NGS Open Gardens: Beale Arboretum

Open for the NGS for over 30yrs, the 35 acre Beale Arboretum consists of over 800 varieties of trees and shrubs, incl National Collection of Hornbeam cultivars (Carpinus betulus) and National collection of Swamp Cypress (Taxodium). Network of paths through good selection of conifers, oaks, maples and mountain ash - all specimens labelled. Beehives and 2 ponds. Stunning collection within the M25.

Features and Attractions

Guided tours available. Breakfasts, morning coffee/biscuits, restaurant lunches, light lunches, dinner all served in the hotel.

For this open day you can pre-book your tickets in advance, but it is not essential. Click on the yellow book now button below or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments:
Light refreshments.

Admission:
Adult: £6.00
Child: Free

The Beale Arboretum is situated in the stunning grounds of West Lodge Park in Hadley Wood, Barnet, Herts.

It was founded in 1963 by Edward Beale along with Frank Knight, Director of the RHS, and Derek Honour, arboricultural consultant to the GLC
They mapped out some 18 acres of the grounds into zones of conifers (Pinus, Picea, Abies, Taxodium), Sorbus, Quercus, Carpinus, Acer, Fraxinus, Cedrus and Tilia among many others, with over 800 species represented.
Some 50+ years and three generations of the Beale family later, the Beale Arboretum has matured into a wonderful collection, all correctly labeled for easy identification, and with a series of hard paths to make access easy.

Furthermore a further 18 acres has now been planted out with Liquidambar, Sorbus, Carpinus, Taxodium, Castinia and Quercus – this top field section of the estate is particularly quiet and it is hard to believe that one is inside the M25 !

Particular trees of note include a rare Taxodium Ascendens Nutans, an intact Cedrus Libani / Atlantica, and a very old Arbutus Unedo believed to date from 1760.

West Lodge Park is a beautiful country house hotel with delicious lunches and afternoon teas for visitors. Spring and Autumn open days have been held for over 30 years in aid of the NGS, while groups are escorted round the arboretum on a complimentary basis midweek, finishing with a nice tea in the hotel !

It is even possible to plant a commemorative tree in the arboretum, perhaps in memory of a loved one, or to celebrate a special anniversary, or the birth of a child.

For further information, a detailed guided tour to the Beale Arboretum, information on Open Days and group visits, and an archive of photos and quarterly Garden notes, see www.bealeshotels.co.uk/westlodgepark/the-hotel/arboretum/ or phone 020 8216 3904.

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