Arley Arboretum and Gardens

About the garden

Owned by

The Roger & Douglas Turner Charitable Trust

Sitting on the banks of the river Severn, within the Arley Estate, the arboretum is a private garden. After the death of the last owner, Roger Turner, in 1999, the entire estate was left to the Roger & Douglas Turner charitable trust. In 2002 the gardens were opened to the public for the first time in its history.

One of the oldest in Britain, the Arboretum is home to more than 300 species of rare and ancient trees including the indigenous Whitty Pear, magnificent Crimean Pines and Giant Redwoods but to name a few. It also features over a dozen varieties of flowering magnolia, and blossoming trees including the beautiful Yoshino Cherry. 

With a variety of accessible gardens, visitors will be delighted by delicate wisteria framing the archway entrance, the large alpine garden, dramatic herbaceous borders, tropical beds and ornamental grasses not to mention pristine bedding and hanging baskets that add a real sense of joy to this hidden gem. The jewel in the crown is the walled Italian Garden designed in the Renaissance style, inspired by the classical ideals of order and beauty. Featuring formally planted raised beds and urns, grand water features (including an 18ft high water fountain), garden pagoda, dovecote, avenues of pleached silver lime trees and a magnificent Virginia creeper, it is a photographer's dream.  

The Arboretum enjoys seasonal displays of spring bulbs, towering rhododendrons, beautiful azaleas, pretty camellias and a 65m (213ft) laburnum arch. It is a magical place to visit throughout the year, with every season bringing a different experience including spectacular Autumn colour courtesy of a fine collection of Japanese maples (Acer).

BBC Countryfile Magazine, August 2017, voted Arley Arboretum one of the best places to see the autumn colours.

Please note: this garden is partially accessible. The garden has EV charging points.