Bodenham Arboretum & Hanbury Hall National Trust, Worcestershire

Itinerary

Bodenham Arboretum, Kidderminster

Explore the beauty, peace and tranquillity of Bodenham Arboretum. Join the group for a gentle guided walk or head off into the woods and explore independently.

At Bodenham, autumn brings a riot of leaf colour ranging from deep butter yellow through to orange, reds and crimsons as well as an abundance of berries. Scarlet Oaks fill the woods with vibrant red and the Magnolia, with its bright red seed pods, add to the spectacle.

About the Arboretum

David and Jennifer Binnian began the project in 1973 when they bought the land with a vision which has taken over 30 years to realise. It started as a hobby, just planting a few trees each winter, until it developed into what it is today.

Situated in a protected valley, away from traffic noise and visual intrusions, its 170 acres contain over 3000 species of mature woodland, specimen trees and shrubs including important collections of Acers, North American Oaks and Alders. If you have the energy there are over 5 miles of wonderful woodland walks to explore.

Refreshments

The café offers a range of hot and cold drinks, light bites, snacks and lunch options. If you want something sweet enjoy home-made cakes and scones, all prepared and cooked on the premises.

At 12.30 we re-join the coach for the journey to Hanbury Hall.

Hanbury Hall, National Trust, Worcestershire

Hanbury Hall is the very essence of a countryside retreat; impressive yet intimate and welcoming. It owes much of that feeling to its beautiful, recreated eighteenth-century garden, and 400 acres of Grade II listed parkland. With three way-marked routes to choose from, there’s plenty of opportunity to find the perfect walk for you to stretch your legs and admire the surrounding Worcestershire countryside.

About Hanbury Hall

Built by wealthy lawyer Thomas Vernon in the early 18th century, the house and garden, originally a stage-set for summer parties, offer a glimpse into life at the turn of the 18th century. Vernon began building the hall in 1701. As the estate passed down through the family, the hall and garden evolved with changing fashions.

Thomas’ legacy at the hall included the wall and ceiling paintings that he commissioned Sir James Thornhill to create. These depict the story of Achilles and, having been recently restored, are Hanbury’s crowning glory.

The original formal gardens, designed by George London, have been faithfully re-created. They complement the relaxed later gardens, with orangery, orchards and walled garden.

The Gardens at Hanbury Hall

In the early 1990s work began to recreate George London’s garden at Hanbury Hall. Using London’s original 1705 plans along with other historic plans and drawings, the National Trust worked with a team of experts to determine the layout of the topiary and hedge framework that made up the structure of the Great Garden.

Historic planting guides were also used to choose appropriate plants to fill the Parterre and surrounding borders with colour and scent throughout the seasons.

Many gardens created by George London have been lost due to the changing fashions in garden design. Perhaps only one original garden remains, at Melbourne Hall in Derbyshire, but other London gardens have been faithfully recreated, first at Hampton Court Palace in the Privy Garden and then at Hanbury Hall in the Great Garden.

Refreshments

The Courtyard Kitchen serves a range of delicious hot meals, cakes, and hot and cold drinks. The Stables Café serves sandwiches, cakes, bakes, hot and cold drinks.

Second-hand bookshop

The Bookshop in the courtyard is well stocked with pre-loved books.

Travel arrangements

Departing Shrewsbury 09.00 and arriving back in Shrewsbury at 18.00

All timings are provisional and will be confirmed 7-days before travel and are dependent upon traffic on the day.

We have an ‘All Weather Policy’ which means the tour will go ahead come rain or shine unless the Met Office announces it is unsafe to travel.

Booking your place

The tour price is £66 for National Trust members and £82 for non-members.

Non-refundable deposit £20 per person payable on booking. Full payment is due 10 weeks before departure.

Includes return coach travel; entry into Bodenham Arboretum and guided walk; entry into Hanbury Hall.

Accessibility & Mobility Information