Priestfield Arboretum

You'll find yourself surrounded by trees the moment you arrive at Priestfield, just outside Amersham. It's a serious arboretum, not some tidy municipal garden - there's real woodland here, with proper rare specimens planted among the mature natives. The whole thing sits on sloping ground, so expect a fair bit of walking if you want to see what they've got.

What makes it work is the variety. You're moving through different zones rather than trudging round in circles. Spring brings the magnolias and cherries into their own, but honestly, autumn is when this place earns its keep - the leaf colour alone makes the trip worthwhile. The collection includes trees from across the temperate world, and they've actually labelled them properly so you can work out what you're looking at.

This appeals most to keen gardeners and anyone who enjoys a proper woodland walk. Kids will be fine if they're the exploring type, though it's not a playground. Walkers should factor in two hours minimum to do it justice without rushing.

If you're staying at Lights Camera Glamping or Penn Meadow Farm just down the road, Priestfield makes an excellent morning or afternoon excursion. It's close enough that you won't spend half your holiday in the car. The ground can get muddy, so proper footwear matters. Check their website before you go for current opening times and admission costs - both worth confirming beforehand.