Houghton Hall Park

01/06/2026

🌿 Volunteers’ Week is here! (Mon 1 – Sun 7 June '26) 🌿

💬 Hear from our amazing volunteers and discover how you can get involved!

If you love being outdoors, learning new skills, and making a real difference, come and join us in the Formal & Kitchen Gardens at Houghton Hall Park, right here in the heart of Houghton Regis 💚

👩‍🌾 Get involved with:
✨ Weeding & planting
✨ Growing fresh vegetables
✨ Keeping our ever‑changing gardens beautiful
✨ Meeting friendly faces & being part of a fantastic community
✨ Support the Houghton Regis in Bloom initiative

During Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a huge thank you to all our incredible volunteers — your dedication helps our gardens and community flourish 🌸👏

Fancy giving it a go? 📩
Download our volunteer application form from:
👉 https://www.houghtonhallpark.org/volunteer
and send it to [email protected]

We’d love to welcome you! 💚

29/05/2026

🩵💙💚We’re proud to be part of Houghton Regis in Bloom 2026!💚💙🩵

We can’t wait to play our part in this year’s campaign, and go for an incredible third Gold in a row in the Anglia in Bloom Historic Parks and Gardens category 🥇🥇🥇

Let’s make it another blooming brilliant year 💚💚💚

🌸 Big News!🌸

We've officially entered the Anglia in Bloom Campaign for 2026 🎉

You know what they say: you've got to be in it to win it! 🥇🥈🥉

Preparations are now in full swing for our judging day this July.

This year, we're proud to once again showcase Houghton Regis across two main categories 🥳

🏆The hotly contested large town category, and Houghton Hall Park in the historic parks and gardens category🤩

Following this year's updates to Anglia in Bloom's judging approach, we'll be submitting fewer virtual entries. As we need to only enter virtual entries not included on our main judging route, our entries will be for:

📍 Houghton Regis Cemetery
📍 Thorn Park

We're still celebrating the amazing work of our community through the RHS It's Your Neighbourhood awards, with eight entries showcasing the pride and passion across our town 😎

🌼 And for those who have been asking — our hanging baskets and barrier baskets will be installed very soon! Thank you for your continued interest and support 🥰

There are also bragging rights for the best in Bedfordshire up for grabs! Stay tuned and watch this space, whatever happens it's going to be 😃

🩵💙💚

28/05/2026

💚🌿 Exciting Changes in the Formal Garden 🌿💚

You may have noticed some recent work taking place in our formal garden, particularly the removal of sections of Buxus (box) hedging. We wanted to share a bit more about what we’re doing and why.

The thirteen main borders that make up the formal garden are now due for a programme of rejuvenation. While there are some beautiful, well-established plants already in place, the overall layout in parts is no longer as effective as it could be. By re-laying these borders, we have a fantastic opportunity to enhance the garden’s appearance and improve soil health and growing conditions for future planting.

As part of this work, we are removing the Buxus hedging throughout the garden. This decision has been made to reduce the need for ongoing chemical treatments, which, if we are honest, don’t really work that well and isn’t that environmentally friendly.

We recognise that removing the box hedging will temporarily reduce structure and winter interest in some areas of the garden. However, this will be carefully addressed over time as we replant and redesign the borders with a long-term vision in mind.

This project also gives us an opportunity to take a fresh look at how we manage the garden. We are exploring more sustainable approaches, using plant varieties better suited to changing climate conditions. These methods can help reduce maintenance demands while still delivering a beautiful and vibrant space for everyone to enjoy.

Many public parks are now moving towards these more sustainable practices, and we’re excited to begin that journey here at Houghton Hall Park.

Thank you for your patience and support as we carry out this work — we look forward to sharing the garden’s transformation with you over the coming seasons.

💚💚💚

28/05/2026

🍬✨ Welcome back to Sweetly Done! ✨🍬

Sweetly Done is back at Houghton Hall Park Visitors Centre, on Sunday 31st May 2026 with some delicious home made Fudge!

Sweetly Done started in their home kitchen with one simple goal: to create rich, creamy, indulgent fudge. Every batch is handmade, never rushed, and always Sweetly Done – perfect for treating yourself or gifting to someone special! 🎁💖

📅 Sunday 31st May 2026

🕘 From 9am onwards

🎈Houghton Hall Visitors Centre

Pop by, say hi 👋, and indulge in some truly irresistible fudge while supporting local makers. 🍫✨

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27/05/2026

✨💎 New Pop-Up Stall at HHP! 💎✨

We’re excited to welcome Resin Dreams for the first time on Saturday 30th May!

