Benbow Arboretum, Midhurst

Benbow Arboretum sits on the fringes of Midhurst in West Sussex, part of the Cowdray Estate landscape that stretches along the Rother valley. The arboretum is a modestly-sized collection of specimen trees planted for their form, seasonal colour, and botanical interest, giving a peaceful counterpoint to the more manicured gardens elsewhere on the estate.

Walking the paths, you'll find a mix of native British species alongside introductions from North America, Asia and Europe, including oaks, maples, conifers and flowering ornamentals. Autumn is the standout season, when the acers and beech-family trees shift through copper, gold and crimson. Spring brings fresh leaf and understorey wildflowers, while summer offers welcome shade under the taller canopies.

The arboretum works well as a short, easy walk in its own right, or paired with a wider visit to Midhurst, the Cowdray Ruins, or the surrounding South Downs National Park. Wear sturdy shoes if it has been wet, as some paths can become soft underfoot. Parking is limited on the estate roads nearby, so many visitors arrive on foot from Midhurst town centre, roughly a mile away.