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 autumnās 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 CafĆ©; Beautiful, quality plants, gifts and garden sundries and expert gardening advice.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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- TJB7060 contributionsLovely placeWe visited on a sunny February day and it was a great morning spent walking around the beautiful trees. An idealic spot with amazing views of Oxfordshire. Not too vast, hilly in places but plenty of benches along the way. The garden centre was larger than we expected and had everything. We didn't eat in the cafe but plenty of seating in a large space. The toilets were clean but the entire floor in the ladies was wet?? But we'll worth a visit none the less.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 February 2023
- SusiQHessle, United Kingdom55 contributionsLovelyWe had an email and phone conversation with staff b4 arriving to book a disability scooter. Staff were efficient and friendly. Reception manager Claire was absolutely lovely with my 88 yr old mum - showing her how to use the scooter, even giving her a test drive! The scooter was large and solid & super easy to use. The paths were well laid down and sign posted. We went in late Feb when the Spring daffs and snow drops were stunning. Cafe was a bit pricy but offered a better standard of food than most similar visitor attractions. Parking easy & free. Two of us got in free as we are RHS members. Perfect day out.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 February 2023
- laurenbroadfieldOxford, United Kingdom30 contributionsGreat Easter visitReally lovely visit to the arboretum for their Easter bunny trail - but enjoyed the whole arboretum. Beautiful grounds and lots of calming spaces with lots of plant species to enjoy. Fantastic food in the cafe too - we had lunch then cake later on. Lovely friendly staff in the shop of the arboretum entrance.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 11 April 2023
- Pritesh MLeamington Spa, United Kingdom752 contributionsLovely placeNB. We went in Feb 22 (not June), but wanted to write this report as I did enjoy the visit. Wonderfully organised route and thigs to see. I'd like to go back again and take parents who would really enjoy.Visited June 2022Written 8 May 2023
- Welshwitch1944Pembroke, United Kingdom39 contributionsBeautiful Gardens and a easy access for the disabled .I am disabled and unable to walk long distances . I booked a Tramper scooter a week in advance and was able to park right by the entrance to the shop. There is a short walk to the collection point and you pass a toilet on the way . The staff were more than helpful , very pleasant and could not do enough for us , they helped to make our day . After a quick lesson I was on my way and we had a wonderful two hours in the Arboretum looking at the beautiful trees and shrubs in early spring . We had lunch after in the restaurant looking over the countryside .Visited May 2023Written 7 June 2023
- Helen CWellington, New Zealand102 contributionsWell worth a visitWe thoroughly enjoyed wandering through this well laid out garden. The plants were varied and well labeled, which was a great help to non- gardeners like us. I was also really impressed with how accessible it was with people having the option of booking electric vehicles to travel around the Arboretum. There are plenty of places to sit and contemplate the world, and while popular, it didn't seem too busy or crowded, unlike several gardens we have visited. Would love to visit again in autumn as the leaves would be wonderful.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 June 2023
- DilbertfanSurrey, United Kingdom456 contributionsVery enjoyable and peaceful area for a walkabout among the treesThe Batsford Arboretum was an absolute delight. 60 acres of garden, few people around in June, and vast numbers of lovely trees. We finished our 1.5hr tour with a stop in their excellent cafeteria which provides indoor and outdoor seating. It has an extensive garden shop. Routes for wheelchair users are identified. Right next door is a falconry centre, and on exit you face the entrance to Sezincote house and gardens, also well worth a visit. It all adds up to a day's full outings.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 July 2023
