We strive to remove barriers, creating inclusive areas for play, exercise and socialising while making sure parking and facilities are worry free for your visit.
To help you plan your visit, this page offers helpful information on accessibility at Westonbirt Arboretum.
Essentials
Toilets
Accessible toilets are situated at the Welcome Building and the Great Oak Hall.
There is level access and the toilet doors are 89cm wide.
Changing places
We have a Changing Places facility on site. It is situated at The Great Hall 300 meters from the Welcome Building.
Needing help
An alarm cord in the Changing Places facility is monitored by Welcome Building staff during normal hours, 9:00am to 4:30pm daily.
Arriving at the forest
Car park
The hard surface car park has 21 accessible parking spaces, less than 50 metres from the main entrance.
Access to the Welcome Building from the car park is via a short slope downhill, and uphill on exit.
View Google maps for a street view of car park.
Arriving by bus
There are bus routes from Bristol, Bath and Stroud. You can also book the Robin Bus, a bookable, friendly service supporting rural transport in Gloucestershire. Visit the Robin Bus website for more information.
The Welcome Building
Our friendly staff will help you with tickets, there is a low desk, hearing loop and flat path entrance.
We have created a visual story of what to expect on your visit. View the visual story.
Carer policy
A Personal Assistant is free while visiting with the person they are assisting.
Getting out in the arboretum
Mobility aide hire
Pre-book a mobility scooter, manual wheelchair or trike, subject to availability, when pre-booking day admission.
The shuttle bus
We have a seasonal shuttle bus, picking up from the Welcome Building every 30 minutes dropping at the start of a number of short walks. It is run by volunteers and is available April until the end October between 10:30am – 4pm.
The restaurant and pantry
There is level access to our cafes, approximately 300 metres from the Welcome Building. There is space for wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be parked outside.
Restaurant entry is two large swing doors that measure at 139cm wide. Music is played at a low level.
The shop
Access to the shop is level approaching from the Old Arboretum, but a gentle uphill if coming from the Welcome Building or Silk Wood. Pathways are over 80cm wide.
Shop entry is automatic and measures at 109cm wide.
Seating and shelter
Benches are located across the arboretum. Some have arms, some don’t. Some picnic benches have ‘long ends’ so that wheelchairs can sit under the table.
Shelter can be found at the central facilities, Welcome Building and Silk Wood Barn.
Trails and activities
We have 10 miles of hard paths, suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams and pushchairs. In most areas two can ride side by side.
The Treetop Walkway is fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Our shuttle bus short walks are all under one mile in length with plenty of benches along the way, visit the short walks page for more information and maps.
Dogs
We welcome assistance dogs across the arboretum.