AUTUMN OPEN WEEKEND 2026
Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 October, 10.30am–4pm
Autumn is a wonderful time to discover Priestfield Arboretum, as the collection begins to display its fruits, nuts and seeds and the leaves change with the season.
The Friends of Priestfield Arboretum invite you to explore this remarkable 5.2-acre collection of more than 200 unusual and specimen trees from around the world, tucked away in Little Kingshill in the Chilterns.
This year we will also be exploring the theme Trees for a Changing Climate, looking at the diversity of the collection, how different trees respond to changing growing conditions, and what this might mean for the trees and plants we choose for our own gardens.
Guided tours
Our knowledgeable volunteer guides will lead three free guided tours each day, at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
Tours last around an hour and introduce some of Priestfield’s most interesting trees, alongside botanical and historical stories about the collection.
There is no need to book – simply turn up and join a tour. Visitors are also very welcome to explore the Arboretum independently.
If you do not want to join a guided tour, you can download a self-guided tour leaflet here. This contains a full map of the arboretum and key facts on the significant trees. The leaflet will also be available at the reception gazebo on the day.
Visiting Priestfield
Opening: 10.30am–4pm, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October
Entry: £2 per adult. Children and Friends of Priestfield Arboretum members are free.
Location: Priestfield Arboretum, Stony Lane, Little Kingshill, HP16 0DS
what3words for the Arboretum entrance: ///drawn.communal.beauty
There is no parking at the Arboretum itself. Please park in Windsor Lane where possible and walk approximately 250 metres up Stony Lane to the Arboretum entrance.
The Arboretum is on a slope with no made paths, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Unfortunately, the site is not suitable for wheelchairs and there are no toilet or refreshment facilities.
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome.
Become a Friend
If you enjoy your visit, you can join the Friends of Priestfield Arboretum for just £10 a year for family membership.
Membership gives you the opportunity to visit the Arboretum throughout the year, while helping us care for and preserve this very special local collection.
If you decide to join the Friends later, there is an online application here.
(Access to the Arboretum is by kind permission of the owners)
Get involved
Priestfield Arboretum is cared for with the help of local volunteers, and we are always pleased to hear from people who would like to get involved.
You don’t need to be a tree expert. Whether you could occasionally help with practical work in the Arboretum, events or other activities, come and talk to us during the Open Weekend and find out more.
We look forward to welcoming you to Priestfield this October.
Event Management
In line with Buckinghamshire Council Safety Advisory Group requirements, the following documents have been produced regarding the open days.
Open Day October 2024 Event_Management_Plan i1
Open Day October 2024 Event_Notification_Form i1
Open Day October 2024 Risk_Assessment_Form i1
Open Day October 2024 Fire_Risk_Assessment_Form i1