If you’re planning a relaxing Bank Holiday weekend in the Cotswolds, Batsford Arboretum offers more than just stunning nature—it also serves up a satisfying and affordable lunch. Located just a couple of miles from Moreton-in-Marsh, this 60-acre arboretum boasts one of the UK’s finest collections of rare and beautiful trees, with a special emphasis on Chinese and Japanese flora.
Home to the National Collection of Japanese Flowering Cherries since 2002, Batsford Arboretum showcases around 70% of the known varieties of Japanese Cherry Blossoms. Visiting in late April or early May means catching these stunning blooms at their best, which was my primary reason for going. But I also made sure to stop by the Garden Terrace café for a meal before exploring.
Conveniently situated just outside the Arboretum entrance, the Garden Terrace café doesn’t require an entry ticket, so you can simply drop in for food or a drink. On arrival, I was pleasantly distracted by the adjacent garden centre. It’s well-stocked with everything from gardening tools to birdhouses, as well as vibrant bouquets—perfect for adding colour to any home.
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Eventually, I ventured into the café, which offers a casual, canteen-style atmosphere. The menu changes daily but always includes meat, fish, vegetarian, and vegan options, all freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients. On my visit, the choices ranged from lamb hot pot to poached salmon, a vegan lentil and vegetable chili, and a barbecue pulled brisket burger with chips and coleslaw.
Prices are reasonable, with the most expensive dish—the burger—priced at £16.25, while other main courses hover just under £16. For my meal, I chose the lamb hot pot and paired it with a fresh apple and mango juice from a local Cheltenham producer. My total came to £19—a modest sum for dining in this scenic part of the Cotswolds.
Thanks to the beautiful sunny weather, I took my meal outside to the terrace, where I enjoyed panoramic views stretching across the garden centre towards Draycott and the northern Cotswolds. The homemade flavor of the lamb hot pot was comforting and satisfying, complemented by tender vegetables and well-seasoned potatoes. A generous helping of gravy tied the dish together perfectly.
After finishing my meal, I spent some time soaking in the lush greenery of the arboretum before heading in for a visit. Admission costs £12 with Gift Aid, or £10.90 without. But even if you’re just local and not planning to explore the grounds, the Garden Terrace café alone makes Batsford a worthwhile stop for a delicious and hearty meal in a beautiful setting.