Thenford Gardens & Arboretum

Well known as the home of Lord and Lady Heseltine. The Gardens and Arboretum at Thenford extend over some 76 acres and were described in Country Life as one of the most impressive, varied and fascinating to have been made over the last 40 years anywhere in the world.

The initial emphasis after purchasing the house and some 40 acres of woodland was to replant with help and advice from luminaries such as Lanning Roper, Sir Harold Hillier, Roy Lancaster and Keith Rushforth. Today the arboretum extends to some 70 acres and houses a collection of over 3,000 trees and shrubs together with water gardens, an alpine trough garden, a rose garden and herbaceous border, recently extended, that nestles against the south side of the Walled Garden. The eclectic collection of garden sculptures, largely designed by Anne Heseltine as a series of separate rooms with works by Elizabeth Frink, Lynn Chadwick and Michael Ayrton amongst others.

We have been able to arrange a private visit which avoids the larger crowds of visitors on the open days. There will be tea/coffee and cakes on arrival, followed by an introductory talk by the Head Gardener. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to decide where to explore.

Please not that suitable outdoor clothing and footwear should be worn. In places, the terrain is quite rough and is may not be particularly suitable for the disabled.

Cost £29.00 inclusive of refreshments to members/£34.00 to non-members

Directions:  Leave the M40 at Junction 11 to Banbury and turn left to follow the A422 Brackley/Buckingham Road.  At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit to stay on the A422. After 1.5 miles there is a left turn to Middleton Cheney. In the village, turn right by the New Inn, signposted to Thenford. Turn right again at the cross roads into the village where the car park will be signposted.