An evergreen trendsetter

Robert Holford, an enthusiastic plant collector, started this Victorian collection, and it's grown into an important centre for tree conservation and education.

Plan for a full day to properly explore the place. Walking trails stretch for miles through the grounds, taking you through different sections of the collection. The Treetop Walkway is particularly worth experiencing – it raises you up into the canopy itself, offering views you simply can't get from ground level. It's genuinely thrilling for children.

Autumn tends to bring the most visitors, especially when Japanese maples shift into brilliant reds and golds. But every season offers something different. Spring brings delicate blossoms and new growth, while winter reveals the striking geometry of bare branches against the sky.

This works well whether you're after a quiet walk, a proper family day out, or just time surrounded by remarkable plants. You're only a short drive from appealing towns like Tetbury and Malmesbury, so it slots easily into a wider Cotswolds visit.