The ever-changing beauty of Thorp Perrow’s seasonal colours provide a stunning 100-acre backdrop for relaxing strolls, well-being, education, and inspiration. Home to five National Plant Collections and a leading centre for raptor conservation, the Arboretum offers a year-round experience with guided tours, creative learning workshops, open air concerts, seasonal trails, and special events like our circus and classic car show. Marvel at the daily Bird of Prey displays, hand-feed the wallabies in the Mammal Centre, watch your children create magical worlds in the adventure playground, enjoy refreshments in our Tea Room or simply relax and enjoy the gentle tranquillity.

A Brief History

The history of Thorp Perrow can be traced back to the medieval times with evidence that Springs Wood has been a continuing woodland since that period.

Planting parkland trees started in the 16^th century. One of the finest specimens of the original parkland trees is a magnificent Oak – The Catherine Parr Oak, thought to be about 400 years old, and planted by the wife of King Henry VIII. This tree can be found at the head of Millennium Glade

Planting continued throughout the years, Milbank Pinetum was added in the 1840’s by the then owner, Lady Augusta Milbank.

The Arboretum was planted in 1931 when Sir Leonard Ropner started building the collection we all enjoy today. He was given 60 acres of parkland by his father in 1927 (when the estate was purchased) to pursue his passion, he meticulously designed the Arboretum and continued to add to the collection until his death in 1977.

After Sir Leonard’s death, Sir John Ropner inherited the estate from his father, following his retirement in the late 1990’s, he dedicated all of his time to reinstate the Arboretum to its former glory.

Alongside his wife, Niki, a tireless program of work has been undertaken to rejuvenate and restore the collection. Sir John would be regularly seen with a chainsaw in hand or mowing the pathways, with Niki busy pruning and planting in the Arboretum.

In 2016, Henry & Natasha Ropner took over the responsibility for the Arboretum and Thorp Perrow Estate. They now live with their family at Thorp Perrow, and manage the Arboretum alongside Niki. Building on the sold foundations now in place, they continue to strive to ensure Thorp Perrow remains a haven for biodiversity and one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in the country.

Opening Hours

We're open 7 days a week from 10am to around 4pm (daylight and weather-depending).

3 Bird of Prey displays per day:- 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm (Seasonal & weather-depending)

Seasonal Experiences

Snowdrops in the winter

Daffodils, bluebells and blossom in Spring

Wildflower meadow in summer

Autumn colour from October

Group Sizes Catered For:

Minimum of 10 visitors required for group discount. We welcome school groups and coach parties.

Pricing Information:

Please see our website for prices

Facilities:

On site parking. Tea room.

Accessibility and Disabled Facilities:

Disabled facilities. Wheelchair accessible paths. Accessible tea room.