Iron by nature

Robert Stayner Holford established it back in the mid-19th century, and it's now grown into an impressive collection housing around 15,000 trees from across the globe. You could easily spend hours wandering through the different areas – the Old Arboretum with its grand mature specimens has a formal feel, while Silk Wood offers something wilder, mixing native trees with exotic varieties. The Treetop Walkway is particularly worth experiencing; it takes you up into the canopy itself and gives you an entirely different perspective on the forest. Each season brings something different. Autumn is striking for its colour, spring shows new growth and blossoms, summer provides cool shaded walks when temperatures rise, and winter features seasonal events including illuminated trails that completely change the atmosphere. The location works well within a broader visit to the area too. Tetbury, a proper market town with decent shops and restaurants, is just a short drive away, and you're also within easy reach of Malmesbury, so combining a visit here with exploring the surrounding area makes for a full day out.