Fittleworth, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1EH
Wynkcoombe Arboretum
Garden
Place photograph
6.8
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.8Since the mid-1970s, Nicholas Smith has planted and tended every tree at Wynkcoombe. The result is a collection of more than 800 trees and shrubs, including rare species grown from seed, specialist-nursery plants and material brought back from plant-hunting trips to Asia and South America.
This is no ordinary garden visit: a privately created arboretum has grown into a collection of more than 800 trees and shrubs, with rare plants from around the world set among winding woodland paths. Its patient, decades-long making is part of the experience.
Peaceful · Atmospheric · Quirky
Find your way
Open mapFittleworth, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1EH
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The experience
Explore a woodland arboretum created over decades, where rare trees and shrubs from around the world grow among winding paths. The official site provides tree listings and galleries; use them to identify specimens as you wander.
Things to do
Explore the arboretum trails
Use the official trails page and interactive map to explore the arboretum. The route length and surface are not specified in the supplied evidence.
Identify unusual trees and shrubs
Browse the arboretum’s online tree listings while exploring; the official site says more than 800 trees and shrubs are planted there, with about 700 listed online.
Look for autumn leaves
The official gallery identifies autumn leaves of Acer saccharinum. The source does not specify peak dates.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour; duration not confirmed by the source
Quick Escape: follow the tree trails
- 01
Use the arboretum’s official trails or interactive map to choose a short wander.
- 02
Pause at labelled specimens and look up unfamiliar trees in the website’s tree listings.
- 03
Check the official site for current access information before setting out.
Half day · Half day; suggested timing, not a sourced visit duration
Make a half day of it: explore the collection and Fittleworth
- 01
Spend time following the arboretum trails and identifying specimens using the online tree listings and galleries.
- 02
If using the School Lane parking option, allow for the stated 5–10 minute walk on a public footpath each way.
- 03
Consider a stop at Fittleworth Stores, described as a community-run shop and café by the supplied local walk source; check current details before visiting.
Verified history
Nicholas Smith created Wynkcoombe Arboretum and has planted and tended every tree since its beginnings. The first plants went into the ground in the mid-1970s, and planting has continued since. The official site says the collection includes plants grown from seed collected at other arboreta, purchases from specialist nurseries and plants brought back from plant-hunting expeditions to Asia and South America.
Hidden details
A collection built tree by tree — The arboretum’s creator, Nicholas Smith, planted and tended every tree; the first planting dates to the mid-1970s.
Find the named specimens online — The official site lists examples including Schima wallichii, Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. niphophila and Cornus mas, and provides tree listings and galleries to help visitors explore the collection.
When to go
· Not specified by the supplied sources.
The official site says the arboretum is open 365 days a year and its gallery includes autumn leaves. It does not specify the best months or seasonal peaks.
Weather and path conditions are not specified. Check before visiting.
Worth pairing with
Fittleworth Stores
A community-run shop and café mentioned by the supplied local walk source as a nearby lunch option. Check current opening and food availability.
Petworth Park
The supplied local walk source describes this National Trust deer park as around four miles away; check current access and parking information before making it a pairing.
What to look for
Look for the named specimens Schima wallichii, Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. niphophila and Cornus mas, and the autumn leaves of Acer saccharinum. The official site lists around 700 trees and shrubs and links to trails, a map and galleries.
The story
A living collection planted and tended by Nicholas Smith since the mid-1970s; international plant collecting.
Best time to go
The arboretum is described as open year-round. Autumn colour is documented in the official gallery; other seasonal highlights are not specified.
The site reports year-round opening and features autumn leaves in its gallery. Check the official site for current access information and seasonal interest before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers · Solo · Couples
Before you go
Address
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The official site says entry is free and the arboretum is open 365 days a year. Parking is possible on Sandy Lane beside the arboretum, or near the village shop in School Lane, followed by a 5–10 minute walk on a public footpath. Check the official site before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
Parking is possible on Sandy Lane beside the arboretum, or near the village shop in School Lane, followed by a 5–10 minute walk on a public footpath. Check availability before visiting.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
Path surfaces, gradients and step-free access are not specified. Check before visiting.
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Cost
Free
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Wynkcoombe Arboretum
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
