Batsford Arboretum
Batsford Arboretum
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Home to one of the largest private tree collections in the country, Batsford Arboretum offers visitors year round interest - from lush, spring colour provided by the beautiful Japanese flowering cherries to autumn’s spectacular natural fireworks display. Wander along 60 acres of wild gardens, paths and streams, enjoy stunning views across the Evenlode Valley and discover the beautiful oriental-influenced statues hidden in glades around the grounds. Freshly-baked food available all day in the Garden Terrace Café; Beautiful, quality plants, gifts and garden sundries and expert gardening advice.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- Gluten Free ExplorerHalifax, United Kingdom522 contributionsGreat day outWe walked here from Moreton in Marsh and it was a lovely morning and route. The garden centre had some lovely pieces and the arboretum was a lovely walk around. The cafe was reasonably priced too and dogs were allowed everywhere.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 7, 2023
- Tracey KGrande Prairie, Canada56 contributionsA lovely place to spend the day.A lovely place to spend the day. The grounds and plantings are varied and well marked. The cafe and shop are excellent, as are the staff. We missed the fall colours by a few weeks, but I can well imagine how beautiful it will be in its prime. We visited it twice. Once walking from Moreton-in-Marsh, and once from Blockley.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 16, 2023
- Stacy CStafford, United Kingdom62 contributionsVibrant colours!Visiting in November we experienced so many beautiful colours on the trees, reds and oranges. The vibrant colours were amazing. We thoroughly enjoyed our walk round the arboretum and enjoyed some peace in St Mary's church. Once we had completed our walk we headed into the cafe and had tea and a scone. We finished our afternoon with a walk round the garden centre. Be advised some of the paths in the winter can be slippy a good pair of footwear is recommended.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 9, 2023
- Trev EvansChipping Norton, United Kingdom9 contributionsEating at BatsfordTrees were beautiful in their Autumn colours, bit crowded but with the trees so fantastic to be expected. What let the experience down was the restaurant afterwards, the food order system needs to be overhauled, the modern restaurant is great, but you can’t order at the table, you have to queue to order from the food/coffee counter, the queue for which was about 18 to 20 metres long, about 60 people. We left, think they need a table order system. So it might be a good idea to give some thought to eating elsewhere. There is an outside section but it was limited food and cold.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 11, 2023
- Dave J25 contributionsFirst class foliage and foodWe visited the arboretum on a damp Saturday in December, the staff in the shop/entrance were very good, we paid £19.85 and entered the arboretum. We read the fascinating history of the six sisters whose family had owned the arboretum. There are 68 acres to explore and as it rained the streams and brooks were flowing. There are evergreen trees and some giant redwood trees which made the walk enjoyable. Afterwards we dined in the restaurant and I have to say the food was really excellent . We will definitely revisit in the summer to enjoy the blooming foliage.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 1, 2024
- WilfredStratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom91 contributionsA delight for all the sensesA delight for all the senses - colourful blossom, fragrant blooms, vast swathes of narcissi, magnificent trees and shrubs. The recent upgrades to the network of paths has made a positive difference. The staff were helpful and hospitable. It was obvious the garden team work hard and have created a beautiful place to visit.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 31, 2024
- Karen H11 contributionsLovely uncrowded experience in the Cotswolds. Worth the time spent.The arboretum is beautiful with footpaths for every level. ADA compliant. We were there in early May and enjoyed early spring perennials. Daffodils were fading out from the warmer weather. Horse Chestnut in full bloom- Bleeding Hearts and Iris blasting color. Lovely garden center and a wonderful falconry next door. Good for 2-4 hours and away from Cotswolds crowds. Many locals frequent the gardens.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 7, 2024
