Play at Westonbirt Arboretum

Step into the great outdoors and let curiosity lead the way. At Westonbirt Arboretum, every corner invites children to climb, explore and discover the simple joy of playing in nature. With natural play features dotted throughout the arboretum, the whole landscape transforms into a woodland playground full of adventure.

Pick up your free family activity map from the Welcome Building when you arrive. 

Central facilities area

• Exploratree

An exciting play space for children to become explorers, weather forecasters, scavengers or plant hunters. 

Old Arboretum 

• Holford Hollow 

Located just off Main Drive this natural play area offers an accessible boardwalk around a central oak, tree‑top nets, talk tubes and log climbing routes.

• Troll Bridge 

A stones throw from Holford Hollow is the Troll Bridge providing 'secret' access out to and in from the Downs. Can you spot the Troll House underneath? 

• Quiet huts 

Designed for calmer, imaginative play, these huts, just off Main Drive, give children an area off the beaten track to be absorbed in nature. 

• Branch Out 

Hidden among the trees, along Circular Drive, this woodland play area invites children to climb, balance and adventure among giant oak logs and rope features that stretch out like roots and branches. 

• Gruffalo Sculptures

Venture into the deep dark wood (along Loop Walk) and you will find the Gruffalo sculptures including The Gruffalo, mouse, snake, owl, squirrel and fox, all in a small loop among the trees. 

• Tree management play area

Explore how we care for the collection and enjoy a tyre tunnel, big seed sculpture, and scramble wood carvings to climb just off Circular Drive. 

• Bird Hide

A cosy hideaway along Circular Drive where families can watch woodland birds up close and enjoy a peaceful pause on their walk.

Silk Wood

• Tipi Town 

Tipi Town lets kids build their own tipis using movable wooden sticks, perfect for creative, hands‑on play just off Willesley Drive.

• The Gruffalo Child Sculpture

Meet the Gruffalo’s Child along Barn Walk, waiting for little explorers to stop by and say hello.

• What's the time Mr Wolf

Along Barn Walk there is a large wooden sculpture of a wolf sat on clock, inviting families to play 'What's the time Mr Wolf'. 

• Treetop Walkway

Experience trees on a whole new level, as you take a walk through the canopy on our Treetop Walkway. The crow's nest, rope bridge and fun interactive hotspots make it a must see for visiting families.