Little Kingshill, near Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

Priestfield Arboretum

Garden

Place photograph

5.8

Wildland

Under 1 hour, 1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WoodlandHillsPlant loversPhotographersCouples

Why it's Wildland

5.8

A 5.2-acre Chilterns tree collection brings together around 200 specimen trees from about 180 species, including a national champion.

Its appeal lies in the concentration of unusual trees rather than a grand garden setting: a compact, privately owned arboretum where guided tours and a specimen map help visitors notice what they might otherwise walk past. Access is limited, so plan around an announced open day or confirm membership arrangements first.

Peaceful · Seasonal

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Little Kingshill, near Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

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The experience

A short, tree-focused visit best suited to an announced open day. Join a volunteer-led tour or explore independently with the site’s self-guided leaflet; allow for sloping ground and no made paths.

Things to do

Join a guided tree tour

Volunteer guides introduce selected trees and share botanical and historical stories about the collection. The cited open-day page lists tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm for its advertised weekend; confirm the current schedule before visiting.

Around 1 hour

Explore with the self-guided leaflet

Use the leaflet’s map and specimen notes to find trees around the arboretum. The official page says the leaflet can be downloaded and was also available at the reception gazebo on the advertised open weekend.

Notice the collection’s seasonal changes

The arboretum describes autumn as a time to see fruits, nuts and seeds as leaves change colour. Which specimens show these features will vary by season.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow about an hour for the guided tour; the official page also welcomes independent exploration.

A short arboretum visit

01
Visit on a confirmed open day; check the official page for current dates and entry information.
02
Join a volunteer-led tour, or use the self-guided leaflet to explore the tree collection independently.
03
Look for the range of broad-leaved trees and conifers, including the collection’s stated national champion.

Verified history

The arboretum’s official site says its guidebook contains more information about the collection’s history and the geology of the site, but the supplied source excerpts do not provide those details. No specific historical account is included here.

Hidden details

Find the collection’s national champion — The official site says the 5.2-acre collection includes a national champion tree. The supplied sources do not name the species or provide its precise location; ask a guide or consult the current specimen guide.

Use the specimen map to explore the collection — The arboretum guidebook lists current specimens and includes a map of their locations, making it a useful aid for identifying individual trees during a visit.

When to go

October · Check the official open-days page for the current event hours and tour times.

The official open-days page specifically recommends autumn for fruits, nuts, seeds and changing leaf colour. Do not assume that the advertised 2026 dates recur annually.

The site is sloping and has no made paths; sturdy footwear is recommended. Check conditions and access details before setting out.

What to look for

01
Compare the broad-leaved trees and conifers
02
use the self-guided leaflet’s map to locate specimens, including the collection’s national champion tree. The supplied sources do not identify that champion’s species.

The story

Arboretum and tree collection

Best time to go

Autumn, when the collection displays fruits, nuts and seeds and the leaves change colour; check the official page for open dates.

Autumn is highlighted by the arboretum for changing leaves, fruits, nuts and seeds. Confirm open dates and hours on the official page before travelling.

How long to spend

Under 1 hour, 1–2 hours

Perfect for

Plant lovers · Photographers · Couples

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Little Kingshill, Great Missenden HP16 0DS

Website

priestfieldarboretum.org.uk

Google rating

5.0 · 5 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

Privately owned; public access is offered on announced open days. Access outside those days is by permission through Friends membership, except when the owners close the site for private use. Check the official open-days page before travelling.

Check before visiting

Parking

No parking at the arboretum. The official open-days page advises parking on Windsor Lane where possible, then walking approximately 250 metres up Stony Lane to the entrance.

Toilets

No toilet facilities.

Food & drink

No refreshment facilities.

Dogs

Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome on the stated open days; check current guidance before visiting.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The site is on a slope with no made paths and is not suitable for wheelchairs. Sturdy footwear is recommended.

Cost

Paid on the cited 2026 open weekend; check current entry arrangements.

Check before visiting