Historic house, Leighton Hall has joined the British heritage apple revolution with its own Apple Day celebration.

Held on or around October 21, Apple Day was launched in 1990 by the charity Common Ground, to celebrate the beloved fruit’s diversity and their first act brought the apple back to the old Apple Market in London’s Covent Garden after a 16 year absence.

Now inspiring thousands across the country, Apple Day events include pickings, tastings, pressings, games, crafts and cooking; bring growers, historians and enthusiasts together with families and foodies to appreciate the delicious diversity far beyond the half-dozen repetitive varieties in most supermarkets.

“It really is crunch time for British apple varieties,” says estate manager Lucy Arthurs, whose famous Gillow family have lived in the historic hall for generations.

“Saving them isn’t just a ‘nice thing to do’, it’s essential food security. Creating a diverse UK orchard network is essential for our domestic varieties, plus the reassurance of organic, healthy food choices, low food miles, and the myriad of vital wildlife an orchard sustains is everything at the “core” of Leighton’s sustainability commitment.

“It’s vital to engage and inspire the next generation, so we’re subsidising entry to just £4 per adult, and £2 for primary school children, to encourage as many families as possible to come.

“Our gardens and woodlands will be glowing with autumn colour, the perfect backdrop for a day of fun and exploration whatever the weather.”

Leighton Hall’s orchard, into which new saplings representing traditional Lancashire varieties have been carefully introduced, make it the perfect backdrop for the inaugural Leighton Hall Apple Day.

Taking place on Sunday, October 20, 10am – 3pm it will celebrate the heritage of historic orchards, apples and traditional country crafts with hands-on family activities, crafts, trails and tastings throughout the day.

Bringing together conservation, nature and craft enthusiasts including the Bee Club, Food Futures, Coppice Co-op, RSPB, Larksfoot Forest School and Harrison “Fell Foodie” Ward, families, foragers, fruit and folklore lovers can try their hands at basket weaving, beekeeping, apple picking and pressing, and campfire cooking.

Or just indulge in heritage cider, juices, bakes and preserves, with an outdoor market supporting local makers.

The UK has nearly 2,500 delicious heritage apple varieties, but modern intensive farming has pushed these to the edge with Gala and Braeburn, two New Zealand varieties, make up half of British apple sales.

Leighton Hall near Carnforth is the historical seat of the Gillow family, and the family still live at the hall today, winning awards for their forward-looking environmental, educational, community and charity outreach initiatives.

Leighton Hall is just 10 minutes’ drive following brown signs from M6 Junction 35 just north of Lancaster.

Celebrating the heritage of British apple varieties, farming, crafts, history, folklore and traditions, the inaugural Leighton Hall Apple Day is Sunday, October 20, 10am – 3pm, with hands-on activities, craft workers, naturalists, walks, trails, gifts, refreshments and free access to gardens.

Accompanied children: preschool (0 – 4yrs) free, primary (5 – 11yrs) £2, over 11yrs – adult £4. No dogs allowed.

For more details of demonstrators and activities and tickets see head to the Leighton Hall website here