Visit The Yorkshire Arboretum

The Yorkshire Arboretum is a large botanical garden near York in North Yorkshire, England.

It is known for its diverse collection of trees from around the world, spread over 120 acres of parkland. The arboretum offers a range of walking paths, events, and educational programs focused on plant conservation and biodiversity. It’s a popular destination for nature lovers and those interested in horticulture.

Facts & Stats For The Yorkshire Abortorium

Statistic	Details
Area	120 acres (48.5 hectares)
Tree Collection	Over 7,000 trees from around the world
Opening Hours	Daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, February 1 - November 30
Admission Policy	Free entry for children under 12; RHS members have specific free access dates
Facilities	Toilets, baby changing facilities, café, gift shop, accessible facilities, picnic area, free parking
Special Features	Red Squirrel enclosure, wildflower meadows, seasonal events and activities for families
Funding Appeal	Seeking £8,600 match-funding for the Accessible Arboretum Project

History of the Yorkshire Arboretum

The Yorkshire Arboretum was created between 1975 and 1992 by George Howard and James Russell. It’s managed by the Castle Howard Arboretum Trust. Many of the trees came from China and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It’s in the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Tree Collections and Plantings

The Yorkshire Arboretum has over 7,000 trees and shrubs from around the world. The collections are carefully curated to show a wide range of species, including rare and endangered ones. As you walk the tree trails you’ll visit different plantings each with its own character and story.

The tree collections are not just for looking; they’re a living laboratory for researchers and students to learn about tree biology and ecology. So the Yorkshire Arboretum is a resource for conservation and education.

Wildflower Meadows and Gardens

The Yorkshire Arboretum’s wildflower meadows and gardens are the jewel in its crown. These meadows are a riot of native wildflowers – oxeye daisies, buttercups, red clover – a haven for wildlife. Designed to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects the gardens are a sensory treat, full of colour and scent. Visitors can walk through these areas and soak up the beauty and peace.

Beyond their beauty they’re an important part of the arboretum’s conservation work, providing habitats for many species of wildlife.

Red Squirrel Enclosure

No visit to the Yorkshire Arboretum would be complete without a visit to the red squirrel enclosure. This specially designed area is home to a group of red squirrels, a native UK species that’s now endangered. The enclosure is a replica of their natural habitat with trees, shrubs and other features and is a safe and enriching environment for these lovely creatures.

From the viewing area you can watch the squirrels play, forage and interact, a great and educational experience. The red squirrel enclosure is part of the arboretum’s conservation work, supporting a breeding programme to increase the numbers of these endangered animals.

Visiting the Yorkshire Arboretum

You can visit the Yorkshire Arboretum from February to November. Admission is £11.80 for adults and children under 12 go free. There is free parking for families. The visitor centre has a gift shop with fun things to buy. The arboretum is near Castle Howard, York YO60. The address is Howard York YO60 7BY.

You can join guided tours every Thursday at 1:30pm. These tours tell you about the trees and the history of the arboretum. Kids can play in the adventure playground and other family activities during school holidays. There’s also an off-lead area for dogs.

Things to Do at the Yorkshire Arboretum: Woodland Walks

• Red Squirrel Enclosure: There’s a special area for red squirrels, very rare. In 2023, 14 baby squirrels were born and some were moved to new homes to help them grow.
• Tree Trails and Woodland Walks: Walk the tree trails and see the landscape. Different woodland walks with many different trees to discover.
• Wildflower Meadows: The wildflower meadows are full of colour and home to many animals.
• Busy Events Programme: The arboretum has a busy events programme including botanical walks, lectures, arts and crafts workshops and special children’s events during school holidays.

Accessibility, Facilities and Visitor Centre

The Yorkshire Arboretum has several facilities to make your visit easier. There are electric buggies for those who need assistance. Free WiFi at the visitor centre. If you don’t drive you can get a discount on your ticket. Coach parties welcome by arrangement and there’s an off-lead area for dogs.

Events at the Yorkshire Arboretum: Busy Events Programme

The Yorkshire Arboretum hosts events throughout the year. Guided tours, conservation days and tree workshops. The Tree Health Centre runs classes on tree identification and nature caring.

And free guided tours and squirrel talks. The Tree Health Centre helps people learn about biodiversity and woodland care.

Caring for Nature at the Yorkshire Arboretum

The Yorkshire Arboretum’s facilities and attractions, the red squirrel enclosure and visitor centre, work to protect nature. It partners with Castle Howard Estates and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Many of the trees were grown from seed from China. The red squirrel enclosure is helping to bring back red squirrels and other wildlife.

The arboretum also looks after the environment. In 2002 the Lower Lake was restored and in 2003 the Bird Observatory was built. These projects help wildlife and replace grey squirrels with native ones.

Support the Arboretum

The Yorkshire Arboretum is an independent charity and relies on the support of its visitors and donors. There are many ways to support its conservation and education work. By becoming a member you can get free admission, discounts in the gift shop and invitations to special events. Donations can be made online or in person and can be directed to a specific project or initiative.

Volunteering is another great way to support the arboretum, in gardening, conservation and education. Your support will help ensure the long term future of this valuable resource so the Yorkshire Arboretum can continue its conservation and education work.

Visit

The Yorkshire Arboretum is a great place to get outside. Lakes, ponds and quiet areas to sit. The garden changes with the seasons so there’s always something new to see.

Families will love the adventure playground and those interested in wildlife can join guided tours and learn at the Tree Health Centre. You can also listen to squirrel talks or book a private guided tour.

In short the Yorkshire Arboretum at Castle Howard Estate is a lovely place with many trees and shrubs. Fun for everyone with a mix of learning, nature care and enjoyment in North Yorkshire.

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