Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thenford-arboretum-nr-banbury"><strong><a href="https://thenfordarboretum.com/garden-open-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thenford Arboretum</a>, nr Banbury</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/Thenford.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-174673" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/Thenford.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/Thenford-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/Thenford-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/Thenford-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This 70-acre estate, a short drive northwest of the market town of Brackley, surrounds an elegant Georgian house. (You can&#8217;t enter, but it&#8217;s pretty to look at). The arboretum and landscaped gardens are spread across the site, with a collection of over 3,000 different trees and shrubs peppered throughout. There&#8217;s also a sculpture garden, a rose garden, a Medieval fish pond and pretty water gardens. The gardens and arboretum are only open to the public on 19 days a year, so <a href="https://thenfordarboretum.com/garden-open-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pick up tickets</a> for its Autumn Open Day this <strong>Fri, 25 Oct</strong> before they get snapped up! No dogs allowed, unfortunately.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harcourt-arboretum-nuneham-courtney"><strong><a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harcourt Arboretum</a>, Nuneham Courtney</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/OxfordBotanic.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-174675" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/OxfordBotanic.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/OxfordBotanic-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/OxfordBotanic-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/OxfordBotanic-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>One of my favourite local arboretums, <a href="https://tickets.ox.ac.uk/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=bga&amp;c=ARB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harcourt Arboretum</a> has been part of Oxford Botanic Gardens since 1963 and is just six miles south of the city centre. The 130 acres are bursting with gorgeous earthy tones in Autumn: head to the Acer Glade for brick-red redwood trees, the Lime Wood for mellow yellows or the Bluebell Wood for copper tones &#8211; plus lots of wildlife including peacocks, red kites, buzzards and piglets. The Arboretum also hosts events throughout the year and <a href="https://tickets.ox.ac.uk/webstore/shop/viewitems.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">autumn&#8217;s offering</a> includes foraging courses and a Halloween potion-making day. Again, no dogs allowed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cliveden-house-amp-gardens-taplow"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/cliveden/things-to-see-in-the-garden-at-cliveden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cliveden House &amp; Gardens</a>, Taplow</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/Cliveden.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-174677" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/Cliveden.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/Cliveden-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/Cliveden-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It doesn&#8217;t <em>formally</em> classify as an arboretum, but <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cliveden</a> certainly gives good colour in autumn. There’s a mahoosive 376 acres to explore (and it&#8217;s free for National Trust members), but you can do as little or as much as you like. Stroll through the formal gardens, stomp through the woodland, or admire how the autumn leaves of Acer ‘Shishigashira’ on the Water Garden island turn into a shaggy mane of orange and red at this time of year. I reckon one of the most show-stopping spots is down by the river, but you&#8217;ll need some puff to get back up the hill.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-batsford-arboretum-moreton-in-marsh"><strong><a href="https://batsarb.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Batsford Arboretum</a>, Moreton-in-Marsh</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Batsford-Arboretum.jpg" alt="Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-in-Marsh" class="wp-image-150673" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Batsford-Arboretum.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Batsford-Arboretum-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Batsford-Arboretum-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Batsford-Arboretum-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Batsford-Arboretum-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>These 60 acres on the Glos/Oxon border are a big hitter in the warmer months with their National Collection of Japanese Flowering Cherries, but they also have a pretty autumn offering with reddish-purple Japanese maple trees lining the walkways. (The ornate bridges in particular make it Instagram catnip). There are several photography workshops running throughout the season too, if you fancy going pro. Head to the Garden Terrace Café for a post-walk coffee or afternoon tea, and pick up a few plants on the way out from the garden centre which stocks many of the plants found in the Arboretum.<em> </em>Dogs welcome on short leads.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broad-arboretum-abingdon-0"><a href="https://earthtrust.org.uk/visit/broad-arboretum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broad Arboretum</a>, Abingdon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Broad-Arboretum-picnic-area.jpg" alt="Broad Arboretum, Abingdon" class="wp-image-150672" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Broad-Arboretum-picnic-area.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Broad-Arboretum-picnic-area-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Broad-Arboretum-picnic-area-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Broad-Arboretum-picnic-area-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Broad-Arboretum-picnic-area-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>One of the newer local arboretums (it’s only been open since 2008), this easily accessible, dog-friendly space is home to every tree species native to Oxfordshire &#8211; 49 types of tree in total. It’s run by Earth Trust, and the nearest car park is at the Earth Trust Centre (open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm), which also handily has toilets. If you’re visiting at the weekend, you can reach via footpaths from Neptune Wood car park. It has <a href="https://earthtrust.org.uk/whats-on/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a fun choice of events too</a>, including a pumpkin patch and foraging. Dogs on leads welcome.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-afield-but-worth-the-trek">Further afield but worth the trek:</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-westonbirt-national-arboretum-tetbury"><strong><a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-the-national-arboretum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westonbirt National Arboretum</a>, Tetbury</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Westonbirt-Arboretum.jpg" alt="Westonbirt National Arboretum, Tetbury, Glos" class="wp-image-150675" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Westonbirt-Arboretum.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Westonbirt-Arboretum-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Westonbirt-Arboretum-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Westonbirt-Arboretum-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Westonbirt-Arboretum-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Westonbirt Arboretum has over 15,000 trees to admire, including five national tree collections which can be viewed from the 300m Treetop Walkway or along the many walking or running (erm, no thanks) trails around the Arboretum. Kids are catered for with play areas and a Gruffalo family trail. It&#8217;s also opened a brand-new light trail designed by the same team who bring the sparkle to Christmas at Blenheim. <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/prebook">Pre-booking strongly recommended</a> until 17 Nov.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winkworth-arboretum-godalming"><strong><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/winkworth-arboretum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winkworth Arboretum</a>, </strong>Godalming</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1066" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/1360515_view-from-rowes-flash-meadow.jpg" alt="Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey " class="wp-image-150713" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/1360515_view-from-rowes-flash-meadow.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/1360515_view-from-rowes-flash-meadow-800x569.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/1360515_view-from-rowes-flash-meadow-1000x711.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/1360515_view-from-rowes-flash-meadow-400x284.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/1360515_view-from-rowes-flash-meadow-739x525.jpg 739w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">©&nbsp;Andrew Butler</figcaption></figure>