- ErskinemayPershore, United Kingdom253 contributionsA welcoming place of beautyThis is a place of enormous beauty and great views, of tall trees and delightful bushes. It’s small enough to be easy to see on a relatively short visit and large enough to make it worth a moderate journey. The staff are welcoming and very helpful on access needs.Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 24, 2024
- John TDaventry, United Kingdom77 contributionsMuch improved since my last tripI last came here 2 years ago and did not have a disabled friendly experience. Today was a much better experience and staff were very quick to help carry my tray to my table. Toilets were clean and well laid out, play areas and fantastic gardens. They even have 3 mobility scooters you can borrow to get around. The cafe is expensive. 2 bowls chips, 1 of salad, 2 sandwiches and 2 cokes and it was £38. Later 2 small cakes and 2 teas and it was £14. However whilst the sandwich fillings are not over simple they were tasty and fresh. The ham sandwich was overpowered by mustard and all other tastes forfeited. There was no option without mustard. Cheese came with chutney and no option without. Etc.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 26, 2024
- Kelly MMaidstone, United Kingdom337 contributionsWell worth a visitWe spent a good few hours wandering around and had food also. Entry fee very reasonable, ample parking and the hedgehog trail for the kids was fantastic. We didn’t find all 24 as we had to stop for drinks and found it hard to get restarted again but we had a lovely stroll around the beautiful garden.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 8, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Camper190737
Reading, UK85 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
We enjoyed the trip to the arboretum, cafe and garden centre but the approach to social distancing is the daftest I've come across. There's a single file past the toilets between the shop and cafe which forces people to pass close to each other. The daft part is that there's plenty of room for a sensible two-way system but keeping access to part of the shop evidently has priority. Sacrificing a few yards of shelf space would seem to be a reasonable thing to do if customer safety is a concern. To make thinfs worse, a grumpy member of staff was telling people to move out of the area of congestion by the toilets caused by the system the management has created. Not impressive.
Written July 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ambo22
Cambridge, UK15 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Really can’t recommend this unless you’re an OAP on a coach trip, it’s basically just a smal garden centre with a cafe, very unwelcoming to anyone with a young family. First off there are NO PICNICS allowed so forget any idea you had a sitting in the shade having a nice lunch. Instead you can use one of the picnic tables they’ve kindly scattered through the car park among the cars and mulch heaps. Hilariously they claimed this has nothing to do with driving custom to their cafe but because the squirrels would take the picnics otherwise. Second off if you’ve got young children don’t bother taking anything to keep them entertained e.g. scooters aerobees balls. I was stopped at the front desk before I even got in just for carrying a frisbee. I’m surprised they weren’t searching bags. I can’t stand such officious unfriendliness to customers but to my extreme irritation I’d already paid because they are STILL operating a pre-booking system, of course. I couldn’t recommend this to anyone with a young family. There are lots of beautiful walks and woods nearby where you can enjoy a picnic and frisbee without being bothered by such jobsworths.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sir,
I heard about your rudeness at the tills to our female staff and quite frankly it is uncalled for and unnecessary, I do appreciate your wife apologizing for your behavior, however you caused a lot of upset not only to our staff but to other members of the public within earshot. The Arboretum is quite rightly not a play park it is a Botanical collection and therefore we do not allow ball games and frisbee's in their. However we do have large grassed area's near the carpark where you can let off steam if you need too and we do supply a large number of picnic tables that the public can use free of charge. yes some of the picnic tables are near the carpark but most visitors appreciate this as they do not have to lug their picnic hampers far ! there are also picnic tables behind the coach park on a large grassed area under trees and below the walled garden that are away from the carparks, perhaps if you hadn't been so rude and given our staff chance they could have explained this too you.
I presume from this review that you will not be visiting us again which is a shame because we get hundreds of young families visiting who thoroughly enjoy the arboretum.