- pjtravellergloster72Cheltenham, United Kingdom137 contributionsFirst visitVisited here as part of the countryside mobility scheme where you are able to join and make use of the excellent tramper all terrain mobility scooter,The staff in all departments are extremely friendly and helpful and a credit to the establishment. The aboretum is well laid out with good paths and tracks to wander around with a wealth of trees shrubs and gentle stream and points of interest. The restaurant is large ample seating inside and outside although not enough umbrellas to offer shade on exterior tables and a basic fairly poor choice of menus,The garden centre part is well laid out with good accessibility for disabled clients however the one major problem is the lack of disabled parking spaces only two available anywhere close to the entrance and although there is a drop off point if busy disabled face a long walk or push from the car parkVisited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 July 2023
- Mark EBirmingham, United Kingdom20 contributionsTrees galore and some lovely views.Beautiful views, and very clear paths and signs. We strolled round most of it (including reaching the highest point) in about an hour. Grounds seem very well looked after. Hedgehog hunt for children looks like fun.Visited July 2023Written 18 July 2023
- Chris LBude, United Kingdom33 contributionsPeacefulIt was a pleasant sunny afternoon when we visited the arboretum. We had a very leisurely walk around for a couple of hours looking at the wonderful trees and admiring the views. There were a few other people around but it was generally very quiet and peaceful. Would love to go back in the autumn if we lived closer. Had a quiet cup of tea in the cafe before a look around the garden centre and buying a couple of plants to remind us of our visit. A good way to spend an afternoon.Visited July 2023Written 26 July 2023
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4.5
1,378 reviews
Excellent
842
Very good
433
Average
77
Poor
16
Terrible
10
Jenny K
8 contributions
Nov 2023 ⢠Couples
Bathford is one of my favourite arboretum. Reasonably compact, well laid out, so much detail and beauty. Intersting Japanese twist. Lovely cafe,
Written 16 November 2023
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.
Peter22
Alcester, UK76 contributions
Nov 2023 ⢠Couples
A very poor experience.
We knew it could be busy on a fine autumn Saturday, so planned to get there at around 11am, have a quick brunch (perhaps bacon sandwich) then do the arboretum and return to the cafe mid-afternoon for afternoon tea and cake.
Parking was OK and we went to the entrance building/cafe. We joined the queue for the cafe at 11:20 which was long and hardly moving. After a while we could see the lunch menu (served from 12:00) and were able to watch the staff in the kitchen - who did not seem rushed off their feet! By 11:50 the queue had progressed to the point where we could see that all that was on offer at that time were a few anaemic sandwiches, the usual cakes and drinks. We asked when we could get a toasted panini (quick and easy?). We were told 12:00, when lunch service was available. We decided to wait and ordered. Now we could see why the queue was so slow moving - just a couple of staff trying to serve, make coffee and take money. The paninis arrived at 12:20! To be fair, they were very good.
Now we were ready to go to the arboretum - but total chaos. There were three jumbled up queues right back to the doors - one for the cafe, one for tickets to get into the arboretum and one for the totally inadequate toilets! At that point we debated whether to go home, but we stuck with the queue and eventually (another 20 minutes) arrived in the gift shop where the till are for tickets. Now we could see why there was such a delay - the staff on the tills had to deal with people buying from the gift shop as well a try to issue tickets. Even after we had the tickets we could not go through the door beside us into the arboretum - we had to double back, fight our way through the queue and go out the other door! But we had difficulty even opening the door as there was another queue the other side of it, this time members and people with pre-booked tickets waiting to get to the small window with one person allowing them in!
After the arboretum we returned for tea and wondered whether the outdoor refreshment area might be our best option - but no! - there was another long queue and we discovered that the main fare on offer was ice cream and pasties.
So we went indoors to the cafe - only to be met, you've guessed it - with another long queue! At that point we left and found a wonderful tea room on the A44 going towards Evesham where we had a hug pot of real tea, china cups and some of the most wonderful sponge cake.
Incidentally, many of the trees at Batsford are now past their best, with most of the colour coming from the beech trees.
We knew it could be busy on a fine autumn Saturday, so planned to get there at around 11am, have a quick brunch (perhaps bacon sandwich) then do the arboretum and return to the cafe mid-afternoon for afternoon tea and cake.
