Bird of prey and Mammal Centre

11:30am Meet the Owls1:30pm Flying Display3:30pm Flying Display

Approx 10-15 minute walk from the tearoom

Tearoom

Open 10am till 5pm everyday serving a great selection of drinks and treats with lunch served 11:30am till 3pm

Plants at Thorp Perrow

Opening TimesTues to Thurs 1pm till 5pmFri to Sun 10:30am till 5pm

Spooktacular Halloween Trail

Get in touch!

T: 01677 425323 E: enquiries@thorpperrow.com W: thorpperrow.com

thorpperrow

thorp.perrow.arboretum

Areas for Best Autumn Interest

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) then went onto develop the Arboretum into the visitor attraction you see today. Sir Henry Ropner and his family are the current custodians.

It covers 100 acres and is currently home to 5 National Plant Collections and 67 Champion Trees (recorded and designated by the Tree Register of the British Isles), the Arboretum is laid out in sections inter-connected via paths, glades, bays and avenues (as seen in the map overleaf). All the trees are numbered, rather than named and are listed in our catalogue which is available to buy at the entrance (£4.00).

The History of Thorp Perrow can be traced back to the Domesday book where is was listed as ‘Torp’ Manor House, treeless and uncultivated! Four major planting periods have

taken place over the years with Parkland trees dating from the 16th & 17th Centuries. In the 1840’s and 50’s a large collection of seeds were imported from North America and now make up the Milbank Pinetum. It then wasn’t until 1931 that the design and the planting of the Arboretum began. The final phase began in the 1980’s when 1,500 new trees and shrubs were planted and it was first opened to the public.

Thorp Perrow boasts a packed calendar of special event days, seasonal trails, guided tours and open-air concerts (see website and facebook for more details). There is also a children’s adventure playground and hidden play areas throughout the Arboretum, so keep your eyes peeled!

Thorp Perrow also hosts The Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre which is situated in the old walled garden at the far end of the Arboretum, approx. 10-15 minutes walk from the entrance. The Bird of Prey Centre holds close to 100 birds from all over the world, including eagles, falcons and owls which can be seen in the daily flying displays (N.B weather dependant and subject to seasonal time changes).

The Mammal Area is accessed through the gift shop. Here you will

find meerkats, wallabies, pygmy goats, ducks and chickens, offering the whole family a hands-on experience.

The Tearoom is open daily and serves a selection of sandwiches, soups and hot seasonal lunches. There is a dedicated children’s menu and a large selection of delicious cakes and hot and cold drinks. Plants at Thorp Perrow is situated in the car park, and offers the chance to pick up some of the plants, trees and shrubs seen in the Arboretum at great prices.

Groups and Schools are catered for with a special entry price and menu (booking forms available online). Season tickets allow unlimited access to Thorp Perrow throughout the year and make a great gift for that special occasion. Gift vouchers are also available.