Batsford Arboretum

I used to live in Stratford upon Avon, so have visited Batsford before in the Autumn when the leaves are displaying their gorgeous colours. It is located on the northern edge of the Cotswolds, just a couple of miles outside Moreton in the Marsh.

It's a lot quieter to visit at other times of the year, and very reasonably priced with adult admission under £10. My dad had never been, so it was a great opportunity to take him out for the day.

You are issued with a leaflet containing a map of the site as you go in, and all the obvious landmarks and locations are clearly marked so you can easily find your way around. The lower part has a flat driveway running through the estate and past the entrance to Batsford House (privately owned, no entry to the public) while clear pathways run up the slope to the higher parts of the woodland. There are plentiful benches where you can rest and enjoy the views across the Cotswolds. Picnics are not allowed within the Arboretum, but they have provided tables and benches near the parking area for this purpose. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on short leads. This keeps the site litter free and a safe, peaceful place for everyone to enjoy.

Many trees and shrubs are in flower, although we had missed the famous 'handkerchief tree' by a couple of weeks.

The newly extended Garden Terrace Cafe is very spacious and airy and has numerous choices of light meals, cakes and sandwiches to tempt all tastes. The outer terrace was well occupied, but it was equally pleasant sitting indoors with the doors and windows open.

The shop has some beautiful original gift items as well as the usual gardening accessories, and there is an extensive plant sales area to look around too. Everything was well watered, labelled and organised.

My dad enjoyed his day out, as did we, so it's a great place for a family visit.