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

The Arboretum covers 100 acres and is currently home to 5 National Plant Collections and 51 Champion Trees (recorded and designated by the Tree Register of the British Isles).

Situated in the Yorkshire Dales, not far from the historic town of Bedale, Thorp Perrow is an exciting place to explore offering something for everyone, and is home to some of the largest and rarest trees and shrubs in England. The Arboretum also embraces the Milbank Pinetum planted by Lady Augusta Milbank in the mid-nineteenth century, and the medieval Spring Wood dating back to the 16th century.

The Arboretum is laid out in Sections, and identified as Section A to Section Z, plus Milbank Pinetum, and Springs Wood. Each Section inter-connects with its neighbour via paths, grass walks, glades, bays, or avenues. A walk around the Arboretum can be a journey of plant discovery that takes you around the continents of the world; with many of the tree and shrub genera and species planted having origins in China, Japan, North America, Chile, and Europe.

Every visitor, guest and friend who visits Thorp Perrow comments on how friendly and welcoming it is and we believe that this is because it is first and foremost a family home. So please come and take a stroll in the arboretum, watch your children let off steam in the adventure playground and enjoy the wonderful displays at the Bird of Prey & Mammal Centre. We have a lot to offer the whole family!