Guaitecas cypress

You'll find specimens from every continent, carefully tended for both conservation and public access. The grounds divide into two main areas—the Old Arboretum, where many of the original plantings still stand, and the wilder Silk Wood, where native British trees grow alongside species brought from across the globe. Among the rarities here is the Guaitecas cypress, an evergreen conifer from the forests of Chile and Argentina, though there are countless other unusual plants to discover as you explore.

The paths wind through different settings, and most visitors find themselves spending several hours wandering between species and enjoying the calm of the woodland. The Treetop Walkway is particularly worthwhile, offering views from high above the forest floor that you simply won't experience elsewhere. While the arboretum looks good in any season, autumn really transforms it with brilliant colour spreading across the canopy. There's a café on site if you need refreshment during your visit. Tetbury and Malmesbury, both characteristic Cotswolds towns, lie within easy driving distance, so you could combine an afternoon here with further exploration of the wider area.