by Sarah Becker
The young man sitting at the cash desk looked strangely familiar.
“Are you Lord Michael Heseltine’s son?” I asked.
“No — sorry, his grandson,” he replied. “My father’s just over there.”
Behind me, a man in a bright yellow high-visibility jacket was directing visitors where to go.
“Michael’s actually over there,” he added, gesturing towards a golf buggy where Lord Heseltine was heading off into his garden with several other people.
I had gone to Thenford Arboretum, near Banbury, to enjoy a pleasant day out in the gardens, which are only open to the public on a handful of days each year. The arboretum houses more than 3,000 different types of shrubs and trees and the autumnal weather meant the trees had turned delightful shades of red, orange, and yellow.
My friend Andy had mentioned that the estate was home to former MP and Secretary of State Michael Heseltine. A quick Google search confirmed it — and, as we sat having tea and cake in the charming tearoom, we realised we were being served by his family.
His grandson, who normally lives in London, laughed that he had been “roped in” to help out for the day. I believe it was Lord Hesaltine’s son who had shown me where to park earlier and was on hand to direct visitors. We hadn’t seen Lord Michael himself until a garden buggy came whirring past, revealing a most unexpected chauffeur.
The whole family were incredibly friendly and welcoming, adding a lovely personal touch to the experience of visiting Thenford Arboretum — the beautiful 70-acre home of Michael Heseltine, filled with trees, sculptures, and history.
Lord Michael Heseltine was taking a ride in a garden buggy into the arboretum.
Thenford Arboretum is located at Thenford, Near Banbury, Oxfordshire OX17 2BX. The Arboretum is open on selected days throughout the year. Details can be found on the website: https://thenfordarboretum.com/
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