Parking was OK and we went to the entrance building/cafe. We joined the queue for the cafe at 11:20 which was long and hardly moving. After a while we could see the lunch menu (served from 12:00) and were able to watch the staff in the kitchen - who did not seem rushed off their feet! By 11:50 the queue had progressed to the point where we could see that all that was on offer at that time were a few anaemic sandwiches, the usual cakes and drinks. We asked when we could get a toasted panini (quick and easy?). We were told 12:00, when lunch service was available. We decided to wait and ordered. Now we could see why the queue was so slow moving - just a couple of staff trying to serve, make coffee and take money. The paninis arrived at 12:20! To be fair, they were very good.
Now we were ready to go to the arboretum - but total chaos. There were three jumbled up queues right back to the doors - one for the cafe, one for tickets to get into the arboretum and one for the totally inadequate toilets! At that point we debated whether to go home, but we stuck with the queue and eventually (another 20 minutes) arrived in the gift shop where the till are for tickets. Now we could see why there was such a delay - the staff on the tills had to deal with people buying from the gift shop as well a try to issue tickets. Even after we had the tickets we could not go through the door beside us into the arboretum - we had to double back, fight our way through the queue and go out the other door! But we had difficulty even opening the door as there was another queue the other side of it, this time members and people with pre-booked tickets waiting to get to the small window with one person allowing them in!
After the arboretum we returned for tea and wondered whether the outdoor refreshment area might be our best option - but no! - there was another long queue and we discovered that the main fare on offer was ice cream and pasties.
So we went indoors to the cafe - only to be met, you've guessed it - with another long queue! At that point we left and found a wonderful tea room on the A44 going towards Evesham where we had a hug pot of real tea, china cups and some of the most wonderful sponge cake.
Incidentally, many of the trees at Batsford are now past their best, with most of the colour coming from the beech trees.
Written 11 November 2023
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.
Thank you for your comments/review following your visit to Batsford on Saturday.
It was one of the busiest days weāve ever had at Batsford ā we experienced the 'perfect storm' - we were broadcast on TV (a week later than expected), and wet weather in the days running up to and after Saturday, and good weather forecast on the day in question, meant everyone visited on the same day. We understand the queues you faced would have been extremely frustrating and we apologise for the delays you experienced. We have a system in place at our admissions desk that tries to minimise queuing time during our busy periods, however on an extremely busy day such as Saturday, unfortunately queuing is inevitable. We try to encourage visitors to book online because it takes around a third of the time to process a pre-paid ticket than it does to sell a ticket at the till. In addition to this, the cafĆ© unfortunately had three members of staff call in sick at the last minute and one member of staff was sent home at 11.30am feeling unwell, which impacted their serving time and caused further unexpected queues.
There are other toilets on the site which were open to visitors besides the ones inside the main building, however we take on board that the staff were so busy that you probably didnāt get the opportunity to ask if there were alternative toilets available.
Rest assured, we get department managers together to debrief and discuss issues, especially where they impact on the visitor experience, and where we can we make alterations. However as you will appreciate, it is difficult to build an infrastructure that is designed to cater for one peak day each year.
We hope that this experience hasnāt deterred you from visiting Batsford in the future and we look forward to welcoming you back.
Written 13 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Trev Evans
Chipping Norton, UK4 contributions
Nov 2023 ⢠Family
Trees 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 canāt 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.
Written 11 November 2023
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.
Joe R
3 contributions
Nov 2023 ⢠Family
Lovely place, I would give it 5 star, however it's annoying having to sign up to paypal to buy tickets online! why, it's unnecessary.
If your dog is unhappy on a short leash it's best not to bring them.
I recommend allowing dog walkers to leave by the main entrance and avoid the shop.
For the above reasons I give only 3 stars
If your dog is unhappy on a short leash it's best not to bring them.
I recommend allowing dog walkers to leave by the main entrance and avoid the shop.
For the above reasons I give only 3 stars
Written 10 November 2023
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.
Thank you for your review We are looking at other prepayment systems as you are not the 1st person to get annoyed about Paypal. To be fair you do not have to pay by Paypal if you look below it there is the option to pay direct with your debit card ... however i do take on board what you are saying as the paypal part is right in your face.
