Batsford Arboretum
The 1st Lord Redesdale planted his ‘wild garden’ in the 1890s, taking inspiration from his time spent in the Far East, notably China and Japan. His extensive knowledge enabled him to plant botanically important collections of Japanese Maples, flowering Cherries, Mountain Ash, and Bamboo. Many of the specimen trees he planted form the structure of today’s arboretum.
He also imported bronze statues of Buddha, Foo dogs, and Seeker deer and built a Japanese rest house complete with Roof Dragon. He constructed an artificial, 600 metre stream, a Hermits’ Cave and ornamental bridges.
After his death, the estate was sold off in 1919 and the arboretum was further enhanced and developed by two generations of Lord Dulverton. Many of the Firs, Spruce, Magnolia, and Pines are the result of planting by 2nd Lord Dulverton.
Here at Cotswold Garden Tours, we welcome you to engage with your tour guide, Ben Knight, and learn about the fascinating history of the largest and oldest privately-owned collection of trees and shrubs in Britain.
Tour details and booking
Batsford Arboretum tour details
- 10.20am – Meet and greet.
- 10.30am – A guided tour by former Senior Gardener to H M The King, Ben Knight, explaining the fascinating history of one of the Cotswolds’ finest estates and privately owned tree collections.
- 11.45am – Light refreshments.
- 12.15am – Q & A with Ben Knight
- Price: £30.00.
Accessibility at Batsford Arboretum
There is designated disabled parking which is available immediately outside the main Visitor Centre, along with disabled toilets. A purpose-built ramp provides access to the main building leading down to the main entrance. A series of gently sloping paths provide access to the plant sales area.
Situated on a hillside, the Arboretum may prove more challenging to less mobile visitors. Manual wheelchairs, smaller electric wheelchairs, and mobility scooters can access about 25% of the Arboretum, but it is recommended that users stick to the main Tarmac drive through the Arboretum centre. Mobility scooters are available (don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more details). There is a reduced price for wheelchair users.
Find Batsford Arboretum
Batsford Arboretum,
Batsford,
Moreton-in-Marsh,
Gloucestershire,
GL56 9AT
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