Fulham Palace Apple Day 2026: Historic West London Estate Confirms October Harvest Celebration
Autumn in the capital is set for a spirited celebration as Fulham Palace officially announces the return of its much-loved annual harvest festival. Fulham Palace Apple Day 2026 will take place on Sunday 4 October 2026, welcoming visitors of all ages into the historic grounds and famed walled garden for a full day of traditional food, folklore, and horticultural heritage.
Nestled on the north bank of the River Thames in West London, Fulham Palace served as the country residence of the Bishops of London for over 1,300 years. Today, the estate's sprawling botanic gardens and restored Tudor-to-Georgian architecture provide a magnificent backdrop for one of London's premier community harvest gatherings.
What to Expect at Apple Day 2026
Apple Day at Fulham Palace celebrates the rich bounty of British orchards, spotlighting rare heritage varieties grown directly within the palace’s four-acre walled garden.
Key highlights for the 2026 celebration include:
- Live Apple Pressing Demonstrations: Bring your own surplus apples or watch palace experts press heritage orchard varieties into fresh, cloudy juice.
- Orchard Tours & Gardening Talks: Join the palace’s head gardener for guided walks through the historic orchard, exploring organic fruit cultivation, heritage espaliers, and composting practices.
- Artisan Food & Craft Market: Discover independent local makers, featuring spiced cider, local honeys, artisan cheeses, seasonal baked treats, and handcrafted wooden homewares.
- Family Workshops & Children's Trail: Hands-on craft stations, traditional lawn games, storytelling, and an apple-themed nature discovery trail winding through the grounds.
- Live Acoustic & Folk Music: Uplifting performances by local London folk bands and choirs across the palace lawns and central Tudor courtyard.
Championing London's Horticultural Heritage
The walled garden at Fulham Palace is steeped in horticultural importance. Introduced by Bishop Henry Compton in the late 17th century, the palace grounds once boasted some of the most exotic tree and plant collections in Britain. Today, the team of garden staff and dedicated volunteers preserve heirloom apple and pear varieties that have sustained Londoners for centuries.
Apple Day not only provides a festive day out, but proceeds from ticket sales directly support the ongoing conservation of Fulham Palace House & Gardens, ensuring that the historic site remains free to access year-round for the local community.
Plan Your Visit: Essential Information
- Date: Sunday 4 October 2026
- Opening Hours: 11:00 to 16:00
- Location: Fulham Palace, Bishop's Avenue, Fulham, London SW6 6EA
- Admission: Small admission charge for adults; concessions and free entry for young children and palace members (advance booking recommended to guarantee entry).
- Travel & Transport: Fulham Palace is a scenic 10-minute walk from Putney Bridge Underground Station (District line). Bus routes 14, 74, 220, and 414 stop nearby on Fulham Palace Road. The estate is also readily accessible via the Thames Path national trail.
- Accessibility & Dogs: The core gardens, walled garden, and ground-floor palace rooms are wheelchair and pram accessible. Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome across the palace lawns and grounds.