Westonbirt plan your visit FAQs
Membership
Got a question about membership? Visit the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum website for more information.
Booking tickets
Why do I have to pre-book my ticket?
Pre-booking at Westonbirt Arboretum gives our visitors a relaxed entry experience to the arboretum. We’ve learned from the changes we made due to COVID and have seen how they create a calmer arrival for visitors. In our busier times, we experience high volumes of people leading to our car park getting too full and long queuing times at the Welcome Building. Even with COVID restrictions being lifted, we are keen to continue to avoid these issues, to give our visitors a smooth and easy entry and a great start to their visit. Therefore, we ask all visitors, including members to prebook their tickets online; members will not be charged for their own tickets.
Can I book tickets over the phone?
You can call and leave a message on 0300 068 0400 and a member of the Customer Relations team will call you back.
Can tickets be booked on the day?
Yes – tickets are available up to 30-minutes before an arrival timeslot, depending on availability.
Can tickets be bought on site?
No – we are unable to sell tickets on the door. In order to visit the arboretum you must have a pre-booked ticket (and membership card if applicable). Unfortunately, our staff will not be able to welcome you onto the site if you are unable to produce these on arrival.
Do members have to pay for tickets?
No – you will not be charged for your own tickets when you provide your membership number (this can be found on your card) on booking. However, if you wish to by additional tickets for other people standard charges will apply.
I'm a member of a partner garden, how do I book?
The reciprocal arrangement we have with partner gardens is that only the named adult cardholder on the membership card can gain free entry to the arboretum when a timeslot is booked. Any additional tickets would need to book standard admission ticketed timeslots. On the booking page you will see your partner garden ticket option to book a timeslot. On arrival you will be asked to show your membership card or a letter about your membership.
I have additional needs and am visiting with a personal assistant – can I still access a free ticket for them?
Yes, you will be able to book a personal assistant ticket via the website.
Can I pre-book a mobility scooter or wheelchair?
Mobility scooters are available to hire, free of charge, when you book your tickets. If a scooter is essential to your visit please check availability first, book your scooter and then purchase your entry tickets for a time slot no later than 2:20pm. If you have already booked your ticket you can still book a scooter here. Please book your scooter no later than the day before your visit. Scooters are not available for timeslots after 2:20pm. You can pick your scooter up from the Information Point, just opposite the entrance. In order to give us time to clean the scooter so that it is safe for the next user, please return your scooter no later than 4pm. If you have any queries about mobility scooter or wheelchair hire, please call the Westonbirt Office (phones answered Monday-Friday 0900-1700) on 0300 067 4890.
I have a pre-paid or complimentary ticket – how can I book a visit?
If you have a complimentary or pre-booked ticket then please email the Customer Relations team on customerrelations@forestryengland.uk who will be able to help you book your ticket. You should include:
- A photo of your ticket with the valid until date clearly visible
- The date and time you wish to visit
Can I change my arrival time after booking?
No – unfortunately we are unable to process changes to ticket times and dates. Please be very sure therefore when you book that you have selected the correct time and date for your visit.
I have booked a ticket but can no longer visit – can I get a refund?
No – we are unable to issues refunds or ticket transfers.
I have booked a ticket but the weather is bad – can I get a refund?
No - unless the arboretum closes for safety reasons we are unable to issue refunds or ticket transfers. The arboretum is an outdoor attraction with limited undercover areas. Please check the weather before you arrive and dress appropriately with sturdy footwear.
Arriving
What happens if I am late and miss my time-slot?
Please do your best to be on-time for your timeslot. If you miss your time slot by more than 10-minutes our staff may not be able to allow you onto site. If you are early for your time-slot you will be directed to a waiting area and asked to wait until the start of your entrance time.
I need to use the accessibility parking bays – are these still available?
Yes- our accessible car parking bays will still be available. If you are a blue badge holder or require the use of one of these please safely make yourself known to staff who will point you towards these spaces.
Do I have to swipe my ticket at the barriers?
No – Tickets (either printed or on a phone) and membership cards will be checked by a member of staff at the Welcome Building.
Do I have to print my ticket?
No – you can show your ticket to staff on your phone. Please download your tickets before you arrive at the arboretum as signal can be patchy onsite.
Whilst visiting
Are there handwashing facilities onsite?
Yes, the toilets are open and available to wash hands in.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome on lead on The Downs and permitted off lead in Silk Wood, however the Old Arboretum is a dog free area. Please ensure that your dog is under effective control throughout your visit, and that it remains within sight and returns to you when called. Dogs must be on the lead on the Downs, STIHL Treetop Walkway, in the car park and by the main facilities, such as the restaurant, Welcome Building etc.
How do I sign up for membership?
Become a member online or sign up onsite via Direct Debit and the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum will deduct your ticket fee (just hand in your membership form and printed ticket receipt at the Welcome Building).
How long can I stay for?
Once you are onsite there is no limit to how long you can stay, however, please be aware that our opening hours are 9am – 5pm every-day.
Can my child bring their bike or scooter?
Children are welcome to bring their scooters and bikes, as long as the scooter/bike is no bigger than 70cm from the handle bars to the ground.