Written June 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elizabeth598
Birmingham, UK10 contributions
Nov 2020
I visited the arboretum on Monday with my 93 year old father; he used the ticket I had originally purchased for my husband (who had to visit his elderly mother at short notice). We arrived at the garden centre at 12.30 pm which was 30 minutes late (for good reason) and the member of staff at the entrance to the garden centre took us on a short cut through to the arboretum as she noticed that my father walked with a stick. She mentioned the tramper and we said we didn’t know there was one. To our delight the tramper was available and the member of staff at the arboretum suggested we have lunch and return at 1.30pm to collect the tramper. Again, we were escorted through the gift shop into the restaurant so we didn’t have to take the long way round.
We had a delicious lunch and again received excellent service. The indoor tables were full so we went outside for a few minutes before returning indoors when a table became available. By this time our soup had cooled down but the staff in the restaurant were more than happy to heat it up again and brought it to us at our table. We both enjoyed looking around the garden centre. The tramper was a huge success and we both left Batsford on a real high, both agreeing that every single member of staff we met was exceptionally kind and helpful.
I would like to thank all the Batsford team for making it a very special visit. I’m not sure when I will be able to take my dad out for a visit as lockdown starts tomorrow so that makes it even more special. We now both have a lovely memory to cherish over the next weeks. Dad is very keen to return to Batsford and of course we will pre book the tramper!
We had a delicious lunch and again received excellent service. The indoor tables were full so we went outside for a few minutes before returning indoors when a table became available. By this time our soup had cooled down but the staff in the restaurant were more than happy to heat it up again and brought it to us at our table. We both enjoyed looking around the garden centre. The tramper was a huge success and we both left Batsford on a real high, both agreeing that every single member of staff we met was exceptionally kind and helpful.
I would like to thank all the Batsford team for making it a very special visit. I’m not sure when I will be able to take my dad out for a visit as lockdown starts tomorrow so that makes it even more special. We now both have a lovely memory to cherish over the next weeks. Dad is very keen to return to Batsford and of course we will pre book the tramper!
Written November 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martyn O
West Malling, UK10 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
The signage was very confusing indeed we were looking for disabled parking for the garden centre and cafe, and ended up hundreds of yards away facing a long trek down a daunting ramp.
We did eventually found it and was nice and clean, tea was hot.
The lady in the Garden centre when I asked if a wheelchair was available for my mother replied "Did you phone and book one?" I said no as we were just passing whilst on holiday
She replied " We close in 25 mins? is it worth it? I replied yes my mother would still like to browse please,
She reluctantly went off to fetch one only took her 1 to 2 mins max, initially just couldn't be bothered obviously.
We jointly spent a fair sum so i am sure the owners will be pleased that thier emplyee relented.
We did eventually found it and was nice and clean, tea was hot.
The lady in the Garden centre when I asked if a wheelchair was available for my mother replied "Did you phone and book one?" I said no as we were just passing whilst on holiday
She replied " We close in 25 mins? is it worth it? I replied yes my mother would still like to browse please,
She reluctantly went off to fetch one only took her 1 to 2 mins max, initially just couldn't be bothered obviously.
We jointly spent a fair sum so i am sure the owners will be pleased that thier emplyee relented.
Written October 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George M
3 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Leave voters' paradise. Enter the future as you pay £8 for a panini. This is justified by providing a plate, a few leaves of dry lettuce and a handful of crisps. Latte £2.95. An absolute rip off but the elderly, exclusively white clientele can't get enough of overpriced, underwhelming food.
Nor can they get enough of dogs barking in the cafe.
For the true fun-filled experience, be sure to visit on a bank holiday Monday. You'll spend hours in a shuffling queue waiting to pay £40 for some sandwiches.
This is the future we face once Brexit bites - boring food at a huge premium.
Nor can they get enough of dogs barking in the cafe.
For the true fun-filled experience, be sure to visit on a bank holiday Monday. You'll spend hours in a shuffling queue waiting to pay £40 for some sandwiches.
This is the future we face once Brexit bites - boring food at a huge premium.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
exclusively white clientele !!!! ... thanks for your racist comment I only hope that visitors to our trip adviser page read all the lovely reviews that we receive and make there own minds up about your horrible Brexit rambling review ! (just for your information I voted to stay in the EU but I must abide by the majorities decision and accept the situation which has no reflection on our business at all !!)