We try to sell online tickets so we can split you off on to a fast track route around the side of the main building to lesson queues at the tills within the building. To scan someone through with a prepaid ticket takes about a third less of the time than to sell someone a ticket at the inside tills.
we can only apologies and assure you we are constantly reviewing everything to give our valued visitors the best experience that we can achieve.
Written 13 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stacy C
Stafford, UK26 contributions
Nov 2023 ⢠Couples
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.
Written 10 November 2023
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.
steven w
Watford, UK171 contributions
Oct 2023 ⢠Friends
Expensive for what there is to see. Large restaurant and good garden shop. Parking fine short walk to entrance. Not the most welcoming staff.
Written 29 October 2023
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.
Tracey K
Grande Prairie, Canada51 contributions
Oct 2023 ⢠Friends
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.
We visited it twice. Once walking from Moreton-in-Marsh, and once from Blockley.
Written 16 October 2023
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.
Gluten Free Explorer
Halifax, UK375 contributions
Oct 2023 ⢠Couples
We 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.
Written 7 October 2023
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.
David C
Telford, UK259 contributions
Sep 2023 ⢠Couples
Had a fascinating time here exploring the arboretum. Very easy to follow map and some fantastic views. Well worth a visit.
Written 18 September 2023
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.
laura
38 contributions
Sep 2023 ⢠Couples
Spent all day here at the FALCONRY and it was amazing, we watched all 3 shows and stayed for 5 hours in total!
The staff were great, you could tell they absolutely loved their job and made it so entertaining and fun
The staff were great, you could tell they absolutely loved their job and made it so entertaining and fun
Written 12 September 2023
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!!
BarryWalesAngie
Barry Wales250 contributions
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
KirstenMS
Baton Rouge, LA43 contributions
Approximately when do the cherry trees blossom?
Max S
London, UK181 contributions
Iād say it really depends as itās 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.
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
Deerwood
Gloucester, UK116 contributions
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.
466melvyn
Staffordshire, UK51 contributions
Is this establishment dog friendly?
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.
Dlp6666
Salford, UK22 contributions
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)?
stuart p
Llandysul, UK42 contributions
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.
MaryDevon
13 contributions
Any update on the cherry blossom? Looking forward to our visit.
stuart p
Llandysul, UK42 contributions
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.
Do you have mobilty scooters or wheelchairs
stuart p
Llandysul, UK42 contributions
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
Linda K
Herts17 contributions
Do you have a visitor event in December ? Lit trees ? etc .
Thank you .
stuart p
Llandysul, UK42 contributions
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.
Tas J
12 contributions
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
Morevs
Llanelli, UK24 contributions
Was there the weekend daffodils in full bloom and the cherry trees magnolias also lovely place
Treetoftes
Fairlight, UK2 contributions
How much is the entry for 2 adults please
Emma S
Moreton-in-Marsh, UK5 contributions
£7.95 per adult ie £15.90 for two
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Claim your listingBATSFORD ARBORETUM: Tickets, Tours & Tips (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Batsford Arboretum
- Hotels near Batsford Arboretum:
- (0.27 mi) MICHAELMAS COTTAGE
- (0.54 mi) Horse and Groom
- (0.34 mi) 2 bedroom accommodation in Bourton-on-the-Hill, near Moreton-in-Marsh
- (1.41 mi) White Hart Royal Hotel
- (1.37 mi) Redesdale Arms Hotel
- Restaurants near Batsford Arboretum:
- (0.00 mi) Garden Terrace Cafe At Batsford Arboretum
- (0.54 mi) Horse and Groom
- (1.53 mi) Grouch Coffee
- (1.38 mi) Rixy's Cotswold Tearoom
- (1.41 mi) The Black Bear
- Attractions near Batsford Arboretum:
- (0.27 mi) Bourton House Garden
- (0.50 mi) Cotswold Archery
- (0.57 mi) Cotswold Tours & Travel
- (0.61 mi) Cotswold Falconry Centre
- (1.51 mi) Cotswolds Guided Tours