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Prepare to be swept away to the elegance of the Regency era! On Sunday, 9th June, the historic Houghton Lodge Gardens will host “Bridgerton Bliss: A Regency Afternoon of Tea, Tunes and Twirls.” This immersive event invites guests to step back in time and experience the refined delights of the period that inspired the beloved Bridgerton series which returned in May for Season 3.

Bridgerton Bliss Event Details

• Date: Sunday, 9th June 2024
• Time: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
• Location: Houghton Lodge Gardens, North Houghton, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6LQ
• Tickets: Available at www.houghtonlodge.co.uk  

What to expect at Bridgerton bliss

“Bridgerton Bliss” promises a day of enchantment and builds on the successful event held in 2023 to celebrate the 230th anniversary of the unique Cottage Orné historic house.

Regency Tunes and twirls

Experience the graceful steps of authentic Regency dances, expertly demonstrated and taught by the Hampshire Regency Dancers. Promenade through the gardens in timeless style, serenaded by The Bossard Quartet’s unique renditions of modern pop classics in a Bridgerton style.

Elegant Afternoon Tea

Indulge in an elegant afternoon tea, a pre-booked picnic hamper from The Glass House tea room, featuring the finest local Hampshire produce or delectable Regency-themed cakes and Bridgerton-inspired cocktails and mocktails

Explore the Garden Trail

Discover the botanical wonders of the era with a specially curated garden trail highlighting Regency-era plants or try your hand at historical lawn games for a touch of playful competition.

Regency-themed workshops

For those seeking a creative touch, a dedicated workshop offers the chance to craft your own Regency-themed floral corsage.

Dress for the era

Guests are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the era with Regency attire, though it’s not required.

“We’re thrilled to offer a truly unique event that celebrates the Regency heritage of Houghton Lodge,” says Sophie Busk, owner and resident. “With dancing, music, delicious food, and delightful activities, ‘Bridgerton Bliss’ promises an unforgettable experience for all the family.”

Houghton Lodge

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.

For more information and tickets visit  www.houghtonlodge.co.uk  

About Houghton Lodge

Houghton Lodge Gardens Houghton Lodge Gardens has been described by recent visitors as ‘the jewel of the Test Valley‘, and ‘A Stately Pleasure-Dome on the most romantic river in England‘. It has been the home of the Busk family for more than a century, and still is. It provides a perfect setting for corporate entertaining and romantic weddings.

Some people visit Houghton for its architecture, some for its literary connections and some for its gardens; but everyone leaves with a sense of its ageless tranquillity and special magic. It is little wonder that Country Life readers voted it in such numbers for their search for ‘England’s Favourite Country House‘.

The walled garden boasts vast espalier fruit trees enclosed by a historical chalk cob wall. It provides protection to 32 different varieties of apple tree, many of which cannot be bought today. There is a wonderful herb garden with pharmaceutical, medicinal, natural dye, pot pourri and tea beds. The fruit cage is home to both golden and red raspberries. Vegetables grow in raised beds, and you will see wildflowers, sweet peas and dahlias providing a kaleidoscope of summer and autumn colour.

Not to be missed is the magnificent, espaliered pear tree growing on the eastern wall- which is now over 52′ long and the title holder for the world’s widest plant. On leaving this part of the garden the scents and colours of the magnificent 300-foot herbaceous border are an impressive sight indeed.

The Oriental Garden and visitors will be able to appreciate its cherry orchard, acer walk, rose garden, stream, and beautiful Torii, Moon Gate and Nikko bridge, as well as new water-loving marginal plants growing on the banks of the pond and island. Ambling down to the Test, visitors can engage with our ever-friendly Alpacas. A gentle walk up to the house gives the visitor a wonderful opportunity to take in and look at the marvellous view.