Overview

David and Jennifer Binnian bought the land in 1973, and starting off as a hobby, it has been developed into a nice Arboretum, of some 170 acres of mature woodland and lakes. Their efforts have been rewarded when they received English Heritage status in 1995. It’s a bowl shaped plot, with two small valleys fed by spring waters, and over the years have created 15 pools. Over the first five years, 12,000 tons of earth were moved, and new buildings erected. The main central attraction is the big pool, where rare and ornamental trees are seen, and around the site, there are over 3000 species of tree and shrubs planted. A pleasant walk may be taken with interest at any time of the year, but disabled people may be limited to enjoying the area around the big pool, and enjoy refreshments in their restaurant. The Arboretum is just a short drive from Kinver, (please see our seperate review of Kinver, as you may wish to combine these two trips to make a really nice days trip). You will drive along beautiful country lanes until you arrive at Bodenham (photo 1), And then driving along a mile long winding lane through beautiful scenery, and for us, Autumn colours, just beginning to show their exquisite colours (photo 2). A beautiful view opens up over the Worcestershire countryside (photo 3), before the view over the car park for the Arboretum draws you forward. (photo 4). We drew over to the higher of the car parks on our right, and drove up to the far corner, with a stunning display of Autumn colours (photo 5) From there you will get a view of the Arboretum with its entrance below you, and of the lake beyond that. (Photo 6). It’s not to expensive at £6.50 each on our trip in November 2021, but we felt that was just to much for us as disabled would be limited by what they will see, so we chose to drive back along the lovely lane, and continue with our drive, and take in the stunning rolling hills and countryside, (photo 7) as we headed towards the Wyre Forest. After a few miles driving through lovely woodland scenery of the Wyre forest, but sadly on a winding main road, we reached a very small parking area on our right, so if you fancy a little walk through conifer trees on a hard compressed soil path (photo 8) you would not be disappointed. Or do as we did, by driving along a few yards further to reach a parking area to our left, which offered wide open views through the forest on a well marked out level path (photo 9) and here you will see ancient woodlands just coming into colour. A few miles further on look for signs for the West Mildlands Safari park. It’s a busy fast road as you approach it, and you will need to cross the carriageway to be able to enter the park (photo 10). Then many traffic lanes will take you along towards the Kiosks (photo 11). There are five kiosks available at busy times of the year (photo 12), and you can join the two hour Safari drive though the complex. At this point we decided to leave the visit until another time, and we moved on towards what would be for us, the highlight of our days drive, at the fascinating Stanford Abbey hotel (please read our forthcoming coming trip to the Abbey (Photo 13). Our final thoughts Well worth the drive through the beautiful scenery whatever time of the year you choose, and easy enough for the disabled person to enjoy the day out, especially if you take in the Safari park. If you enjoyed reading our review, would you be kind enough to tick the box section “I like” as this will guide us as to continue writing our reviews in the way we do. Thank you for your support to ourselves, and other readers of Euans guide.

Transport & Parking

At all points of this trip, parking was easy enough, free in the woods, and as we did not stop to visit the Arboretum, that to was free for us, normally the price of parking would be included with your entrance fee, as it will be if you visit the Safari park.

Access

Along the drive towards Bodenham Arboretum it takes in at times, narrow countryside lanes, but at a steady pace, it’s no trouble at all. At the entrance for the parking to see the Wyre Forest, along a busy main road, take it nice and steady, or you will pass the pull in areas, and there isn’t that many places to stop. A bit more of a problem at the Safari park, if you do drive into the lanes towards the kiosks, as there isn’t a way you can then get out without going through the kiosks, so make your mind up before hand if you intend to visit the Safari park.

Toilets

Staff

Photos