Autumn Season at Tortworth Arboretum (dog free)

Enjoy a self-guided walk through the tranquil Dell of Tortworth Arboretum. This month we’re celebrating Autumn as the arboretum begins to transition ready for a well earned winters rest. This event is dog-free, offering a peaceful experience for those who prefer to explore without furry companions. Other days are available for visitors with dogs—check our calendar for more details. We invite you to enjoy the peace of this place, follow a map of marked trails or go off grid and create your own. This ancient woodland was once overrun by bramble and bracken, and since 2014 has been carefully restored by a dedicated team of volunteers. They have uncovered an arena and steps once used by donkeys to transport produce from the kitchen gardens to the main house, plus a stunning collection of over 600, native, exotic and veteran trees. As the ground was cleared we were rewarded with carpets of seasonal flowers, including snowdrops and bluebells. Work now focuses on replanting and maintaining the arboretum. The team have created paths and cleared around trees and plants so they can flourish and be enjoyed, and are improving labelling and signage. It’s still wild in places, and we plan to keep it that way because it’s part of what makes this place unique.