AD – We recently headed to the beautiful test valley of Hampshire to enjoy lunch and and explore around the gardens and grounds of the Grade-II-listed Houghton Lodge. Wild Events, who also run The Greyhound Inn nearby Stockbridge, have recently taken over the café and it’s marvellous.
The Glasshouse Tea Room
Yep we’d class this one as a hidden gem café. Lovely indoor and outdoor seating areas, all with unique options of furniture and viewpoints. From the colourful decor inside to the tables outside overlooking the gardens and flowers. Obviously, outside for us! The friendly staff took our orders and served us up the likes of their epic two-person ploughman’s board, delicious mushroom pasta and the daily special salad with juicy tomatoes and peaches 
They have some great dishes on their menus as well as a wide variety of drinks to go with, and plenty of desserts from cheesecake through to local Jude’s ice cream. Clearly, local produce is the name of the game with them. Like it.
Open every day – 8:30 to 5pm and they stop serving hot food at 4pm
Dogs allowed on leads in both the garden and the café
Buggy-friendly and wheelchair-friendly in most areas
Houghton Lodge Gardens
After our lunch, we headed into the grounds and gardens. You can buy a family ticket online for under £30 which allows you to enjoy the gardens for hours – although you are asked to book a time slot when you book a ticket, you can stay in the garden up until 5pm when the gates will be shut.
In the shop, they have maps you can take to navigate the grounds and they were huge. Part of the fun is seeing what mystery and magic await around every corner and wooden gate, stepping into a scene from Narnia or a Jane Austen novel.
We wandered through the orchards with apples and pears dangling down, as well as the oriental garden with huge colourful dragonflies and butterflies whizzing around. We’d never seen so many! Walking past the meadows with their alpacas, we then relaxed to the sound and sight of the clear River Test flowing past. We couldn’t resist dangling the feet in from their wooden platform.
The front lawn leading up to the lodge was huge and we just had to have a handstand competition of course, before then discovering a hidden grotto in the forest. Looked like a wedding had just taken place, and what a dreamy place to have one as they also handily have six rooms on site to stay at too.
Practicalities
👉 Book your stay at Houghton Lodge Gardens and experience a fantastic getaway!
Gardens are a separate cost to the café and it’s best to buy tickets online as they are cheaper
Dogs on leads allowed
Houghton Lodge Gardens, Houghton, North Houghton, Stockbridge SO20 6LQ
Our visit to Houghton Lodge Gardens and the Glasshouse Tea Room was a delightful escape. Nestled in Hampshire’s Test Valley, this hidden gem offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and delicious, locally sourced food. From the inviting Tea Room to the enchanting gardens, every corner invites exploration and enjoyment. Whether dining or wandering, Houghton Lodge Gardens is a must-visit destination that we will definitely be visiting again.
Make sure you stop by to have a look at their fantastic selection of local gifts and products, including; Flowers by The Lodge Florist, a selection of wine from Wine Utopia, essential supplies and fresh bread from Hoxton Bakehouse and some fabulous gifts from local suppliers.
