One of the Cotswolds' top attractions, Batsford Arboretum is a hit with families and nature lovers alike, attracting thousands of visitors to its 60-acre site near Moreton-in-Marsh every year — with plenty to see and do throughout the seasons.
From awe-inspiring floral spectacles, spanning clusters of snowdrops to blazing autumn colour, to child-friendly fun for the whole family, discover 12 reasons why Batsford is a wonderful place to visit all year round.
Discover something new every month
Ever-changing but always beautiful, Batsford is truly a garden for all seasons. In fact, if you were to take a weekly stroll through the arboretum, you'd spot something new on every visit — from winter-flowering shrubs to flashes of colour in the spring and autumn and even Santa Claus at Christmas time.
Batsford is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day, so you can return time and again to soak up the changing seasons.
Catch sight of the snowdrops
Watch Batsford burst into life with the first signs of spring making an appearance from late January to February — as thousands of meticulously planted snowdrops transform the winter landscape into a patchwork of floral displays.
Snowdrop lovers can even buy their own snowdrops 'in the green' from Batsford's on-site garden centre, to create their own spectacles at home.
Bring your dog!
Families with four-legged friends can bring them to Batsford too, with the arboretum being a proud dog-friendly destination all year round.
As well as picturesque walkies around the 60-acre site, dogs are allowed to join their owners inside the cafe and garden centre — with lots of doggy bowls around the visitor centre to keep thirsty pups hydrated. Just remember to keep your dog on a short lead, if you bring them along.
See its famous Japanese cherry blossoms in bloom
Bountiful with spring blossom, Batsford is home to the UK's national collection of Japanese cherry trees, with over 120 flowering cherries creating a candyfloss coloured 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 and fascinating history to discover. Learn the story behind the hermit's cave and look out for 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.
Admire the autumn colour
Autumn is a real treat for the senses at Batsford. Crunch through fallen leaves and breathe in the crisp air, spotting flashes of colour as you explore the arboretum — transformed into 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
Winning Cafe / Coffee Shop of the Year at the 2024 Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards, the Garden Terrace Cafe is the perfect pitstop for a hot drink after exploring Batsford's grounds.
Serving breakfast, lunch and yummy cakes, all freshly baked on the premises, it was fully refurbished in 2022 — and now boasts almost three times the space as before, with modern styling throughout and an enlarged terrace for alfresco dining, overlooking the Evenlode Valley.
Pick up unique plants from Batsford Garden Centre
Batsford Garden Centre is a haven for green-fingered folk, stocking a diverse range of high-quality, affordable plants and gardening essentials. For a special memento of your visit, you can even pick up plants grown in the arboretum, to bring a bit of Batsford back to your garden.
Fun fact: the plant area is nestled within the walls of the original Victorian kitchen garden, which once belonged to Batsford House.
Let the kids run loose
Not only does it offer plenty of open space to stretch those little legs, Batsford is a hive of activity for young families. Get muddy at forest school hunting for bugs or building dens; and don't miss Batsford's themed trails during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.
And 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 — conveniently tucked away in the plant area of the garden centre.
Flex your photography skills
One of the Cotswolds' prettiest gems, Batsford is an artists' paradise, with inspiring scenery to capture on camera and canvas. Find a quiet spot to sketch your surrounds or get snap happy, whether you're an amateur or professional behind the camera.
Or, if you need a little guidance, look out for Batsford's regular painting and photography workshops, held by local professionals.
Browse for goodies at the arboretum gift 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 — including an exclusive range of jewellery made just for Batsford from old biscuit and cake tins.
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 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 starring 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.
