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The focal point of the Arboretum is the Visitor Centre
where there is parking for eighty cars and several coaches.
We were keen to ensure that the building should be as unobtrusive
as possible and so some 4000 tons of earth was removed from
the hillside to accommodate the building. The roof has been
insulated with soil and then grassed over to blend back into
the hillside. Visitors coming over the hill and looking onto
the oasis of pools and colour can only see a shallow dome protruding
above the ground.
This unique building, which won the CLA Award for the best
rural building in England and Wales in 1999, provides wonderful
views across the Big Pool, and contains a shop, quiet room,
toilets, resautrant and kitchens.
Nearly all our food is prepared and cooked on the premises,
and we provide morning coffee, lunches and teas. we also cater
for evening parties of 25 or more which can include a guided
tour and a meal, or whatever the particular group requires.
Coach parties are welcome by prior arrangement.
The Visitor Centre Shop, provided by Jinney Ring Craft Centre, is a real treasure trove.
- visit the Visitor Centre
Shop -
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The Visitor Centre through Mahonias in flower
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