Join in on Wednesday 24 September for a fun day outside at Leighton Hall, picking apples in preparation for the big Apple Day on 19 October.
For more info and to sign up, please contact Jay Godden at jay_cl@eggcup.org
The popular Apple Day makes a comeback at historic Leighton Hall this autumn
The last event in this year’s Share the Harvest programme of events on Sunday 19 October will be the Apple Day at Carnforth’s Leighton Hall. The historical seat of the Gillow family who still live at the hall today is hosting this family friendly event for the second time this year.
After a successful first year, the day will bring even more apples and activities, including tastings, demonstrations, talks, orchard tours, family friendly activities, hands-on rural crafts and nature trails, all set within Leighton‘s glorious gardens and woodland.
This year’s line-up features returning favourites and fresh new faces from the world of
conservation, craft and countryside living. Expect to see Cross Apiary, Coppice Co-op, The
Red Rose Wood Turning Group, RSPB, Larksfoot Forest School, and outdoor cooking
expert Harrison Ward, the ‘Fell Foodie’, back by popular demand.
Visitors can learn willow craft, try apple pressing, join campfire cooking sessions, browse seasonal market stalls and taste different apples, honey and local ciders.
“We were blown away by the turnout and enthusiasm at our first Apple Day,” says estate
manager Lucy Arthurs. “The feedback was so encouraging, especially about the relaxed and
friendly atmosphere, the family fun, and of course, the apples. We heard loud and clear that
people wanted more to taste on the day, so we’ve made sure our eats and treats will be just
as abundant as the apple activities on offer.”
She continues: “Behind the fun is a serious message: Our food system needs diversity.
Supporting and preserving heritage apple varieties isn’t just about nostalgia, it’s a step
toward food security, sustainability and reconnecting people with where their food comes
from. Leighton’s orchards are a living commitment to that mission.”
Leighton Hall’s own orchard, a blend of newly planted local varieties and venerable
“grandparent” trees, offers a perfect backdrop for the day’s celebrations.
Celebrating the heritage of British apple varieties, farming, crafts, history, folklore and traditions, Leighton Hall Apple Day is on Sunday 19 October 2025, 10am – 3pm.
Ticket prices: Adults £6.50, accompanied children (5 – 11yrs) £4.50, children (0 – 4yrs) £1. Free parking. Sorry no dogs.
The event will take place rain or shine, so wear appropriate outdoor clothing.
For more details and tickets see www.leightonhall.co.uk
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This event is part of Share the Harvest, a month-long festival celebrating locally grown varieties of apples and pears, rescuing unharvested fruit and raising awareness of food waste through a range of community events. FoodFutures and the Closing Loops project invite everyone in North Lancashire to pitch in and harvest, preserve, celebrate and of course eat apples and pears this autumn.
Find out more at foodfutures.org.uk/share-the-harvest
