Somewhere sheltered, out of wind and in semi-shade. Some are hardier than others, however. If you know the variety of Acer you have, you could check for best conditions online.

As per Ojibway's advice plus for the variated, palmated varities - those really do like wind or too much sun. The bog standard green or garnet ones are a little bit more tolerant.

I think Kildermorie meant to say the Japanese palmate acers do not like wind or too much sun! They also need to be in acidic soil, if in a container use ericaceous compost and keep well watered until the roots have established.

Their colour is marginally better in acidic soil, but they'll be OK in alkaline - it helps to give them a feed of Sequestrine though from time to time.

Sheilabub are you sure about that? Everything I've read and learn makes it clear that for Japanese acers the soil needs to be neutral to acidic. Regular field acers are not bothered.

OK Moon g, it's a moot point, and people often disagree! I have about six or seven Acers in my garden, doing fine, and I think of my soil as alkaline, but perhaps it is alkaline/neutral. I think the important thing is to give them shelter from wind, and partial shade. Though having said that, I've seen Acers in full sun in Devon (at Wildside)!

I agree Sheilabub that a wind free site and no sun between noon and 2pm is vital. I've seen Arisaemas in the alpine bed in Edinburgh Botanics thriving - the rule is semi-shade! Thankfully plants can't read :-)