Credit: Clive Nichols
At Thorp Perrow
We look forward to welcoming you to Thorp Perrow and we are sure you will enjoy a memorable visit to our Arboretum and Bird of Prey Centre. Whilst you are here, treat yourself to some delicious homemade cakes and treats from the Tea Room, or even indulge in a gift from the Homes & Gardens shop.
Please click on the links below for information related to planning your visit.
Credit: Charlotte Graham
Credit: Clive Nichols
The Arboretum
Thorp Perrow is the most important Arboretum in the North of England and is unique to Britain, if not Europe, in that it was the creation of one man, Colonel Sir Leonard Ropner (1895-1977). His son, Sir John Ropner (1937-2016) and wife, Niki, then went on to develop the Arboretum you see today. Sir Henry Ropner, his wife, Natasha and family are the current custodians.
The Arboretum covers 100 acres and is currently home to 5 National Plant Collections and 51 Champion Trees (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 home to some of the largest and rarest trees and shrubs in England and an exciting place to explore offering something for everyone.
Thorp Perrow and the Arboretum provides interest all year round. We celebrate the changing seasons with a host of events including an exciting line-up of trails and workshops.
Spring
From early Spring, snowdrops and crocuses line the woodland floor marking the end of the long Winter months.
Witness one of the finest and most extensive collections of naturalised daffodils in the North of England, including some old and unusual varieties. This is then followed by carpets of bluebells and clouds of fragrant blossom.
For families young and old, we have our Easter Trail throughout the school holidays.
Summer
Summer sees a riot of colour and an abundance of wildlife. We celebrate the warmer months with family fun days, concert events and a fun children’s trail throughout the summer school holidays.
Autumn
We celebrate this stunning season with guided tours led by our curator, Faith and fungus forays with Keith Thomas which offer a fascinating insight into the world of fungi in the Arboretum.
The ghosts and ghoulies awaken ready to star in our spook-tacular Hallowe’en trail guaranteed to tingle the spines of the young and old alike.
Winter
White frosty morning, coloured bark and crisp woodland walks make this a truly magical time of year at Thorp Perrow, especially when snow transforms the Arboretum into a Winter wonderland.
The magical woodland bursts into life as Santa and his helpers arrive in time for Christmas, welcoming scores of excited children to his grotto.
Please see our home page for all our upcoming events.
Bird of Prey & Mammal Centre
The Centre holds close to 100 birds from all over the world, including eagles, falcons, owls, and a songbird aviary. You can pre-book your visit to coincide with one of our amazing daily flying displays featuring a range of birds.
For more information please see click the button below.
Tea Room
Our licensed Tea Room serves a mouth-watering selection of seasonal lunches, light bites, hot and cold drinks, and homemade treats that you can enjoy both inside our Tea Room or outside on the patio and lawned seating areas overlooking the gardens. Be sure to look out for our delicious weekend specials.
Younger visitors have their own dedicated menu – perfect for refuelling after running wild and free in the adventure playground! We also have highchairs and a selection of baby weaning foods for the smallest of visitors.
We’re proud to use local suppliers whenever we can to create our Tea Room menu. Our meat, breads and cakes are produced locally by: Beavers Butchers, Carrick’s Fish Ltd, Black Sheep Brewery, Katy’s Bakes, Arthur’s Haigh’s, and Bah Humbugs.
Our Tea Room is open to all visitors without purchasing an Arboretum entry ticket – perfect for a delicious lunch on a wet day!
Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea in the beautiful surrounds of the Arboretum!
Delight in a delicious selection of sandwiches and quiche followed by homemade scones and sweet treats – all exquisitely served in our Tea Room. And why not feel even more spoiled by indulging in a bottle of Prosecco to make your charming afternoon complete?
Please note:
Dogs (except assistance dogs) are not permitted inside the Tea Room but they are welcome to join you on the patio or lawned seating areas. Please secure them outside whilst you purchase your meal.
During busy periods, we respectfully ask you to leave all non-essential prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs in the covered area opposite the Tea Room to allow staff and visitors to move unhindered around the area.
Homes & Gardens
Why not conclude your visit to Thorp Perrow at Thorp Perrow Garden Centre?
The Garden Centre is located right by the Arboretum exit in an attractive, tranquil setting. Thorp Perrow Garden Centre opened in September 2024 and is run by owners Trevor and Ruth, assistant manager Nathan and gardening enthusiast Penny. The spacious outside area displays perennials, alpines, shrubs, trees, plus seasonal bedding, fruit and veg plants. You will also find peat-free compost, ornamental stoneware and lots of pots and planters.
Indoors there is a carefully selected range of tools, garden care products and garden accessories, plus bird food and feeders, seeds, decorative items and seasonal giftware.
The team look forward to seeing you at the Garden Centre!
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm; Sundays 10am – 4pm.
Garden Centre: 07888 352 659
Trevor: 07976 28 1738
Ruth: 07976 776 726
Children’s Adventure Playground
Our spacious children’s playground offers the chance for smaller visitors to climb, swing, hide and explore. There’s also a picnic area here to keep rumbles at bay.