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Hammond Arboretum

A site of just under 2½ acres containing an unusual collection of trees and shrubs, many from Francis Hammond's original planting dating from 1913 to 1936 whilst headmaster of the school. Species from America, China and Japan with malus and philadelphus walks and a moat. Proud owners of three champion trees identified by national specialist and 37 which are the best in Leicestershire.

Owner Info

  • The Robert Smyth Academy
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum
Hammond Arboretum

About Hammond Arboretum

Francis Hammond was the Headmaster of the Market Harborough County Grammar School when it moved to its current site on Burnmill Road in 1909. In 1911 he acquired a piece of land behind his school house garden to create his “Dell Park Arboretum”. The first specimens, planted in 1913, were regularly spaced along the east and west boundaries; the next year saw plantings along the southern edge. In 1916 he acquired more land from his neighbour in which he planted specimens native to the Americas at one end and those from China and Japan at the other. The total area is now 2.4 acres. ‘Following a visit from a tree specialist, four of the trees in the Hammond Arboretum at The Robert Smyth School have been recorded as ‘champions’ – the largest or tallest of their kind known in Britain and Ireland. A Platycarya strobilacea, planted in 1928, is much the oldest of the very few known in cultivation; varieties of Cornus, Malus and Sorbus are the tallest. Many of the others, he said, will be the best of their kind in the Midlands. He added that it was exciting to see many fine and previously unmeasured trees.’.

Walk plans available.

Website:

https://www.hammondarboretum.org.uk

Hammond Arboretum features

  • Autumn Colours
  • Dog friendly
  • Historical Garden
  • Refreshments
  • Wheelchair access
  • Wildlife Garden

Location details

Hammond Arboretum,
Market Harborough,
Leicestershire,
LE16 7JG

Directions to Hammond Arboretum
From High St, follow signs to The Robert Smyth Academy via Bowden Ln to Burnmill Rd. Park in 1st entrance on L.

Hammond Arboretum openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Home-made teas. Refreshments in aid of Robert Smyth Academy.
Admission Adult: £6.00
Child: Free
Opening times 14:00-16:30

Accessibility

  • Some steep slopes.
  • Share this garden

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FAQs

Payment is by cash only. Please get in touch with the owners for more details.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Hammond Arboretum at this time.

Yes, dogs are welcome at  Hammond Arboretum. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

There are no plants for sale for the time being.

Yes, one or more routes at Hammond Arboretum are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. Hammond Arboretum seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.