Explore the Arboretum

Explore the beauty and variety of Arley Arboretum

Arley Arboretum is situated on the banks of the magnificent River Severn at Upper Arley, within the stunning scenery of the Arley Estate, near the historic market town of Bewdley.

One of the oldest Arboretums in Britain is home to over 300 species of trees from around the world, with restored Italian Gardens being the jewel of the crown, and features Britain’s longest Laburnum arch, measuring 65 metres.

Popular with nature lovers, horticulturist, arboriculturists, families and walkers, Arley Arboretum is a magical place to visit throughout the year, with every season bringing a different breath taking vista.

Special Trees at Arley Arboretum

All trees are special in some way, but at Arley Arboretum there are some particularly interesting residents.

Arley Arboretum is home to some of the most stunning gardens found anywhere in the UK. 

These include our beautifully restored Italian Garden, the magical Magnolia Garden, our spectacular display of Rhododendrons and Azaleas, a fine collection of Acers and a selection of special tree species.

What to See in the gardens

Explore the beauty and variety of Arley Arboretum and Gardens — from rare and ancient trees to themed garden spaces, seasonal highlights, and ongoing projects.

Alpine Beds

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Herbaceous Borders

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Magnolia Garden

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Ornamental Grasses

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Italian Garden

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The Orchard

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Tropical Beds

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Glass Houses

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The Acers

Arley Arboretum boasts a fine collection of Acers which make beautiful focal points throughout autumn colour.

Acers are not only attractive in the autumn but also in the spring. In spring Acers produce an abundance of wonderful small flowers which open before the leaves, producing an amazing sight that not a lot of people forget.

Originally our Magnolia Garden was supposed to be an Acer garden, but in 1963 we had one of our coldest winters which wiped out all of the Acers, so in the late 60’s the garden was replanted as a Magnolia Garden. 

Since then we have added a few Acers back into the garden, to add a little more interest after the Magnolias have finished their season in May.

Rhododendrons & Azaleas

After the peaceful, muted colours of winter, the Arboretum is transformed in spring.

A riot of reds, pinks and blues make up our spectacular display of Rhododendrons and Azaleas. What a pleasure it is to walk among the Rhododendrons when, having waited patiently in bud all winter, they explode into joyful colour.

Rhododendron is characterised by shrubs and small to large trees, the smallest one growing 10-100 cms tall and the largest to 98ft tall. The leaves are spirally and size can range from 1-2 cms to over 50 cms.

They may be evergreen or deciduous and in some species the underside of the leaves can be covered with scales or hairs and there are also alpine varieties.

Discover Our Laburnum Arch

Under planted with Bluebells and Alliums, which are ornamental onions. It flowers in May/June with bright yellow flowers

Our Head Gardener built it as a ‘Z’ shape instead of a straight line, to add a little more interest when you walk through the arch. 

At the end there is a stunning view of the Severn Valley which adds even more of an impact!

Borders & Planters

Arley Arboretum is home to some stunning borders and planters, providing us with a riot of colour throughout the seasons. From ornate urns in the walled Italian Garden to the long herbaceous borders of the orchard and alpine beds in front of the Garden Tea Room there is something for everyone.

We also sell a variety of the plants we have on show at Arley Blooms; our very own plant stall next to the entrance kiosk.

Quick Links

Important Update

As we continue our commitment to sustainability and improving our guest experience, we’re excited to share that the entire Arley Estate — including the Tearoom and Events Venue — will be going cashless from January 2026. This change helps us reduce our environmental impact, streamline operations, and support a more efficient, secure, and modern way of working across the estate. We’ll continue to accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as contactless and mobile payments. Our team is, of course, here to support anyone who may need a little extra help adjusting to the new system. Thank you for joining us on this positive step towards a greener future for Arley Estate.