Arley Arboretum & Gardens Reviews Summary

Gardens and Grounds

Pros:

• "Absolutely beautiful place, peaceful and lovely to explore."
• "Lovely Autumn colours and splendid views across Severn Valley."
• "Beautiful gardens and garden staff friendly and welcome."
• "Nice and clean, great for walks and exploring."
• "Beautiful place with friendly staff and volunteers."
• "Beautiful surroundings, gardens and walkways."
• "Very pleasant walks, through the Italian Garden with fountain and ornate ponds, and through the Arboretum with its impressive and awe-inspiring trees."

Cons:

• "I was very disappointed with my visit... Not worth bothering with again to be honest."
• "Not enough sign posts around the site."
• "Very disappointed with the gardens except for the trees!"
• "Lovely gardens, unfortunately it's not as well kept as it used to be, they welcome volunteers."
• "Parking on the grass could be problematic in wet, muddy weather."
• "The laburnum arch was a joke with only two trees actually in flower."
• "Sensory garden was very disappointing though, very lack lustre."

Cafe and Food

Pros:

• "Good food in the cafe, generous helpings and prices."
• "The tea rooms are lovely and the food is good with a fab selection of cakes and tasty treats."
• "Lovely cafe here too which served good value, reasonably priced & good quality food."
• "Had a wonderful lunch."
• "The cafe was excellent and reasonable prices."
• "Food very nicely prepared & sensibly priced."
• "Tea room had a good selection and their cream tea was delicious."

Cons:

• "Service was a bit slow when we went but this was to be expected due to its popularity over half term."
• "A little expensive in the cafe but good food and drinks."
• "Had a snack and drinks in the cafe, this was pricey and hadn't got several items."
• "Although the food seemed reasonably priced it was bland and the portions small, children's menu sandwiches were only one quarter of a round!"
• "Service in the tea room was a little slow, and some items unavailable on the menu due to an 'electrical failure' in the kitchen."
• "The tea shop/restaurant was extremely busy, my other half qued for over 30mins."
• "Lovely location wandering around the gardens but the Café experience was very poor."

Accessibility and Facilities

Pros:

• "Very clean and well organized."
• "Car parking had been extended with a larger parking area since we last visited."
• "Mostly flat for those who struggle with hilly places."
• "Great access for the disabled or anyone using a mobility scooter/ wheelchair as the paths and general grounds are flat with limited slopes etc."
• "Wheelchair accessible."
• "Wasn't sure how far we'd get with the wheelchair but realised there is a good amount of pathways that are paved."
• "Hope this helps any who are wondering whether a wheelchair user can get about here. I'd say yes with a willing helper."

Cons:

• "Attention needed urgently to all the elements in the play area where the surfaces are dangerously slippery."
• "The path through the Arboretum has uneven slabs and is a little awkward if requiring access for pushing a wheelchair."
• "They are a little uneven which is natural but with a little perseverance we made it through the Italian garden, up to the arboretum."
• "Sadly, they could do with updating & increasing the number of benches (pref with a backrest) in shady areas as well as the few in the sunshine."
• "My only negative would be there needs to be more toilets."
• "The walled garden contained very little other than a few chickens."
• "Disgusted to see the fruit on the trees not picked allowed to fall all over the ground."

Staff and Service

Pros:

• "Staff extremely friendly."
• "Staff very friendly, and the reception area doubles as the ice-cream kiosk!"
• "Friendly, efficient staff. Spotlessly clean everywhere."
• "All staff really helpful & friendly."
• "Friendly helpful staff in the cafe."
• "Excellent customer service, nice seating and great food at reasonable prices."
• "Clean facilities, happy staff."