Apple enthusiasts, rejoice! Houghton Lodge Gardens’ popular Apple Day returns for another year of fruitful festivities this Sunday September 29 from 11 am to 4 pm.

Visitors will have a chance to taste many varieties of apples that are no longer stocked at shops or supermarkets. They’ll also be able to walk through the orchard where over 32 apple tree varieties can be seen, including the world record holding espaliered pear tree ‘Beurre Diel’.

Horticulturist Chris Bird, (RHS) of Sparsholt College, and his team will be sharing their knowledge on growing apple tree growing, cultivation, pruning, and identification. And those unsure whether they have a ‘cooker' or an 'eater’ in their garden are asked to bring their ‘mystery’ apples for expert analysis.

There will also be the chance to view and taste the many different varieties and participate in an ancient wassail ceremony, toasting the trees in the orchard for a bountiful future harvest.

READ MORE: Andover vineyard offering tours and tastings for wine lovers

Other activities include readings from the Hampshire author, Michael O’Leary, who’ll entertain visitors with his tales from Hampshire and Sussex. In ‘Hampshire Folk Tales for Children’ he tells of his experience at the hands (branches) of the Apple Tree Man – from a time when he worked in Hampshire’s Meon Valley.

Visitors will also be able to wander around the new Oriental garden as well as the woodland grotto, Long Border, Peacock gardens, and walled kitchen garden. Houghton Lodge will also be open for guided tours.

The Gardens will open at 10am and the apple tasting will start from 11am – 4pm. Storytelling with Michael will take place between those times. Red Stag Morris will be performing in the walled garden at 12:30pm. For more information please go to  houghtonlodge.co.uk/apple-day-at-houghton-lodge-gardens-2/