Apple Day 2025 in England

Apple Day is an annual celebration in England that highlights the diverse array of apples and apple-related activities. This event, taking place on various weekends in September and October, serves to showcase the rich tradition of apple cultivation and the cultural significance of orchards in the UK. The festival is an opportunity for enthusiasts to explore different apple varieties, engage in various apple-themed activities, and enjoy seasonal offerings.

Activities and Attractions

Apple Tasting and Sales

Apple Day events feature extensive apple-tasting opportunities, with many festivals showcasing a wide range of apple varieties, including some that are rare or heritage types not commonly found in stores. Attendees can sample and purchase apples and apple-based products, such as apple cider and apple pie.

Apple Identification Services

At several Apple Day events, experts provide apple identification services. Visitors are encouraged to bring samples from their own apple trees for identification. This can be particularly valuable for those with heirloom or less common apple varieties. The experts also offer advice on apple tree care and cultivation.

Crafts and Activities

Many Apple Day celebrations include a range of activities suitable for all ages. These might include apple-themed crafts for children, live entertainment, and food stalls offering apple-based dishes. Some events also feature additional attractions such as rural craft fairs, Morris dancing, and climbing walls.

Schedule and Locations

Apple Day celebrations are spread across various picturesque and historic venues in England, each offering unique experiences for visitors.

Easton Lodge Gardens: Apples and Bees (Sunday, September 15, 2024)

On September 15, Easton Lodge Gardens will host its September open day, themed "Apples and Bees," from 11 am to 5 pm. This event celebrates the rich bounty of the orchard, featuring activities such as apple juice and craft making for children, a jam and jelly tombola, and tasting stalls offering apple and honey cakes. Attendees can purchase cider, honey, plants, and crafts while exploring the special apple day trail. The musical ambiance will be enhanced by performances from the Rock Choir at noon and the Harlow Concert Band at 2:30 pm. Visitors can also enjoy bacon, cheese, or hummus rolls, along with homemade cakes and beverages.

Entry is priced at £5.50 for adults if bought in advance or £6.50 on the day, with free admission for children under 16. Dogs on leads are welcome. The historic Gardens of Easton Lodge, nestled near Great Dunmow in Essex, offer a scenic retreat with a history dating back to Tudor times, beautifully restored by volunteers. The Gardens are a Historic England Grade II Registered site, featuring Harold Peto's Italian garden and treehouse design, making them a perfect venue for a day of family fun and exploration.

Potton Apple Day (Sunday, September 29, 2024)

On September 29, the Potton Apple Day will take place at St. Mary's Church Hall and playing field, where the community will celebrate apples in a unique and engaging way. Throughout the week leading up to the event, apples will be collected to create fresh juice, with attendees receiving a token for each bag of apples they bring, which can be exchanged for a glass of freshly made juice. The East of England Apples and Orchards Project will also be on hand to identify apples, so visitors are encouraged to bring 5 or 6 of their best specimens for expert evaluation. Additionally, East Beds CAMRA will host a real cider bar and a serious cider competition, adding a flavorful twist to the festivities.

Cromford Apple Day (Saturday, October 5, 2024)

Cromford Apple Day, taking place on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 12 noon to 5:00 PM, is a lively celebration of the apple harvest. Visitors are encouraged to bring their surplus apples—or use spare fruit provided on-site—to participate in turning them into fresh juice. The event promises a vibrant atmosphere with children's activities, live music, Morris dancing, and even snail racing. Attendees can visit stalls offering refreshments and receive advice from a horticultural expert.

The festival is held at Scarthin Promenade, Cromford, near the Boat Inn. While parking is limited in Scarthin, Water Lane, and the Market Place, ample parking with meters is available near Cromford Mills and Wharf. Cromford is accessible by rail from Nottingham and by bus services from Derby, Buxton, Belper, Sheffield, and Chesterfield.

Blackmoor Estate Apple Tasting Day (Sunday, October 13, 2024)

On October 13, the Blackmoor Estate will host its renowned Apple Tasting Day from 10 am to 4:30 pm. This long-standing event offers attendees the chance to taste a wide range of apple varieties, from traditional favorites to new cultivars. The festival includes a rural craft fair, a community fete, and local produce stalls. Additional attractions include horse and cart rides, cakes and teas, Morris dancing, and, of course, cider. Entry is free, and dogs are welcome on leads.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden (Sunday, October 20, 2024)

At the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, the festival will take place on October 20, from 10 am to 4 pm. This event features a variety of activities, including apple tasting, with many heritage varieties available for sampling and purchase. Visitors can also take advantage of apple identification services provided by experts from the East of England Apples and Orchards Project. The day will be filled with craft activities, guided garden tours, live music, and a selection of food trucks and local craft stalls.

The Friends of Cressing Temple Apple Day (Sunday, October 20, 2024)

On October 20, Cressing Temple will host its annual Apple Day, celebrating heritage apple varieties and the rich history of apple cultivation. Visitors can try apple juicing with a traditional press, learn from apple experts, and explore the orchards, gaining insights into fruit tree care. The event features cider tasting, beekeeping demonstrations, craft stalls, medieval reenactors, children's activities, and willow crafts. Entry is £3 for adults, with free admission for children under 18 and complimentary parking. Highlights include freshly pressed juice samples from the Jubilee Orchard and Walled Garden, showcasing nine traditional apple varieties from East Anglia. The day also offers a variety of food options from local vendors and a lineup of entertainment, including medieval reenactments, Morris dancing, folk music, and a mobile farm experience. Apple Day at Cressing Temple promises a delightful, family-friendly experience celebrating local heritage and community.

History of Apple Day

The tradition of Apple Day began in 1990, when Common Ground organized the first event in Covent Garden, London. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about the decline of UK orchards and the need to preserve diverse apple varieties. Since then, Apple Day has grown in scope and popularity, with numerous events now taking place across the country, each celebrating local fruit heritage and engaging communities in apple-related activities.