I trust you will not be visiting us again.
Written March 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
k838nst
Reading, UK32 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Understandably August is not the prime month to visit however the landscape and places of interest like the swamp, church, statues, water and caves provided an interesting walk. Very steep in places and bark paths, so not suitable for everyone. Dog friendly
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
buckets1969
Flitwick, UK689 contributions
Aug 2020
We decided to visit the Arboretum on our visit to the Cotswolds, it is signposted from Moreton-in-Marsh being about 2 miles from the main street. Masks are needed when paying to get in and in garden centre and cafe.
It was £8.95 per adult with Gift Aid added. The map has A-Z on it with different notable places marked so you don't miss anything. There are lots of different trees and plants and all on fairly good paths (trainers or walking boots)
We spent about 2 hours walking the whole area and about an hour in the garden centre and having a coffee.
It was £8.95 per adult with Gift Aid added. The map has A-Z on it with different notable places marked so you don't miss anything. There are lots of different trees and plants and all on fairly good paths (trainers or walking boots)
We spent about 2 hours walking the whole area and about an hour in the garden centre and having a coffee.
Written September 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mr_Spock56
Stoke-on-Trent, UK1,429 contributions
Jul 2021
You need to be reasonably fit to fully enjoy this venue as it involves a lot of walking sometimes up medium inclines. If you fall into this category then I fully recommend it, the price of entry is reasonable and the attractions you encounter whilst walking along the well cared for paths are well worth seeking out. It took us about 1.5 hours to walk the entirety of the site and there is a caffe and garden centre attached to further fill your day. Due to covid you have to book tickets in advace online.
Written July 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew B
Lincoln, UK12,153 contributions
Sep 2020
We visited mid September - it took us a bit of time to work out which car park was for the garden centre and which for the Arboretum although I don't think it mattered but the signage could be clearer. Friendly staff at the entrance where you are given a very helpful map.
These are huge grounds so no problems with social distancing. We started by walking along the main drive way and you can either take some of the paths branching off on either side or as we did walk right to the end to the church and village houses. I believe the arboretum is probably at it's best in October/November for colour but there were some spectacular displays even in mid September and perhaps it is stating the obvious to mention the huge varieties of trees, some of which are probably not seen in many other places in the UK.
There are great photo opportunities and you can get an absolutely stunning view looking down to the House in the distance which actually isn't part of the arboretum - I could easily have sat there for half an hour simply admiring the view. There are plenty of strategically placed seats, some at viewing sites as you can walk for hours in here should you so wish. A nice waterfall and other really lovely thoughtful features.
We didn't have time to look round the garden centre or cafe as we had also booked to go to the wonderful Sezincote Gardens which you can literally access straight across the road from leaving Batsford.
We really quite know what to expect but Batsford Arboretum is a real revelation and a must visit if you are in the area. Incredibly good value at c£8 entrance which you have to pre-book.
These are huge grounds so no problems with social distancing. We started by walking along the main drive way and you can either take some of the paths branching off on either side or as we did walk right to the end to the church and village houses. I believe the arboretum is probably at it's best in October/November for colour but there were some spectacular displays even in mid September and perhaps it is stating the obvious to mention the huge varieties of trees, some of which are probably not seen in many other places in the UK.
There are great photo opportunities and you can get an absolutely stunning view looking down to the House in the distance which actually isn't part of the arboretum - I could easily have sat there for half an hour simply admiring the view. There are plenty of strategically placed seats, some at viewing sites as you can walk for hours in here should you so wish. A nice waterfall and other really lovely thoughtful features.
We didn't have time to look round the garden centre or cafe as we had also booked to go to the wonderful Sezincote Gardens which you can literally access straight across the road from leaving Batsford.
We really quite know what to expect but Batsford Arboretum is a real revelation and a must visit if you are in the area. Incredibly good value at c£8 entrance which you have to pre-book.
