Days Out: Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale
With one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in the country, a spectacular flock of birds of prey and a mob of friendly and inquisitive meerkats, Thorp Perrow Arboretum is the ultimate family day out.
Situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, not far from the pretty market town of Bedale, this 100-acre arboretum houses 66 champion trees and five national collections, as well as beautiful woodland walks, nature trails, and a fantastic children’s play area, making it the perfect place for kids to let off a bit of steam.
Let them run wild through the trees and flowers, which are in full bloom during the summer months, before making your way to the jewel in Thorp Perrow’s crown – the birds of prey and mammal centre.
Here you can get up close and personal with the eagles, falcons, hawks, owls and more as part of Thorp Perrow’s special experience packages, or simply watch in awe as these beautiful birds swoop and dive through the air during regular flying demonstrations.
Meanwhile, at the Mammal Centre there’s the chance to hang out with the meerkats and feed the wallabies, who will even pose for selfies for you – as long as you come armed with bags of food for them.
Pack a picnic and eat al fresco, or head to the tea rooms for some sugary sustenance and freshly made sandwiches to round your day off.
Thorp Perrow will also play host to a number of one-off events this summer, including tribute band concerts, summer activity days and a fairy day.