Arley Arboretum & Gardens

Arley Arboretum is a garden for people who like trees. It sits on rising ground near the east bank of the River Severn at Upper Arley, north-west of Bewdley, and the arboretum alone covers about 19 acres with more than 300 species. Planting began in the early 19th century and carried on through later owners, so you walk among trees of very different ages, from veterans to much younger additions.

The usual route starts at the turreted Gothic lodge that marks the entrance to the gardens and arboretum. Close by are the old kitchen garden compartments, one of which was turned into an Italian garden in the 1960s. North of these is the magnolia garden, also from the 1960s, with twelve varieties. Further on you will find a heather garden, a camellia avenue and the laburnum arch, extended to 65 metres in 2013 and said to be the longest in Britain. Tree enthusiasts should look out for the rare true service tree, Sorbus domestica, grown around 1820 from the only specimen then recorded in the wild in Britain.

For home gardeners the main lessons are about structure and time. The laburnum arch shows how a simple pergola can be trained into a dramatic walk, the magnolia garden is a good place to compare varieties before choosing one for a smaller plot, and the mix of mature and young trees shows how a planting can be refreshed without losing its character. Wear sensible shoes, as paths cross grass and slopes, and give yourself time to wander rather than rush between features.