Step back in time at Westonbirt Arboretum
Friday, 22nd May 2009
Step back into Victorian times and uncover the fascinating story of one of Gloucestershire's great families, the Holfords. This summer, there's a rare opportunity to relive over 150 years of intriguing Cotswolds history centred around Westonbirt School and the Forestry Commission's Westonbirt Arboretum. 
In the 1800s Robert Stayner Holford, a gentleman of great taste and an enthusiastic and indulgent collector, created a grand house with extensive pleasure grounds for his family - now the school and world-famous arboretum.
Experts and volunteers, including Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, have recently unravelled the Holford family history - revealing great wealth, royal connections, a love of art and a passion for plants. Now there's the chance to delve into this history, and also come face to face with a modern-day 'Robert Holford'.
Begin the tour with a morning visit to Westonbirt School and gardens. Here there are glimpses of past ideologies and innovation, including the restored library and camellia house. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the magnificent national arboretum. Many of the original exotic trees still flourish in this 'Picturesque' landscape, now carefully managed as part of the Forestry Commission's estate.
As Sir Roy Strong, Vice President of the Holfords of Westonbirt Trust said: "I had no idea that a mid-Victorian house of such magnificence existed...it will become one of the places to come and see."
Holford Heritage Tour dates
- 7 July
- 9 July
- 15 July
- 21 July
- 23 July
- 29 July
- 6 August
- 11 August
- 19 August
- 25 August
Tours run from 10am - 3.30pm and the price per tour is £20 (including morning coffee/tea). £18 for Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum and group of 10+ people.
For more information and to book call 01666 880333 or log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-hht (Pre-booking essential.)
Westonbirt Arboretum is open all year round - from 9am-5pm. During summer, admission to the whole arboretum is £7 for adults (£6 concessions) and £2 for children (18yrs and under). Find out more about Westonbirt Arboretum.
