Thorp Perrow Arboretum

A wonderful day out for all ages. 85 acres of woodland to explore, with trees from around the world. Spring Wood (within the Arboretum) has trees dating back to Medieval Times, there is a collection of pines in the Milbank Pinetum that were brought over to England as seed and planted here – they are now 160 years old !! The Arboretum holds 5 National Collections of trees :Lime, Laburnum, Walnut, Ash and Cotinus and has 66 of the biggest trees in Britain. Summer is the best time to spot Butterflies and Dragonflies around the lakeside or near the two ponds in the Millennium Glade. We have created a Butterfly Garden at the end of the main lake which has been planted with a selection of grasses and Buddleja’s especially chosen to attract Butterflies and Dragonflies.

We have lots of different trails and activity booklets to suit everyone. Our new trail for children is ‘The Bear Hunt’ This has been written to accompany a collection of fantastic wooden sculptures that were carved for us by the UK International Chainsaw Carving Champion.

Bring a picnic and relax in our picnic area or visit the Tearoom which serves light summer lunches, snacks and very naughty cakes!!

The Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre has many birds from around the world (Falcons, Owls, Eagles, Hawks and Vultures).

The new Mammal Centre will open in March 2008 with lots of exciting new enclosures: Meerkat Island, Walk Through Wallaby Wood and more!!. They will be joined by many other mammals over the next two years, as the centre expands.

There is an Animal Talk at 12.15pm (March-mid November) and three entertaining flying displays a day at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm with lots of audience participation!! After each display there is also a chance to meet the Owls.

We are one of the few places that allow dogs – We just ask that they are kept on a lead. They are not allowed into the Bird Centre but there is an area just outside the centre where you can secure them if you want to watch one of the flying displays.

The Arboretum and Bird of Prey Centre are Wheelchair Friendly we have special maps for Wheelchair users, pointing out the more suitable routes to take. We have three electric Wheelchairs which can be booked on any day.