Worcestershire Parks & Gardens

Arley Arboretum

One of the oldest privately owned arboretums in the country with listed walled garden containing Italianate garden, herbaceous borders, picnic area and plant sales.

Arley. near Bewdley DY12 1XG Tel: 01299 861368    Email

Arrow Valley Countryside Centre

Set in 900 acres of park. Attractions include woodland. lakeside and meadow trails, children’s play areas and fishing. Free admission.

Battens Drive. South Moons Moat. Redditch B98 0LJ Tel: 01527 464000   Email

Bodenham Arboretum

2,600 species of trees and shrubs. 5 miles of paths through dell, glades, lakes, pools. Unique underground visitor centre and restaurant overlooking the big pool. Special Awards: Heritage status. Centre of Excellence (Forestry Authority)

Wolverley, Kidderminster DY11 5SY Tel: 01562 852444

The Clent Hills 

400 acres of grassland supporting heather, grasses and gorse with 230 acres of woodland blocks. Panoramic views to Welsh borders. Malverns and Cotswolds. Easy access trail from Nimmings Car Park to summit. Free admission

Hagley Wood Lane, Clent. Nimmings, near Bromsgrove. Tel: 01562 712848  Email

Croome Landscape Park 

Croome was "Capability” Brown’s first complete landscape design and established his reputation. The National Trust is now restoring the park to its 18th century splendour.

Estate Office, Builders Yard, High Green, Severn Stoke WR8 9JS Tel: 01905 371006   Email

Eastgrove Cottage Garden Nursery

Much loved country cottage. Flower garden with arboretum. Intimate yet unpretentious stuffed with tumbling abundance of plants full of colour and fascination at all seasons. Special Awards: Royal Horticultural Partnership Garden. listed in the 50 best gardens in Europe by The Independent, July  2003. Nursery of the Week in the Daily Telegraph, May 2003.

Sankyns Green. Shrawley, Worcester WR6 6LQ Tel: 01299 896389  Email

Kinqsford Forest Park

200 acres of cool pine forests. red sandstone outcrops, beautiful birch woods and open heathland. There are two large picnic areas and toilets with disabled facilities. Free admission.

Wolverley Tel: 01562 710025   Email

Ravenshill Woodland Reserve

50 acres of ancient woodland, marked trails and picnic area. There is much to see at any time of year with many unusual plants and animals. Free admission.

Ravenshill Lodge, Lulsley, Knightwick WR6 5QP Tel: 01886 821661   Email

Waseley Hills Country Park

150 acres of rolling open hills with ancient hedgerows, ponds and small pockets of woodland. Adventure and toddlers play areas, one waymarked circular walk and orienteering course available. Green Flag Inspected. Free admission

Gannow Green Lane. Rubery B45 9AT Tel: 01562 710025   Email

Worcester Woods Country Park

Ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows with waymarked walks. Including Countryside Centre with Café, information displays. children’s play area. barbeque and picnic area. Free admission.

Wildwood Drive. Worcester WR5 2LG  Tel: 01905 766493   Email

Wyre Forest Visitor Centre(Forestry Commission)

Visitor Centre with interpretation facilities and information about the Wyre Forest.

Callow Hill. Bewdley DY14 9XQ Tel: 01299 266302    Email

Barnard’s Green House Garden

A real old-fashioned 3 acre garden with mature trees. herbaceous borders, rockeries, heather beds and woodland. The old tennis court is being transformed into a new gravel garden. Unusual plants for sale.

Barnard’s Green House, Malvern WR14 3NQ Tel: 01 684 574446

Crown East Heritage Woodland

Guided walks with superb meal options by appointment only. The woodland is full of Bluebells and Primroses in the spring. and rich in wildlife.

Crown East Cottage, Bromyard Road, Worcester WR2 5TR Tel: 01905 425645   Email