Things to see and do at Winkworth Arboretum

Bluebells  

Wander through the arboretum at the right time and you'll be hard-pressed not to come across a pretty patch of purple. For the best views, follow the Spring Walk and you'll head right into Bluebell Wood, where the most spectacular swathes await. This route also takes you through Magnolia Wood, which - if the weather is right - may be in bloom at the same time. 

Keep an eye on when they're at their best by following the regular updates on our Facebook and Twitter pages. 

Bluebell season is hugely popular, to make sure the purple swathes return every year, it's crucial to look after them as best we can. Trampling on bluebell leaves impedes their ability to create energy and reproduce, reducing their chances of reappearing in subsequent years. You can help by avoiding walking through the bluebells, taking photos standing in the bluebells and keeping to designated pathways. 

Azaleas  

Each spring the Azalea Steps take the spotlight in a blaze of colour. With almost every hue on display, you can see them at their best in May, on the path down to the boathouse. 

Touring Exhibition: Last Night For Ever By Andrea Gregson

Head down to the Boathouse on your winter walk to see the sculpture Last Night For Ever by Andrea Gregson. Exploring themes of refuge, memory, and nature, it draws you into miniature dioramas hidden within a wooden structure. Visit from Monday 12 January - Thursday 17 March. Free with normal admission. The boathouse is located in the lower arboretum which is accessed via steep slopes and stepped paths.

Waymarked walks

There are three routes to help you find your way: a blue 'Upper Arboretum Route', an orange 'Boathouse Route' and a red 'Winkworth Route'. Pick up a map from the kiosk when you arrive or view it here to plan your visit in advance. 

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome all year round but we ask that you kindly clear up after your pet.

Guided walks

It’s business as usual all year round at Winkworth, whatever the weather, and there’s as much to explore on a grey day as under a blue sky. Throughout the year we host a variety of guided walked showcasing Winkworth's seasonal highlights. See our what's on page to find out more. 

More to explore

Visit the Boathouse

Featured in many well-known film and TV series, the Boathouse on Rowe’s Flashe Lake is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Explore the wetlands

Once another lake, we've allowed these wetlands to redevelop naturally and they are now thriving with plant life. Keep your feet dry by enjoying the area from the bridge, made completely from recycled plastic bottles.

Discover Badgers Bowl

In the midst of Dr Fox's masterpiece planting is this peaceful glade, perfect for a family picnic or to simply sit and take in the atmosphere.

The Azalea Steps

The Azalea Steps tend to look at their best during mid May, planted with Kurume hybrid azaleas which were introduced from Japan in the 1920s by E.H. Wilson. They give a stunning display of colour in late spring as the colours seem to tumble down the hillside toward the lake. 

The steps are also planted with acers, magnolias and clerodendrum as a backdrop and a bench given to Dr Fox for his 70th birthday in 1955 can still be seen at the top of the steps.

Carved benches

We have two unique chainsaw-carved benches in the Upper Arboretum. The owl bench has looked down over an amazing view for years, and there's now a second bench adorned with fox figures in honour of Winkworth's creator, Dr Wilfrid Fox.

Natural play area and Tree Adventure

Nestled among birch trees is the natural play area. With fun features for all ages, it's a brilliant way to stimulate children's imaginations and encourage enjoyment of the natural environment. Older children will love exploring the Tree Adventure complete with a rope tunnel, mini climbing wall and a firefighter’s pole.