arguably one of the most beautiful privately owned gardens to visit in Hampshire.
The Gardens are open.
Gardens
Houghton Lodge is a Grade II* listed “Cottage Orné”, surrounded by mature trees and lawns sweeping down to the banks of the famous River Test and is arguably one of the most beautiful privately owned gardens to visit in Hampshire.
The Gardens are open.
Dogs are welcome on a short lead
Weddings
Overlooking the magnificent countryside, Houghton Lodge is a stunning location for weddings, and the possibilities for your special day are almost endless. With panoramic views over the water meadows and along the Test Valley, there is no other house in sight, and nowhere else could offer such picturesque views and tranquillity for your dream day.
Accommodation
A bespoke collection of six individually designed boutique en-suite bedrooms on-site at Houghton Lodge – the perfect place to stay. We have transformed a range of redundant calf sheds to six bespoke en suite studio rooms, two are fully accessible. Each is named after a variety of apple growing in the walled garden.
Accommodation
A bespoke collection of six individually designed boutique en-suite bedrooms on-site at Houghton Lodge – the perfect place to stay. We have transformed a range of redundant calf sheds to six bespoke en suite studio rooms, two are fully accessible. Each is named after a variety of apple growing in the walled garden.
House Tours
We are delighted to welcome you to the house. You will be guided by one of the family whenever possible, or by a guide. We try to make the tours interesting and amusing to bring out the personality of our family home. You will learn about Cottage Orné, see the beauty of the exquisite rooms, and listen to the stories and history that have been part of this house since it was built in 1793.
Group Tours
Houghton Lodge and Gardens is the ideal place to visit, whether your passion lies with historic houses or beautiful gardens – or both. Groups are invited to visit this enchanting house. Learn about the history of Cottage Orné, this beautiful genre of architecture and landscape design, of which Houghton Lodge is the best surviving example in England. Behind the doors you will see the beauty of the exquisite rooms, and listen to the stories and history that have been part of this house since it was built in 1793.
Upcoming Events
Apple DaySunday 27th September 2026
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