Discover a beautiful range of resin creations, perfect for unique gifts or adding a little sparkle and style to your home. 🌈✨

📅 Saturday 30th May 2026

🕘 From 9am onwards

📍 Houghton Hall Park Visitors Centre

Pop along, say hello 👋, and explore something creative and different from a brand-new stall! 💖

24/05/2026

🌟 Science Fun is coming to Houghton Hall Park! 🌟

We’re thrilled to announce that Explorer Dome is heading our way for two days of hands‑on, free mind‑blowing Science Fun on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th May!

Explorer Dome is an internationally known, vibrant and hugely popular science outreach organisation — and we are so excited to be working with them. Expect immersive experiences, curious discoveries, and plenty of “wow” moments for all ages.

✨Plus, on Wednesday 27th May, we’re delighted to welcome Creative Hut, who will be offering fun, creative activities for families to enjoy.

🎈Shows will take place at: 10am, 11am, 1.15pm and 2.15pm and there is no need to book! (please note that each show can accommodate up to 50 people)

🔭✨ We can’t wait to bring this mix of learning, play and exploration to the park.

22/05/2026

🐾📣IMPORTANT UPDATE CONCERNING HHP DOG SHOW 2026📣🐾

Due to the heatwave hitting England over the Bank Holiday weekend, we have taken the decision to move the Houghton Hall Park Dog Show 2026 forward by one hour to avoid the hotter temperatures on Saturday afternoon. After taking advice from fellow event organisers and dog carers, we have also made the decision that should the temperate exceed 23 degrees Celsius, the event will be disbanded.

Please see a revised timetable of classes below - asterisked classes may be cancelled if the temperature increases too much. Registration will still open at 10am, with the first class also taking place at this time. So if you would like to enter your dog into Cheeky Chappie, please arrive at 10am sharp. The Doggy Dash will be closed if the temperate exceeds 22 degrees Celsius.

We would like to reassure all dog owners that measures will be in place to help keep dogs cool and comfortable throughout the event. Hydration stations, wet cloths, and shaded areas will be available, and trained doggy first aiders will be on site.

We kindly ask all owners to consider their dog’s individual needs and how they cope with heat before deciding to attend. The welfare of the dogs remains our highest priority. Should any adjustments to the event be required due to the weather, updates will be shared on our social media pages.

Best wishes,
The HHP Team

21/05/2026

🐾 Houghton Hall Park – Important Dog Show Update 🐾

With warm weather expected this weekend, we would like to reassure all dog owners that measures will be in place to help keep dogs cool and comfortable throughout the event. Hydration stations, wet cloths, and shaded areas will be available, and trained doggy first aiders will be on site.

We kindly ask all owners to consider their dog’s individual needs and how they cope with heat before deciding to attend. The welfare of the dogs remains our highest priority. Should any adjustments to the event be required due to the weather, updates will be shared on our social media pages.

🐶 Support Accolade Hounds Rescue 🐶
Accolade Hounds Rescue will once again be hosting our Dog Show this year. A donation bin is now available in the Visitors Centre for anyone wishing to contribute items such as treats, toys, bedding, or walking equipment. All donations are greatly appreciated and will directly support the dogs in their care.

Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all.

Thank you, The HHP Team.

21/05/2026

🍫✨ They’re Back – The Chocolate Mill MK! ✨🍫

We look forward to welcoming back the Chocolate Mill MK to Houghton Hall Park Visitors Centre on Sunday 24th May, with a delicious selection of handcrafted chocolates. 🍬💖

Discover a delicious range of treats – perfect for gifting, sharing (if you can!), or simply treating yourself. Whether you’re a long-time fan or visiting for the first time, there’s something sweet for everyone!

📅 Sunday 24th May 2026

🕘 From 9am onwards

Pop by, say hello 👋, and indulge in some chocolatey goodness while supporting a local favourite. ✨

14/05/2026

🧵✨ She’s Back – Handmade by Rosie! ✨🧵

We’re delighted to welcome Handmade by Rosie back on Saturday 16th May with her beautiful range of sewn creations! 🎁

From bags and bunting to aprons and cushions, each piece is lovingly handmade – perfect for adding a unique touch to your home or finding a thoughtful gift. 🏡💖

📅 Saturday 16th May
🕘 From 9am onwards
📍 Houghton Hall Park Visitors Centre

Pop along, say hello 👋, and discover something special while supporting local talent!