Thorp Perrow Arboretum
A Victorian arboretum showcasing rare trees, with engaging bird of prey displays and charming animal encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, fewer crowds
Thorp Perrow Arboretum
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Victorian arboretum showcasing rare trees, with engaging bird of prey displays and charming animal encounters.
"A fantastic place with wonderful colors and so much to do, can't recommend it highly enough!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The arboretum is large and mostly flat, perfect for walking. Appropriate footwear is key!
🍂 Embrace Autumn Colors
Autumn offers a spectacular display of color, making it a prime time to visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Autumnal Splendor
Throughout the Arboretum
Witness a breathtaking display of vibrant colors from mature trees, especially the Acers.
Birds of Prey Displays
Bird of Prey Centre
Be captivated by knowledgeable keepers and impressive flying demonstrations of various birds of prey.
Animal Encounters
Mammal Centre & Wallaby Enclosure
Meet adorable baby meerkats, cheeky goats, and relaxed wallabies up close.
Seasonal Trails
Various locations
Enjoy family-friendly themed trails, like the popular Halloween event, complete with prizes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Seasons
while spring bursts with new growth. Consider visiting during a seasonal event like the Halloween trail for added fun.Plan for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The arboretum is large and mostly flat, perfect for walking. Appropriate footwear is key!
🍂 Embrace Autumn Colors
Autumn offers a spectacular display of color, making it a prime time to visit.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Guaranteed
Kids love the playground, animal encounters, and seasonal trails.
🧺 Picnic Perks
Bring a picnic to enjoy in scenic spots; there are plenty of areas to sit.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The arboretum is large and mostly flat, perfect for walking. Appropriate footwear is key!
🍂 Embrace Autumn Colors
Autumn offers a spectacular display of color, making it a prime time to visit.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Guaranteed
Kids love the playground, animal encounters, and seasonal trails.
🧺 Picnic Perks
Bring a picnic to enjoy in scenic spots; there are plenty of areas to sit.
🦉 Bird of Prey Shows
Don't miss the educational and entertaining bird of prey displays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Thorp Perrow Arboretum for its stunning natural beauty, especially during autumn, and its engaging animal encounters. While the cafe offerings receive mixed reviews regarding price, the overall experience is highly recommended for families and nature lovers alike.
"Been to Thorp Perrow many times and always enjoy it. We visited on Sunday to do the Halloween Trail, which has become a tradition now. Brilliant trail, lots of spooky things for kids to spot and a trail sheet to complete - although sometimes a little confusing to work out which scene matched up with the picture on the sheet. The kids also get a prize for taking part in the trail, this year it was a Halloween book - lovely idea!
Lots of other parts of woodland to explore too, which is beautiful in autumn with the changing leaves. A great playground for kids too.
Plenty of places to eat around the grounds too, although we only got hot chocolates from the cafe so can't comment on the food - looked nice though! Hot chocolates were ok, toppings were great (we had Halloween sprinkles!), but were a bit pricey for instant hot chocolates - kids ones seemed better though.
Also visited the birds of prey centre too and managed to see two of the three displays, which were great as always. The keepers are very knowledgeable about the birds in their care and it's great to see the birds in action - especially the falcon!
Would highly recommend visiting Thorp Perrow and if you've got kids, definitely come for one of their seasonal trails."
Sara Rigby
"Went Halloween 🎃 Week...Half term, so quite busy..but what a fantastic place..the wonderful colours of the trees...I stood in awe...especially at the gorgeous Acers in their autumnal splendor. I'd like to go back in Winter with a light dusting of snow underfoot and also in spring when new growth is coming through. Cafe is ok.. the pre packed sandwiches tbh, were one of best I've eaten. If you haven't been...GO ,I can't recommend it highly enough. Its quite easy to get round and mostly flat. Wear appropriate footwear. I'll definitely be going again."
thegratedenini
"The arboretum was lovely; great walks, good planting and an interesting variety of mature trees create an enjoyable woodland to wander through. The various statues and carvings make it a good place to explore. It feels bigger than it is.
The cafe was tasty and quick with plenty of outdoor seating - some of which was under cover. The generous portion of delicious soup came with 2 rounds of sliced bread and appeared to be homemade. The lemon cake was too tempting to resist.
The bird of prey and mammal centre was a little disappointing. The birds are clearly well looked after and cared for but the walled garden area feels under-funded and in need of renovation. Large areas that could have held aviaries were boarded off with weather worn plywood. It’s a shame those spaces don’t hold more birds. The display was great - educational and entertaining. The talk was given by a keeper who clearly knows their stuff and cares passionately for the birds.
