A 130-acre site filled with the world’s rare and endangered trees. But don’t worry, this isn’t a place for tiptoeing around, it’s a place where your little ones can definitely run wild!
There’s fallen trees to climb, trails, peacocks and other wildlife to spot, not to mention seasonal highlights: bluebells, daffodils, acers and wildflowers. The Giant Redwoods are really quite something – some of the oldest in the UK and so so tall – and are calling out to be hugged, don’t try the same with the monkey-puzzles though or there will be tears! For a short walk for little legs, follow the Arboretum Amble – an easy 1 mile walk that takes approximately 30-45 minutes and includes native woodland and wildflower meadows, or simply meander your way around your own way! The huge fallen tree that children love to climb is in the Serpentine Ride; you can usually follow the sound of children to find it!
There’s trails, maps and Explorer Backpacks at the Welcome Centre that will help your Little Oxplorer on their way to adventures…and the Horsebox Coffee Co will be back in spring, which will help you be the greatest adventurer sidekick!
There’s exciting plans afoot for the Arboretum as they have been awarded National Lottery support for new Visitor and Learning Centre. The aim is to create new all-weather education facilities, café and shop and transform the visitor experience. A key benefit of the project will be an increased awareness of the importance of plants and biodiversity in addressing global challenges, heritage landscape, and crafts, through inspiring interpretation. We can’t wait to see it unfold!
