Days Out: Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale

The Arboretum covers 100 acres and is currently home to five National Plant Collections and 51 Champion Trees, which are recorded and designated by the Tree Register of the British Isles. Situated in the Yorkshire Dales, not far from the historic town of Bedale, Thorp Perrow is an exciting place to explore offering something for everyone, and is home to some of the largest and rarest trees and shrubs in England.

The Arboretum also embraces the Milbank Pinetum planted by Lady Augusta Milbank in the mid-nineteenth century, and the medieval Spring Wood dating back to the 16th Century.

There is a Birds of Prey centre boasting a magnificent collection of birds including incredible raptors such as hawks, eagles, falcons and owls, and exotics including Cara Cara, Kookaburra, Moses, the resident Marabou Stork and Tawny Frogmouths.

And right next door there’s the Mammal Centre, with a Wallaby Wood to feed, stroke and pet the wallabies who often have joeys and meerkats on Meerkat Island. The pygmy goats and rare breed sheep are always a favourite too – and as lambing season approaches there will also be little ones to see!

The Arboretum will be celebrating the beauty of Spring with a series of guided ‘Spring bulb’ trails, named Something Old, Something New, Something Rare and Something Blue.

The trails, which begin with a snowdrop trail throughout February and continue with a daffodil trail in March until May and a blossom and bluebell trail between April and May, are a great way to explore the beautiful grounds. See more great days out here.

FACTFILE - THORP PERROW ARBORETUM

Address: Bedale DL8 2PS

Opening times: From February 10th onwards: 10am to 5pm. Flying displays at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm

Prices: Adults £9.40, Child £5.80

Attraction website: www.thorpperrow.com

More information: www.yorkshire.com