Autumn is here — and with it, one of the most seasonal and family-friendly events in Cumbria: Apple Weekend at Beetham Nurseries, happening Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th October 2025.
If you love apples, orchards, fresh-pressed juice, local food and crafts, or just a family-friendly event, this is the place to be. Read on for what to expect, how to plan your trip — and some tips to make the most of it.
Why visit Apple Weekend?
Apple Weekend is a celebration of orchard heritage, British apple varieties, and Cumbrian food.
There’s something for everyone — hands-on crafts for kids, juice pressing for the whole family, music and food for leisurely exploration, and serious plant lovers will love browsing the trees and apple varieties.
Whether you already grow fruit trees or are considering starting, the expert talks and Q&A sessions are gold for budding orchardists. You’ll gain real insight into pruning, rootstocks, pollination, and how to choose a tree that suits your setting.
The fruit pressing supports Growing Well, who will be joining us for the weekend — and much of what’s on offer comes from local producers and community projects. Good food, good causes, good vibes.
What’s on: the highlights
Beetham Nurseries is rolling out a programme of events across the weekend — from educational talks to hands-on fun. Here’s a rundown:
Apples & Fruit Trees
Over 40 varieties of apple and fruit trees will be on sale. Garden Club members get 10% off over the weekend.
You’ll find loose apples to sample and buy — including rare or local varieties (some grown by Cumbria Wildlife Trust) — with a tasting table so you can try before you commit.
Bring your own apples and containers — the team will press them into juice while you wait (for a small donation to our charity partner, Growing Well).
On Sunday, apple expert Andy Gilchrist will be available to identify any apples you bring in and answer your questions.
A marquee talk by Paul Cambre, Head of Horticulture at Growing Well, will cover apple growing techniques, pruning, rootstocks, and more. Tickets required.
Family Fun & Activities
Children’s crafting: On Saturday from 11:00 to 13:30, join Bob Sutcliffe OBE to make 3D watercolour paper apples — no booking needed.
Fairy Hunt around the Garden Centre & Growing Nursery: Find six magical fairy doors, name the fairies, and return your card for a chance to win a £25 Beetham Nurseries voucher.
Colouring competition: Pick up a Cumbria Wildlife Trust colouring sheet in The Garden Cafe, get creative, and enter for a surprise prize.
Live music: Local acts will perform on The Terrace over the weekend. The full lineup is being released via Beetham’s social channels.
Food, Drink & Local Produce
The Garden Cafe will run a fruit-themed menu across both days — expect apple-infused treats and seasonal specials.
A farmers’ market will bring in local artisan producers: Sweet Treats by Martin Frickel, Cross Apiary Honey, Penningtons Spirits & Liqueurs, Piper Hole Goat Farm (cheese & soap), Leaf TRNR smoothies, Sillfield butchers, and more.
You’ll also find a vintage horse box food truck and Beetham’s own baked goods (traybakes, cakes, cookies) in their “food court” area.
KingSharp, operating from his van in the car park (10:00–16:00 each day), will be on hand to sharpen blades.
Tips before you go
Pre-book Growing Well's talk: The marquee talk has limited tickets. Book early to secure your seat.
Bring your own apples & containers: If you have a glut at home, bring them and have them pressed into juice.
Arrive early: Popular apple varieties and the fruit press may be in high demand.
Join the Garden Club: Membership (which you can sign up for at the till) gives 10% off fruit trees during the weekend.
Plan for food: There are plenty of options from pizzas at the Wood Fired Kitchen, a full menu at The Garden Cafe, plus you can dine al fresco and enjoy the live music at the food court.
We hope Apple Weekend 2025 at Beetham Nurseries will be one of your autumn highlights. It’s a weekend that blends nature, community, learning and pure seasonal joy. Bring your curiosity, your appetite — and maybe a few apples from home.
