About

Meet the great grandson of world famous Victorian plant hunter Henry John Elwes on an intimate tour of stunning Colesbourne Garden and Arboretum.

Sir Henry Elwes will welcome you to his beautiful home and guide you through the collection of 300 trees from around the world – many collected during Henry John Elwes’ extensive travels around the world collecting rare plant and tree species and many more added by Sir Henry in the last 50 years.

It includes 15 UK champion trees which are exceptional examples of their species because of their enormous size, great age, rarity or historical significance and 35 Gloucestershire champion trees. One tree has been selected to represent the Queen's Platinium Jubliee, one of only 70 in the UK.

This experience gives you the rare chance to discover more about this unique collection of trees from the owners and expert plantsman.

Your tour ends with homemade cake and refreshments at the nearby Colesbourne Inn.

Booking

Price: £50 per person including a light lunch.

Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours. Shorter experiences are available, please contact for details.

Capacity: Minimum of 15 people and maximum of 40 people. Smaller groups can sometimes be amalgamated with others to reach economic numbers.

Opening: Arboretum tours are available June to October or any dry day by prior arrangement. Leaf colour is at its best in October. 

Booking: Advance booking essential. To book please contact the trade contact below.

Facilities

Language: English only. Guests will need an intermediate level of English to fully appreciate the experience.

Parking: Parking for 4 coaches and 500 cars.

Accessibility: Undulating terrain in private garden not very convenient for wheelchairs. Gentle inclines, walking on grass or gravel.

Special requirements: Good shoes essential, allow boots and waterproof clothing in bad weather.

Trade contact

info@colesbournegardens.org.uk