The Yorkshire Arboretum

A magnificent collection of trees and shrubs, wildflower meadows and a red squirrel enclosure, set in a beautiful, tranquil landscape with wide vistas, lakes and ponds. With woodland walks, themed trails, tours, events and family activities, gift shop and café, there’s something for everyone.

The Yorkshire Arboretum, nestled on the Castle Howard Estate near York, is a glorious, 48.5ha (120 acre) garden of trees set in a lovely landscape of parkland, lakes and ponds. Explore the landscape and admire the trees, walk through a large enclosure with breeding Red Squirrels for a chance to meet these delightful but rare native mammals. With woodland walks, tours, family activities, a café, gift shop and a busy events programme, there's something on offer for visitors of all ages wanting to enjoy the space, serenity and beauty of this sheltered valley, as well as those with an interest in its extensive collection of trees and shrubs.

Visitors can follow a trail, explore at leisure or take time to watch the Red Squirrels' antics. In spring, blossoming trees and flowering bulbs predominate, giving way to myriad shades of green punctuated by drifts of wildflowers in the summer. In autumn the colours are particularly spectacular as reds, oranges and golds vie for attention. There's a busy events programme offering everything from botanical and horticultural walks and lectures, to have-a-go activities, arts and crafts workshops.

Children's activities encourage young people to explore, understand and interact with nature. There are also extra events and workshops available for children during school holidays; please check the website for the latest events information.

Why not take a seat at the Arboretum Cafe, have a pot of Yorkshire Tea and a piece of cake? The Arboretum Shop carries a range of gift, educational and decorative items including books, and cards, children's nature explorer kits, and wooden items produced by local crafts people.  There's free parking on site and groups and coach parties are welcome by prior arrangement. Free WiFi is available throughout the Visitor Centre. Dogs are very welcome and we have a spacious off-lead area for them to run around in. Electric buggies may be booked in advance to enable those with limited mobility to discover even the most distant reaches of the arboretum.