Paperbark maple

What makes it so special is its bark, which peels away in thin, papery layers to reveal a warm cinnamon-brown underneath. Winter is when this tree really shows itself off, as the bare branches and distinctive trunk catch the low sunlight beautifully against the season's pale skies.

The tree originally comes from central China, and it's one of thousands of remarkable specimens spread across the arboretum's extensive grounds. Rather than just visiting this one tree, you'll want to allow time to explore the various rides and sections, which feature species from all corners of the world. There are well-maintained walking paths throughout, and if you want to see things from a different angle, the Treetop Walkway offers another way to experience the collection. The arboretum puts on good displays across all seasons, from spring flowers to the autumn colour show that's become quite famous.

Getting there is straightforward, with plenty of parking available on site, though do budget for an admission fee. Afterwards, Tetbury lies just a few miles away and makes an excellent stop for lunch or browsing its independent shops. If you venture slightly further across the Gloucestershire border, the historic town of Malmesbury is also very accessible and worth exploring.