The Arboretum is now open for pre-booked visitors only. Bookings are made per vehicle and can only be made up to two weeks in advance.
In line with Government legislation, we ask all visitors to wear masks in all indoor spaces.
We have implemented new procedures to help keep our visitors and team members safe, including one way systems, additional cleaning regimes, amended food offer, digital chapel welcome talk and reduced daily capacity.
Our restaurant is currently offering a carry out and table service offer. If you wish to dine inside the restaurant, please book a table with our food services team on arrival.
All of the native tree species found in the United Kingdom can be found at the Arboretum, including a number of disease-resistant Elms.
The first trees were planted at the Arboretum in 1997, they were funded using a grant from the National Forest. Many of the trees planted in our woodlands were selected due to their symbolic properties. Amongst many others you will see the following trees in our ground:
Owing to their association with London, this tree was selected to be planted along the Mall, the avenue for the Guards, which consists of plane trees alternating with cherry trees. You will also find London Plane Trees on The Beat.
You’ll find hornbeam trees in a number of locations at the Arboretum including in the Western Front Woodland. The only tree left in Delville Wood in the Somme area after the destruction caused be the shelling and fighting was a hornbeam tree.
We have many different species of oak at the Arboretum, particularly in our naval areas due to their association with shipbuilding in years gone by. The Merchant Navy Convoy area consists entirely of so-called common oak.
In the BLESMA Garden you’ll find a varieties of fruit tree including apples.
Along with London Plane trees you will also see Horse Chestnut trees along The Beat. They were chosen because the fist truncheons were made from this very durable wood.
We have many specimen trees in our grounds. In the Far East Area for example you’ll find trees from China, Korea, Japan and Iran.
Our trees and grounds are looked after by our dedicated Estates team who work throughout the seasons to ensure they look their best.
