13th August 2019

Updates and News

A Unique Collection of Events at Houghton Lodge Gardens, Test Valley, Hampshire

Houghton Lodge Gardensare making the most of the glorious setting by hosting a unique collection of events, including tempting experiences to delight the senses. The Afternoon Tea Series combines a traditional afternoon tea every month with a unique themed event within the gardens.  August sees Hampshire's newest gin producer - The River Test Distillery - launching its brand new signature Mayfly Gin at Houghton Lodge on 17 August.  During ‘A Botanical Affair' guests can enjoy a sumptuous tea (including a Mayfly gin and tonic!)  Tickets (£35 per person) include entry to the gardens.  Click here for more information about the events and to book tickets.   

New Forest Food & Drink Fortnight Set to Showcase Local Produce: 3– 16 November 2019

The New Forest Food & Drink Fortnight will take place at venues throughout the forest from 3-16 November and will showcase the huge range and diversity of local produce produced and consumed both in the National Park and further afield.  From rare Pannage Pork produced from the pigs in the annual acorn sweep, to flour ground at the working 900-year-old Eling tide mill, to beer brewed at Ringwood Brewery which is enjoyed in pubs throughout southern England.  Events in the 2019 New Forest Food & Drink Fortnight will follow several themes including cheese, fruits of the sea and the Great Forest Banger.  Click here for more information. 

A Floral Party at the Festival of Flowers at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone in Kent. 

From14th to 19th September, Leeds Castle in Kent invites you to celebrate its 900^thanniversary with a spectacular ‘floral party’ throughout the principal Castle rooms for the popular Festival of Flowers.  “The Loveliest Castle in the World” has been celebrating 900 years of history throughout 2019 and the ‘Festival of Flowers’ is a floral fanfare to this landmark year.   An impressive line-up of internationally award winning floral designers will take over the rooms of the Castle and dress to impress with beautiful birthday styled blooms spilling out along the visitor route.  More information here. 

Magical Birds and Festive Feathers at Leeds Castle this Christmas.  

From 23^rdNovember 2019 – 1^stJanuary 2020 the beautiful state rooms at Leeds Castle will be transformed into a magical kingdom of birds and festive feathers. Start your journey through the magnificent Castle rooms with a magical forest of owls to red breasted robins surrounded by glittering snowdrops. Experience a lavishly dressed banqueting table, laid for a Christmas feast, as you continue through to the glitz and glamour of Lady Baillie’s Bedroom, where there is a variety of treasures to spot amongst Christmas garlands. Write your Christmas dream on a feather in a room of winged wishes and experience shimmering duckling eggs ready to hatch under the tree, with the signature Leeds Castle black swan among decorations of silver and gold. More information here.