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlotte H
19 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
In Autumn this place is stunning. They have a lot of acers so you have some amazing autumn colours in November.
We have been a few times and enjoy seeing it change through the year and the little statues scattered around the park are lovely little 'Easter eggs' to hunt for (or you can cheat and use the map).
The inside cafe had really long queues on 7/11 and they now have a little hot food, cakes and drinks served outside too. Not surprising it was busy on a sunny autumn day!
We always find something to buy in the shop/garden centre too and treated ourselves to a potted acer to take home as a reminder of Batsford.
We have been a few times and enjoy seeing it change through the year and the little statues scattered around the park are lovely little 'Easter eggs' to hunt for (or you can cheat and use the map).
The inside cafe had really long queues on 7/11 and they now have a little hot food, cakes and drinks served outside too. Not surprising it was busy on a sunny autumn day!
We always find something to buy in the shop/garden centre too and treated ourselves to a potted acer to take home as a reminder of Batsford.
Written November 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, what would be the best time for autumn colours this year@Batsford? We plan to visit in the half term, will the leaves have fallen by then? Also us it easy for able but elderly people to walk around or it is a very hilly area? Thanks in advance!!
Written September 30, 2022
there are some hilly paths, but most are very accessible older but able people should be fine. I would think Half term would be just right for autumn colcours
Written October 2, 2022
Approximately when do the cherry trees blossom?
Written February 29, 2020
I’d say it really depends as it’s been a relatively mild winter here in England this year. Usually, the flowering begins in late March and peaks in mid-April, with petals falling off the trees in early May. Hope this helps.
Written March 1, 2020
Hi.i use atravel mobility scooter,will i see much and can i get to the church easily ?..I understand you have large scooters for hire but as i will be with a coach party booking times would probably be difficult
Written October 12, 2018
Although the Arboretum is on a hillside, there is a pathway suitable for a mobility scooter. This takes you across the arboretum, alongside the hedge and up to the church. Other parts of the arboretum may prove more difficult as they are over unmade paths.
Written October 17, 2018
Is this establishment dog friendly?
Written May 14, 2018
Hello. We welcome well behaved dogs in the arboretum and visitor centre (including the cafe). Dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times and we ask visitors to clean up after their dogs using any of the outdoor litter bins around the site.
Written May 15, 2018
In 'high summer', do they actually lock the exit gates at night or can you wander around till dusk (as long as you get in before last entry)?
Written April 23, 2018
Hi last entry is 4.45pm and we expect visitors to exit by 6pm. yes gates are closed and locked just after 6pm thank you.
Written April 25, 2018
Any update on the cherry blossom? Looking forward to our visit.
Written April 19, 2018
Hi the Cherry Blossom and Magnolias are finally coming out (three weeks late this year) and are starting to look good, this weekend and next week should be a lovely time to visit.
Written April 20, 2018
yes we have two tramper mobility vehicles please ring to book 01386 701441and we have a couple of wheel chairs too thanks
Stuart Priest - Director of Operations
Written December 2, 2017
Do you have a visitor event in December ? Lit trees ? etc .
Thank you .
Written April 26, 2017
Hi the arboretum is not lit up but they do have great Xmas lights around the garden centre and arboretum entrance, and the place is decorated lovely well worth a visit late afternoon to see them at their best. Also there is a childrens Elf hunt in the arboretum and father Xmas always appears in his grotto on one of the weekends running up to christmas.
Written April 27, 2017
Hi, when is the best time to visit the daffodils at Batsford Arboretum? Also we want to visit the cherry trees roughly April-May we were wondering when is the best approximate time to see them? Many thanks
Written February 25, 2017
Was there the weekend daffodils in full bloom and the cherry trees magnolias also lovely place
Written March 21, 2017
How much is the entry for 2 adults please
Written September 5, 2016
£7.95 per adult ie £15.90 for two
Written September 7, 2016
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