What is an Arboretum?
An arboretum is a botanical garden consisting of and focusing mostly on trees. It is also used partly for scientific study.
Arboretum Meaning
The definition of tree also includes woody plants, and other varieties, so may be more varied than what you initially think of.
Here we will see some of my top 5 picks for best in the UK. I have tried to choose ones that are spread across the country and show the best in our beloved trees, so you can find the perfect Arboretum near me!
arboretum near me
Westonbirt arboretum
The National Arboretum is situated in Gloucestershire. It was opened in 1829 and boasts some of the most beautiful trees in the country. Some great old oaks, and other European varieties. There are also Westonbirt Arboretum Events. Mostly seasonal, so there are various events across the year, from Christmas light switch ons to Easter celebrations!
Check out the website here to plan your visit. https://www.fowa.org.uk/
Winkworth Arboretum
Situated in lovely Surrey, this is another gem of space in beautiful England. It also has a lake, so has some brilliant picnic spots, and a beautiful ever changing landscape as the seasons go by. So it is worth visiting again and again! This is owned by the National Trust.
It has over 1000 types of trees and is well worth a visit! Make sure you find them all. The national trust does charge a winkworth arboretum entry fee which comes with a winkworth arboretum walk map. It is a very relaxing place to come and feel the tranquility. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkworth-arboretum.
forest
Walsall Arboretum
Situated in Walsall in the west midlands, this Arboretum is actually government owned, so has free entry. This is a more inner city park, and was actually a victorian invention. This walsall park also has events and more. From the Walsall Arboretum lights, to other events and fairs. A beautiful place to come and relax and maybe have a picnic or go for a run amongst the majestic trees and shrubs that live here.
Arley arboretum
Arley arboretum and gardens is a lovely place to visit on a chilly autumn day, as well as a beautiful spring day when the horse chestnuts are coming into bloom. This is what we love about trees. There is always something changing and something to see. Based in Worcestershire, this was planned and designed by Earl Mountnorris in 1800. It then ‘branched’… out and started holding host to tropical plants and more rare species. https://www.arleyarboretum.co.uk/about-us/
trees in a forest
Yorkshire Arboretum
The Yorkshire Arboretum is situated near Malton. It is a joint effort with Castle Howard gardens, and Kew gardens. It is a more recently established project, founded in 1959. This one consists of over 6000 trees, and has many rare and endangered species.
There is also another Arboretum in Yorkshire called Thorp Perrow, gardens and arboretum. Well worth a visit.
Best of the rest
We also wanted to include a few others that did not make our list, mostly because we were trying to spread out our picks so it is not just midlands or southern based. Bodenham Arboretum, Harcourt Arboretum, and Arboretum Nottingham are all worthy shouts for a brilliant day out, also Batsford Arboretum is great for a day out with the family or friends.
