Undoubtedly one of the Cotswolds’ most loved attractions, Batsford Arboretum draws families and nature lovers alike to its 60-acre site near Moreton-in-Marsh, offering ever-changing landscapes and seasonal highlights throughout the year.
While a weekly wander through the arboretum would give visitors something new to discover each time, SoGlos shares just 12 of the top reasons why Batsford Arboretum is a wonderful place to visit all year round – with return visits each season recommended.
For more information about Batsford Arboretum, and to book tickets, visit batsarb.co.uk.
Discover something new every month
Batsford Arboretum has been thoughtfully-designed as a garden for all seasons: from winter-flowering shrubs to blossom in the spring, changing autumn leaves through to the chance to buy real trees at Christmas time.
Batsford is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day, visitors can return time and again to soak up the changing seasons.
Soak up stunning carpets of snowdrops
One of the earliest signs of spring, see Batsford Arboretum's snowdrops blossom from late January and throughout February — as thousands of carefully-planted snowdrops transform the Cotswolds landscape into a pretty patchwork of floral displays.
Keen gardeners can also buy their own snowdrops 'in the green' from Batsford's garden centre.
Give your dog a day out
Dog owners can bring their prized pets to Batsford, with the arboretum being a delightful dog-friendly destination for walkies in stunning surroundings.
As well as plenty of paths around the 60-acre site, dogs can join their owners inside the cafe and garden centre. While dogs must be kept on a short lead, there are also some to borrow too.
See Batsford's famous Japanese cherry blossoms in bloom
Batsford is home to the UK's national collection of Japanese cherry trees, with over 120 flowering cherry trees creating a colourful spectacle around the arboretum from mid-March to early May.
Take a stroll through the pastel-pinks, keeping an eye out for the blooming magnolias which provide a stunning backdrop of spring colour, too.
Soak up Batsford's culture and heritage
Dating back to the late 1880s, Batsford Arboretum has a rich history to discover: from the hermit's cave to the Japanese rest house — topped with a dragon to ward off evil spirits!
Visitors can also meet Roger, Batsford's resident woodturner. Stop by his cabin near the arboretum exit to marvel at the beautiful pieces he's created — from thermometers and clocks to kitchenware — all made from wood gathered in the arboretum and further afield.
Go 'leaf peeping' in the autumn
Autumn is a real treat at Batsford. Crunch through fallen leaves and breathe in the crisp air, spotting flashes of autumnal colour around the arboretum — with a vibrant landscape of fiery oranges, reds and buttery yellows.
With dazzling displays around every corner, the collection of Japanese acers really come into their own around October.
Grab lunch at the Garden Terrace Cafe
Fully refurbished in recent years and a winner of SoGlos's Cafe of the Year in the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards, the Garden Terrace Cafe is the perfect pitstop for a hot drink after exploring Batsford's grounds.
Serving breakfast, lunch and tasty cakes — all freshly baked on the premises — the cafe also benefits from an a large terrace for alfresco dining when the weather is warm enough, overlooking the Evenlode Valley.
Shop very local picking up homegrown plants
Nestled within the walls of Batsford House's former Victorian kitchen garden, Batsford Garden Centre stocks a wide range of quality, affordable plants and gardening essentials.
Keen gardeners can also pick up plant species grown in the arboretum, to bring a bit of Batsford back to your own garden.
Let little ones explore, play and make memories outdoors
As well as having plenty of open space to stretch little legs, Batsford is a vibrant hive of activity for young families — including popular themed trails during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.
While grown-ups are catching up over coffee, kids can whizz down the slide and make shapes in the sandpit at the children's play area — open all year round and tucked away in the plant area of the garden centre.
Plus, for children aged 2 to 6, there is Mini Foresters, a delightful forest school experience situated at the arboretum, for bug-hunting and building dens galore, which can be booked separately.
Hone your creative skills
One of the Cotswolds' prettiest gardens, Batsford is described as an artists' paradise, with inspiring scenery to capture on camera and canvas.
Whether you're an enthusiastic amateur or professional artist, there are plenty of quiet spots to sketch, paint or take photographs — with regular painting, photography and even arm knitting workshops for inspiring creativity.
Browse for thoughtful gifts at Batsford's shop
Batsford Arboretum's gift shop is a treasure trove of unique souvenirs, with a curated stock of local interest books, homewares, nature-inspired children's toys and gifts created by local craftspeople.
The gift shop, along with Batsford Garden Centre and the Garden Terrace Cafe, are all free to enter, too — you'll only need to pay admission to visit the arboretum itself.
Make a full Cotswolds day of it
Batsford Arboretum is packed with things to see and do — and visitors can extend their adventure further, with the neighbouring Cotswold Falconry Centre putting on daily free-flying demonstrations with its resident birds of prey, from mid-February to mid-November; and Cotswold Archery giving wannabe Robin Hoods the chance to shoot some arrows from its range at Batsford.
Batsford is also just down the road from the thriving Cotswold town of Moreton-in-Marsh, where you'll find antique shopping hotspots, independent boutiques, and plenty of tea rooms.
