Garden to visit – Batsford Arboretum in Gloucestershire
There are a number of wonderful Aboreta to visit in the UK, but one of my firm favourites is Batsford Arboretum in Gloucestershire. It is a fantastic source of inspiration for us gardeners, whatever the time of year.
A Hidden Gem in the Cotswolds
If you’re a fan of stunning trees, peaceful walks, and a good slice of cake, then Batsford Arboretum in Gloucestershire is an absolute must-visit. Tucked away near Moreton-in-Marsh, this beautiful 56-acre woodland is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and just breathe.
Is Batsford Arboretum worth visiting?
From the moment you arrive, you know you’re in for a treat. The entrance is lined with towering trees, and depending on the season, you’re either greeted by vibrant autumn leaves, delicate spring blossoms, or the lush greens of summer. If you visit in autumn (which I highly recommend!) it is ablaze with fiery reds, deep oranges, and golden yellows—it’s like walking through a painting.
Spring
Spring at Batsford means cherry blossoms… lots of them! The arboretum is home to one of the UK’s finest collections of Japanese flowering cherries, and when they bloom, the landscape is bathed in soft pinks and whites, with various varieties of daffodils and crocus as supporting acts. I visited at the end of March, on the most glorious day and walking beneath the delicate blossoms felt like stepping into a fairy tale. If you’re looking for inspiration for a cherry tree for your own garden Batsford arboretum is the place to go. Ornamental cherry trees are grown for their flowers rather than their fruit and most are cultivars of the Japanese cherry tree, Prunus cerasus (sakura tree) and some would argue that the most beautiful blossom of all trees.
However, there is strong competition at Batsford Arboretum from the magnificent magnolias. There must be hundreds of them planted here, and many are highly fragrant, which only adds to the attraction for humans (and bees.) Magnolias are among the first trees to bloom in spring, often as early as late February, depending on the weather. At Batsford they are protected by the canopy of other trees so they weren’t damaged by frost as other magnolias are prone to do. The display peaks in March and April, creating a spectacular sight as the trees are covered in elegant, fragrant flowers before their leaves fully emerge.
Some of the most eye-catching include:
- Magnolia soulangeana – The classic saucer magnolia, with large, cup-shaped flowers in dreamy pink and white.
- Magnolia stellata – Also known as the star magnolia, this variety features delicate, starburst-like white flowers that bloom early in the season and tends to be more hardy than the larger, showier varieties.
- Magnolia campbellii – A true showstopper with huge pink blossoms that light up the arboretum against the fresh green backdrop of spring.
How long is the walk at Batsford Arboretum?
After months of bare branches, the trees at Batsford were beginning to wake up on the day I visited, unfurling their bright green leaves in the crisp spring sunshine. The circular route is about 3.5 km and easy to walk. It took us about two hours to get round the whole circuit, but we had to keep stopping to admire the beauty; the air was filled with the scent of fresh earth, new growth and the magnolias, making it the perfect for a, peaceful walk. Although it was busy, there is space for everyone and at times we felt like we were the only visitors there to admire the vivid yellow daffodils, cheerful primroses and crocus popping up in every corner.
Autumn
For me, the best time of year to visit Batsford is in the autumn. I’ve visited three times in the autumn and it never fails to disappoint. The best time to catch Batsford’s autumn colours is typically mid-October to early November. The exact timing depends on the weather, but a crisp, sunny day during this period is absolutely magical.
Batsford is home to over 1,300 species of trees and shrubs, and when autumn arrives, many put on an incredible show. Some of the highlights include:
- Japanese Maples (Acer trees) These are the stars of the season! Their delicate, lacy leaves turn the most incredible shades of crimson, scarlet, and deep orange. The Japanese maple glade is a must-visit in October!
- Liquidambar (Sweet Gum trees) These beauties transition through greens, purples, reds, and oranges all at once, creating a multi-toned effect that’s just mesmerising.
- Beech and Oak Trees Their golden and coppery hues glow in the autumn sunlight, making the arboretum feel like a real-life painting.
- Rowan Trees (Mountain Ash) Not only do their leaves turn a lovely reddish-orange, but they’re also covered in bright red berries, a favourite treat for birds.
How long do you need at Batsford Arboretum?
A visit to Batsford arboretum in Gloucestershire will probably take about three hours, including a stop at the cafe for coffee and delicious cake. For me one of the bonuses is that they allow dogs, on the lead. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident wildlife. I’ve spotted squirrels darting about, robins singing their hearts out, and even a pheasant casually strutting across the path. There’s also a small pond with some very relaxed ducks who seemed totally unfazed by visitors snapping photos.
For a plant lover, there is much to see at Batsford!
For more details on opening times and and access information visit the website here.
Want suggestions on another beautiful garden to visit in Gloucestershire? See details on Westbury Court Gardens here.
