Orchard Network

The Blenheim Orange, an Oxfordshire variety, has been described as one of our finest and most valuable apples.

The first Blenheim Orange tree was grown from a pip in about 1740 at Woodstock by George Kempster, a tailor, in his garden in Manor Road, Old Woodstock just outside the grounds of Blenheim Park. The tree was a local landmark, people came by the coach loads to marvel at the tree and to take scions from it. It was known as Kempster's Pippin until 1811. It has a distinctive nutty flavour and is crisp and juicy. Two Blenheim Orange trees were planted in 1992 in the grounds of the Museum in Woodstock. It is grown widely in gardens in the UK, but it has been said that its flavour is at its best within a few miles of Woodstock.