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Westonbirt Arboretum

Westonbirt is an absolute "must-see" for anyone with any interest in gardening, or even in an enjoyable stroll through lovely countryside! The arboretum is divided into two sections, the oldest plantation, closest to the parking lot and visitor centre, and a newer plantation, containing several national collections of trees.
Westonbirt is home to some of the rarest, most beautiful trees in the world. Including the National Japanese Maple Collection. Six hundred glorious, easy-to-stroll Cotswold acres. Westonbirt is an unforgettable experience in all seasons.
Westonbirt Arboretum is located near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, England, perhaps the most important and widely known arboretum in the United Kingdom. An arboretum is a managed collection of trees, usually open to the public, used for education, pleasure and conservation. The arboretum was established in 1829 by Robert Holford, and was later extended by his son George Holford.
Westonbirt comprises some 18,000 trees and shrubs, over an area of approximately 600 acres (2.4 km²). Its 17 miles (27 km) of marked paths are popular with visitors, and provide access to a wide variety of rare plants
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Westonbirt, apart from the wide variety of trees and plants on view, is the way that public access is arranged. You can choose to travel by way of the gravelled footpaths, which meander slowly throughout the arboretum, or strike off on wide, grassed avenues that cut directly across the plantations. The oldest plantation is more level, while the newer plantation does call for a little more strenuous use of leg muscles to follow the ups and downs of the landscape!