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Annwell Lane Smisby Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 2TA
400 yards south of Smisby Church. Follow brown tourist signs to arboretum.
9 acres
Tel 01530 413700
Visit website
9am–4pm (10am, Sat–Sun & BH). Closed Sun, Nov–Feb, 24 Dec, 2 Jan & Easter Sunday.
Please see website for admission prices.
Free access (member 1 only for joint memberships) applies when open.
Bluebell Arboretum & Nursery in Derbyshire has a fine collection of unusual trees and shrubs. The planting in the beautiful woodland garden started in 1992 and now covers an area of nine acres. Although most of the large trees are still young – with the majority less than 24 years old – many of the shrubs and smaller trees already show their full beauty with their form and habit, making the arboretum a beautiful woodland walk with rare plant treasures on display to entice the real enthusiasts. Other features include many cherry trees (Prunus) and magnolias for their spring flower display, lots of cool leafy shade for a relaxing walk on hot summer days, many trees with excellent autumn colour and a collection of birch (Betula) planted for their attractive winter bark. There are plenty of educational signs on display giving detailed information about the unusual plants in the gardens and most of the plants are available for sale from the neighbouring specialist tree and shrub nursery. Expert staff are on hand to give advice on how to grow these plants in visitors' own gardens. Tea and coffee are available from the nursery office on request (no café on site). There are nearby pubs that serve good food at lunchtime and in the evening, we recommend boots or wellies if visiting during or after very wet or frozen weather. Please be aware that despite the name, this is not a bluebell wood. Please note: this garden is partially accessible.
Plants of special interest
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.