A COUNTRY house in Test Valley is hosting an Apple Day Celebration as the last of the 230th-anniversary events commemorating the history of the Grade II listed home. 

On Sunday, September 24, Houghton Lodge Gardens will hold a day of fun for families to enjoy as part of its anniversary celebrations. 

There will be opportunities to meet well-renowned horticulturist Chris Bird, M.Hort (RHS) of Sparsholt College along with his gang of green-thumbed gardening experts.

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Chris and his team will also welcome anyone to bring any apples they have grown themselves at home for them to identify.

Hampshire's own storytelling maestro Michael O'Leary will also be crafting folktales based within Hampshire and Sussex like his spine-tingling account of a close encounter with the mythical Apple Tree Man.

If more entertainment is what you’re after, look no further than the Red Stags Morris dancers. Gracing the gardens with their unique flair performing their very own style of Border Morris dancing. 

There is even an apple trail adventure where young detectives can embark to solve the curious case of the stolen golden apple and find the culprit.

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For those who want to indulge in apple treats, Bloom Bloom tea room will be serving apple-infused cakes and bakes for a leisurely and delicious break from apple exploration. 

If you would like to know more about the history of the house, exclusive house tours are running throughout the day. It is an opportunity to delve into the rich heritage of the Busk family's 18th-century Cottage Orné.

Tickets are £30 per person and are available online or on-site.

Admission tickets can be booked online at houghtonlodge.co.uk.