Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, managed by the Forestry Commission, is one of the finest collections of temperate trees and shrubs in the world.

The 600 acre arboretum is home to 3,000 different species of trees and over 16,000 individual specimens, and is a place of environmental and historical importance. Its Victorian creator Robert Holford was fascinated by rare and beautiful plants and helped finance expeditions to collect specimens from around the world.

Westonbirt offers an unforgettable day out in all seasons - from the magnolias and rhododendrons in spring, the green leafy glades in summer and the autumnal colour explosion of the world famous Japanese maples.

Activites throughout the year

Events, workshops and family activities run throughout the year. Signature events include Treefest in August and the spectacular Enchanted Christmas illuminated trail in November and December.

Free weekend guided walks are available (Easter to October). There are mobility scooters and manual wheelchairs available to borrow (it is advisable to book these in advance), special group rates on request and retail and refreshment opportunities onsite. 

Dogs are welcome in Silk Wood and on the Downs, whilst the Old Arboretum is a dog free zone.

Spring walks 2012

Visitors to Westonbirt this spring can follow two new seasonal trails. The trails offer insight into the heritage landscape and the flowering trees and wildflowers within it.

Trail stops in the Old Arboretum include information on the origins of many of the heritage rhododendrons, camellias and other flowering trees, whilst areas shown on a Victorian map of the Old Arboretum have recently been opened up by the tree team to show off Westonbirt's heritage flowers to those on the spring trail.

Over in Silk Wood, the spring trail displays a wildflower and grassland photography exhibition by Cotswolds photographer, Barney Wilczak. The photography exhibition highlights the importance of grassland habitat as you explore the trail.

More information on the spring trail at Westonbirt Arboretum can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-spring