<p>This 46 hectare arboretum was given to the National Trust over 60 years ago and has loads of rare trees and shrubs amongst the 1,000 varieties found in the gardens, many with berries, nuts and fruits. You&#8217;ll also find an impressive fungi selection (none of the magic variety, sorry) once the mushrooms are out in full force. Dogs welcome on short leads.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bolderwood-arboretum-new-forest"><strong><a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/bolderwood" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bolderwood Arboretum</a>, New Forest</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Bolderwood.jpg" alt="BOLDERWOOD ARBORETUM" class="wp-image-47976" /></figure>



<p>Head to Bolderwood Arboretum in the New Forest for some autumn tree gold, as the ferns below the canopy turn a beautiful rusty red. This area was originally part of the Bolderwood Lodge until 1833, and now it’s open for hikers and bikers &#8211; plus there&#8217;s the <a href="https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/things-to-do/bolderwood-deer-sanctuary-p789391" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary</a> viewing platform for wildlife spotting. Bolderwood has serious pedigree: it was part of the Ancient Canopy dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II for her Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and it&#8217;s home to some of the oldest Douglas Firs in the New Forest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blackwater-arboretum-new-forest"><a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/blackwater" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Blackwater Arboretum</strong></a><strong>, New Forest</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/BLACKWATER.jpg" alt="Blackwater Arboretum New Forest" class="wp-image-47974" /></figure>



<p>Elsewhere in the New Forest, Blackwater Arboretum is a tree-haven in the heart of this wild expanse. Take a stroll through the forest, brought to life with fiery yellow and crimson red leaves, and spot the wooden sculptures dotted around the trees. Handy hint: it has its own car parking spaces and toilet. Free parking but £3 donation suggested. Dogs welcome.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-savill-garden-windsor"><a href="https://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/explore/the-gardens/the-savill-garden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Savill Garden</a>, Windsor</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Savill-Garden-Windsor-Autumn.jpg" alt="Savill Garden Windsor Autumn" class="wp-image-47979" /></figure>



<p>You can bank on <a href="https://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/book" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Savill Garden</a> in Windsor Great Park to show some seasonal leg during the autumn months (or any month, to be honest). This under-the-radar Berkshire park is an explosion of seasonal planting, rare plants and woodland, with 35 acres and a series of interconnected gardens to explore. The Hidden Garden, Valley Gardens, Autumn Wood and Winter Garden are among our favourites.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finchampstead-ridges-wokingham"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/runnymede-and-ankerwycke/visit-finchampstead-ridges">Finchampstead Ridges</a>, Wokingham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/10/wellingtonia-avenue_Finchampstead-Ridges.jpg" alt="wellingtonia avenue_Finchampstead Ridges" class="wp-image-30728" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wellingtonia Avenue in Wokingham</figcaption></figure>



<p>Finchampstead Ridges near Wokingham has been in the National Trust family for over 100 years. Head to Simon’s Wood and walk the avenue of redwood <em>Sequoia</em> trees (also known as Wellingtonia Avenue) planted in 1863, or see if you can spot the second century Roman Road, nicknamed the Devil’s Highway. Heat’s Pond is another pretty spot at this time of the year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-basildon-park-lower-basildon"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/basildon-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Basildon Park</a>, Lower Basildon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/Basildon-Park-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-47273" /></figure>



<p>Grab your big coat and boots and make like a Nora Ephron film in a kaleidoscope of yellow, red and burnt orange at Basildon Park near Reading. Take the ‘orange’ or ‘green’ walk through beech woodland to see the colours of guelder rose, maple, spindle and larch along the whole route. Lots of leaf swishing, free range fun guaranteed for the kids and 50 shades of autumn in one hit. Wear wellies, the woodland paths can get pretty muddy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kew-gardens-west-london-0"><strong><a href="https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kew Gardens</a>, West London</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Kew-Gardens-Autumn.jpg" alt="Kew Gardens, London" class="wp-image-150714" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Kew-Gardens-Autumn.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Kew-Gardens-Autumn-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Kew-Gardens-Autumn-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Kew-Gardens-Autumn-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Kew-Gardens-Autumn-900x506.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I love Kew Gardens and used to make an annual pilgrimage here when I lived in London. It&#8217;s on the west side of the city so not too far for Bucks &amp; Oxon dwellers too (Kew station is a five minute walk from the gardens). There&#8217;s an awesome 18 metre-high Treetop Walkway overlooking the gardens and there are cool art exhibitions to scope out too. If you make the trip on a chilly day you can warm up in the iconic Victorian glasshouses. No dogs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vyne-basingstok-e"><strong><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/the-vyne" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Vyne</a>, Basingstok</strong>e</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/10/The-Vyne-National-Trust.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-47279" /></figure>



<p>Stop off at our favourite Tudor mansion in Hampshire for an Insta-worthy view of the autumn leaves. American liquidambar trees set the landscape on fire as their bright red leaves change to yellow and orange as the seasons shift. Call a friend and go for a leisurely walk around the grounds before a cuppa or hot chocolate at the kiosk. Dogs welcome.</p>


Stunning local arboretums to explore this autumn

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