Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark

Meander through the beauty, peace and tranquillity of Bodenham . . . A mile long drive winding through undulating countryside reaches the brow of the hill to reveal a secret garden nurtured since 1973. An oasis of plantations, pools and avenues beautifully
landscaped, including some 3,000 species of trees and shrubs from all over the world.

Garden of Trees . . . The epicentre of the Arboretum lies around the Big Pool where many rare and ornamental trees can be seen in flower or fruit at all times of the year, their autumn colours being a special beauty. The Grand Avenue is planted with Pope’s Seat Provence Beech to mature over the next century. It stretches up the hillside to the Gazebo, built to celebrate the Millennium, whilst the higher reaches of the Arboretum offer extensive views to the Clent Hills and surrounding countryside.

Explore  . . . Through a patchwork quilt of pools, plantations, dells and glades, habitats provide for flora, fauna, insect life and numerous species of resident and migrating birds. The aquatic habitats and wet margins to the pools provide a breeding ground for many water-fowl and myriads of frogs emerge each spring.  Several miles of paths lead through acres of daffodils in early spring, and later primroses, bluebells and foxgloves line many of the woodland walks. The brilliant colours of azaleas and rhododendrons begin in mid-spring and the Laburnum Tunnel is one of the highlights for visitors in May. Bridges provide access to the islands in the Big Pool and many seats allow the visitor to sit and rest a while.

The Farm . . Lambs and calves abound in spring and cattle and sheep graze in summer. Rare breeds of poultry with their chicks are a special interest
to many school children who come to see the working farm and learn about the countryside. Every Christmas time the old farm buildings are transformed to tell the biblical story of the nativity, with life size wooden characters and Bodenham’s animals, including our own donkeys. The “Follow the Star” Christmas Nativity trail is a wonderful family activity to start the season.

Visitor’s Centre . . . An award winning environmentally sensitive building carved out of the hillside provides a focal point for your visit. A variety of
home cooked food and cakes, including our own farm reared pork, beef and lamb compliments your day. Sunday and Christmas lunches are catered for as
well as public and private evening functions, weddings and funeral parties.

• Plantations, pools and avenues beautifully landscaped
• Over 3000 species of trees and shrubs from all over the world
• 156 acres containing mature woodland, specimen trees and shrubs
• Two acres of pools and lakes
• A network of paths to explore the Arboretum by
• Picnic area
• Peace and tranquility!

• Visitor Centre
  • Resturant
  • Shop
  • Toilets
  • Quiet Room
  • Tree and plant sales
  • FREE ENTRANCE TO VISITOR CENTRE

• The Lakeside Room
  • Set to the side of the Visitor Centre on the corner of the terrace, it enjoys superb views diagonally over the Big Pool and across the dam to the farm.
  • Available for exclusive hire daytime or evening for most of the year- typical exceptions being very busy times of the year such as Bank Holidays, the month of October and Christmas Weekends.
  • Can accommodate up to 45 people

• Parking for 160 cars and 2 coaches
• Special events held throughout the year
• Guided walks for group bookings
• Forest School
• Log and mulch sales
• Tree services

• Dogs on lead allowed in grounds

• Visitor Centre fully accessible; Arboretum has limited disabled access