It was difficult to find the entrance for the mammal section as only the alternative gate was open. The baby meerkats were adorable, the goats cheeky and the wallabies very chilled out."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thorp Perrow Arboretum is located near Bedale in North Yorkshire. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
Yes, Thorp Perrow Arboretum is very dog-friendly, allowing you to explore the grounds with your canine companions.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, there is parking available on-site for visitors.
While autumn and spring are popular, Thorp Perrow can be beautiful in winter too, especially with a dusting of snow. Check their winter opening times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, especially for seasonal events like the Halloween trail which costs an additional fee. Check their website for current admission rates.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially for popular seasonal events or during peak times, is often recommended to guarantee entry.
Information on discounts for seniors, students, or families is usually available on their official website. It's worth checking for any special offers.
General admission typically grants access to the arboretum grounds. Special events like the Halloween trail or bird of prey displays may have separate fees.
If you have a membership with a partner organization, it's advisable to check if reciprocal entry is offered.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kids will love the playground, meeting the animals like wallabies and meerkats, and participating in themed trails like the Halloween event. +1
While formal guided tours might not be regularly scheduled, the keepers at the Bird of Prey Centre offer talks and displays that are highly informative.
Thorp Perrow boasts a diverse collection of rare trees and shrubs, including many champion trees, offering a rich botanical experience. +1
The arboretum is described as mostly flat and easy to get around, making it generally accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The Bird of Prey Centre features impressive flying displays and knowledgeable keepers who share fascinating insights about the birds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe that offers food and drinks. They serve items like soup, sandwiches, and cakes, with outdoor seating available. +1
The cafe offers pre-packed sandwiches, homemade soup, cakes, and hot chocolates. Some reviews mention the sandwiches being surprisingly good. +1
Some visitors find the hot chocolates a bit pricey for instant versions, though kids' options might be better. Bringing a picnic is a good alternative. +1
While specific options aren't detailed, cafes often have soup and cake options that can cater to various dietary needs. It's best to inquire directly.
Absolutely! Bringing a picnic is a great idea, as there are many scenic spots to enjoy your own food.
📸 📸 Photography
The arboretum offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially during autumn with its vibrant foliage. Look for avenues, vistas, and mature trees.
Yes, the diverse collection of trees, varied landscapes, and seasonal changes make it an excellent location for landscape photography.
You can certainly photograph the animals, but always be respectful of their space and follow any guidelines provided by the staff.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel.
Keep an eye out for champion trees, interesting bark textures, seasonal blooms, and the dynamic action during bird of prey displays.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The Bird of Prey displays are also highly engaging for children, offering educational entertainment. Consider packing a picnic to save on costs, as there are plenty of lovely spots to eat. While the cafe offers refreshments, bringing your own food can be more economical for larger families.
🌳 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
+1Beyond the trees, the Bird of Prey Centre provides unique photographic opportunities, capturing the power and grace of these magnificent birds in flight.
The various animal enclosures also offer chances to capture candid moments. Remember to visit during the golden hours for the best natural light. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Arboretum's Botanical Treasures
Visitors often marvel at the spectacular autumnal displays, with vibrant colors painting the landscape. The gorgeous Acers are a particular highlight during this season, drawing awe from many. Beyond autumn, the arboretum offers beauty in spring with new growth and can even be magical in winter, especially with a light dusting of snow.
Key to the arboretum's success is the dedication of its curators and the Douglas family, who have been involved for many years. Their expertise in propagating and maintaining these important specimens ensures the continued health and beauty of the collection.
Family Adventures and Animal Encounters
The arboretum frequently hosts themed trails, most notably the popular Halloween trail, which has become a tradition for many families. These trails are designed to be spooky yet fun for kids, often including a trail sheet to complete and a sweetie prize.
While the general admission covers the arboretum, the Bird of Prey Centre offers an additional layer of engagement. The displays are educational and entertaining, showcasing the incredible abilities of various birds of prey. The keepers are passionate and knowledgeable, sharing insights that captivate both children and adults.
Dining and Refreshments
Hot beverages like hot chocolate are available, though some reviewers note they can be a bit pricey for instant versions, with special Halloween sprinkles being a fun addition during the spooky season.
The cafe also features outdoor seating, with some areas offering cover, providing a pleasant environment to relax and enjoy refreshments amidst the arboretum's beauty.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit