Cool Gardens: Head to Bedale to see a lot more than just trees…
This day trip to Thorp Perrow Arboretum near Bedale, North Yorkshire, was my first of the year. It was the furthest I’d been from home since the beginning of March. Another wonderful place to visit is Dunvegan Gardens, on the Isle of Skye.
Thorp Perrow was the creation of Colonel Sir Leonard Ropner (1895-1977). His son, Sir John Ropner (1937-2016) and his wife, Niki, developed the arboretu. It is now in the hands of Sir Henry Ropner and his family. The almost 100-acre arboretum is home to five National Plant Collections, 51 Champion Trees (recorded and designated by the Tree Register of the British Isles). Around 2,000 different types of trees, including 84 species on the IUCN list of threatened plants.
Thorp Perrow Arboretum – Medieval Spring Wood
It includes the Milbank Pinetum planted by Lady Augusta Milbank in the mid-19th century. The medieval Spring Wood dates back to the 16th century. The Arboretum is laid out in sections, all interconnected – you can admire the best tree species of the world in one wonderful walk.
There are guides available to identify the trees and walks – my schoolgirl error was to rely on the map you get when paying to get in – splash out on the guide! Pictures paint a thousand words, and I seemed to take that many photos…
Individual trees
There are some stunning individuals around the Arboretum, some of which are British Champion Trees. My favourite has to be the Catherine Parr Oak. The tree was allegedly planted in 1535 to celebrate the marriage of Catherine and John Neville, 3rd Baron Latimer – they lived in nearby Snape Castle (before she became the last of Henry VIII’s wives!
Plants, water and garden areas
The Arboretum is not just about trees (just as well, as they’re not my strong point, as some of the captions will attest!) There are many wonderful garden areas, and as we visited in late August, hydrangeas were the stars of the show. Not to be outdone were some impressive areas of mature hostas – great inspiration if you have shady areas to fill.
Thorp Perrow Arboretum – Animals, fungi and bark
Of course, there’s a Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre here, but I’m concentrating on the trees, plants and their setting. Everywhere was overrun with tiny little frogs – as seen here on my friend’s thumb – it had been very wet! I’m also fascinated by textures, especially bark, knot holes and fungi – here are my favourites (plus some escaping hens).
Pet cemetery
A slightly macabre but brilliant feature – an actual burial ground for pets, dating from the 19th Century.
Features
The arboretum is stuffed with unusual follies and chainsaw-carved statues – the bear won my heart!
Thorp Perrow Arboretum – Bog garden
The large bog garden area is lush and filled with the most beautiful big-leaved plants – the silence there is wonderful.
Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre
Of course, there are not just trees. The walled garden has a bird of prey collection, with daily flying displays (Great Grey Owl and Kookaburras were our favourites). There’s also a Mammal Centre with meerkats on Meerkat Island, pygmy goats and wallabies (although the Wallaby Walk is closed at the time of writing due to current restrictions).
Plants at Thorp Perrow Arboretum
There’s a lovely little garden centre next to the tea room with free admission and parking, so you can take away a souvenir of your day. I did – a rather splendid and chunky Phormium Pink Panther for a very reasonable £18. Visit during December to buy locally-grown Christmas trees, with free delivery within a 5-mile radius.
Thorp Perrow Arboretum – Essential information
- Mobility scooters can be hired; booking is recommended on 01677 427203.
- For opening hours and admission, visit www.thorpperrow.com.
How to get there
- From Bedale: Follow signposts towards Masham (B6268), ignore signs for Thorp Perrow along Firby Road (also signposted Leisure Centre), and continue for approximately 1 mile. Turn left following signs for Snape, and the entrance to the Arboretum is about 1/4 mile on the left.
- No access to Arboretum from Firby Road (past Bedale Leisure Centre), use satnav postcode DL8 2PS.
