Cotswolds cottage near Batsford Arboretum
A four-bedroom cottage, 2.2 miles from Batsford Arboretum
Mae Cottage is a restored four-bedroom Cotswolds cottage on the High Street in Moreton-in-Marsh, just 2.2 miles from the gates of Batsford Arboretum. About 5 minutes by car, or a 39 minute walk along Arboretum Walk on a fine day.
Sleeps up to nine, dogs are welcome, and the best rate is always direct. Typically up to 15% cheaper than the same dates on Booking.com.
Distance by car
2.2 miles
Mae Cottage to Batsford gates via A44
Typical drive
5 min
Or 39 min on foot, 1.7 miles via Arboretum Walk
Area
Just outside Moreton
Off the A44 towards Bourton-on-the-Hill
About Batsford
Sixty acres of trees, on the doorstep
Batsford Arboretum is home to a unique collection of some of the world's most beautiful and rare trees, shrubs and bamboos, spread across 56 acres on a south-facing slope just outside Moreton-in-Marsh.
The arboretum has a Japanese influence thanks to its 19th-century creator Lord Redesdale, with flowering cherries, magnolias and acers planted alongside specimens from across the temperate world. Early colour comes from the snowdrops, followed by spring bulbs and Japanese cherries, then there is shade through summer and outstanding autumn colour in October and November.
On site you will find the Garden Terrace Cafe, a Plant Centre and the Cotswold Falconry Centre next door. It is easy to fill a half day, longer if the cafe lures you in.
Mae Cottage is not affiliated with Batsford Arboretum. This is an independent guide for guests planning a visit. Always check batsarb.co.uk for current opening times, tickets and visitor information.
What to expect
Batsford at a glance
60 acres of rare trees
One of the largest private collections of trees, shrubs and bamboos in the country, with specimens from Japan, China, North America and the Himalayas.
Famous autumn colour
Japanese maples that glow vivid red and gold through October and into early November, the busiest and arguably most beautiful time to visit.
Snowdrops and cherry blossom
Drifts of snowdrops from late February, followed by spectacular Japanese flowering cherries in April. Worth a return visit each season.
Dogs welcome on a short lead
Dogs are welcome throughout on a short fixed lead, no extendable leads. Perfect when staying at Mae Cottage with the dog.
Garden Terrace Cafe
On-site cafe open 9.30am to 5.00pm with last orders at 4.30pm. Good for a coffee at the start of a walk or lunch in the middle.
Easy paths and benches
Mostly gentle walking with plenty of benches. The Rest House makes a quiet stop near the top of the arboretum.
Seasonal tips
When to go, and why guests come back
Late winter
Snowdrops
From late February, drifts of snowdrops carpet the woodland sections. Quiet, atmospheric, and one of the first signs of spring in the Cotswolds.
Spring
Japanese cherry blossom
April brings the spectacular Japanese flowering cherries and magnolias. Peak bloom is usually around the second and third weeks of the month.
Summer
Shade and the red bridge
The canopy gives real relief on a hot day. Look for the iconic red Japanese bridge over the rockery, framed by perennials in full flower.
The headline is autumn. From early October the maples turn through orange, scarlet and burgundy, usually peaking late October to early November depending on the year. Buy tickets ahead on weekends in autumn, it gets busy for good reason.
Getting there
Moreton-in-Marsh to Batsford
By car, head west on the A44 out of Moreton towards Bourton-on-the-Hill. The signed turning for Batsford appears on the right, and the entrance is a short way down that lane. About 5 minutes door to door.
On foot, Arboretum Walk is a quiet 1.7 mile footpath through fields, around 39 minutes at an easy pace. Take a coat in autumn, you will want to linger.
Make a day of it
Pair Batsford with another Cotswold garden
- Sezincote House and Garden is around 7 minutes from Mae Cottage, a Mughal-style country house with a Repton water garden. Opening days are limited, so check first.
- Bourton House Garden, just down the A44 in Bourton-on-the-Hill, is an award-winning three-acre garden and pairs naturally with Batsford on the same afternoon.
- Daylesford Organic is about 15 minutes away if you want lunch and a farmshop wander either side of the visit.
Frequently asked
Staying near Batsford Arboretum
- How far is Batsford Arboretum from Mae Cottage?
- Batsford Arboretum is 2.2 miles from Mae Cottage on the High Street in Moreton-in-Marsh. By car it is about 5 minutes via the A44, or roughly a 39 minute walk (1.7 miles) along Arboretum Walk if the weather is kind.
- What are Batsford Arboretum's opening times?
- Batsford is open 9.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday and 10.00am to 5.00pm on Sundays, with last entry at 4.00pm. The Garden Terrace Cafe runs to 5.00pm with last orders at 4.30pm. Always check batsarb.co.uk before visiting.
- Is Batsford Arboretum dog-friendly?
- Yes. Dogs are welcome throughout the arboretum on a short fixed lead. Extendable leads are not permitted. Mae Cottage is dog-friendly too, so you can bring the dog for the whole stay.
- When is the best time to visit Batsford?
- Spring for the snowdrops in February and the Japanese flowering cherries in April, summer for shade under the canopy, and autumn for the famous colour through October and into early November.
- Can I pair Batsford with other Cotswold gardens?
- Yes, very easily. Sezincote House is about 7 minutes away and Bourton House Garden sits in the same direction. A full day of Cotswold gardens from Mae Cottage is comfortable.
Book your stay
A characterful four-bedroom cottage, 2.2 miles from Batsford
Full check-in details, including the keysafe code and arrival instructions, are sent 24 hours before your arrival.
Photography on this page is courtesy of Batsford Arboretum. Visit batsarb.co.uk for opening times, tickets and events. Map data: Google.
More from Mae Cottage
Looking to stay nearby?
- Holiday cottages in the Cotswolds : Our main Cotswolds holiday cottage page, with everything you need to plan a stay at Mae Cottage.
- Accommodation in Moreton-in-Marsh : An honest guide to hotels, B&Bs and cottages in town, with Mae Cottage on the High Street.
- 4-bedroom cottage in Moreton-in-Marsh : The full four-bedroom cottage page for short stays, groups and weekend breaks.
- Dog-friendly cottage in the Cotswolds : Bringing the dog? Our pet-friendly stay guide, with garden, walks and dog-friendly pubs.
- Pet-friendly cottage in the Cotswolds : Pets welcome on request, with a shared rear garden, walks from the door and vets in town.
- Cotswolds accommodation guide : An honest look at hotels, B&Bs and self-catering cottages across the Cotswolds.
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