Discovery Walks at Westonbirt Arboretum

Take the path less travelled and delve a little deeper into our captivating trees with our discovery walks. 

When?

Every Thursday at 11.30.

Please note that dogs are not permitted on guided walks (except assistance dogs).      

Please wear weather / season appropriate clothing as the walk will be fully outside. Sturdy, closed-toed footwear is strongly recommended as walks do not always stay on paths. 

**Guided walks at Westonbirt Arboretum are led by dedicated volunteers and may occasionally be subject to cancellation.

Thursday 27 November

Evergreens

Our guide will take you through Silkwood to explore the sometimes overlooked variety of evergreen trees, and those which have special significance at this time of the year.

Thursday 4 December

Focus on bark

A chance to get close and look  at the bark, what does it do and how the bark of some trees help improve air quality.

Thursday 11 December

Mystic midwinter

This guided walk in Silk Wood will demonstrate how trees and shrubs would help through the dark and cold months of winter before the festivals of light.

Thursday 18 December

Silk Wood

Take the path less travelled to discover the wonders of our Ancient Woodland which has existed for 2.000 years.

Discovery walks will pause over winter and return in March 2026

Thursday 5 March

Silk Wood

Take the path less travelled to discover the wonders of our Ancient Woodland which has existed for 2.000 years.

Thursday 12 March

The wood from trees

Our guide will show you trees and samples of the timber they give us to turn into every day products.

Thursday 19 March 

Magnolias 

Enjoy the spectacular spring display of magnolias in full bloom.

Thursday 26 March 

Magnolias 

Enjoy the spectacular spring display of magnolias in full bloom.

Thursday 2 April 

Myths and legends

Explore the magical stories associated with many of our trees, this will appeal to children of all ages.

Thursday 9 April 

Bird song

Tune in to the enchanting chorus of spring birds with our expert guides. 

Thursday 16 April 

The Westonbirt journey 

From wealth & treasure of three generations, to the National Arboretum, the whole story.

Thursday 23 April 

Bird song

Tune in to the enchanting chorus of spring birds with our expert guides. 

Thursday 30 April

Silk Wood

Take the path less travelled to discover the wonders of our Ancient Woodland which has existed for 2.000 years.

Thursday 7 May

Rhododendrons

Marvel at vibrant rhododendron blooms in their prime.

Thursday 14 May 

The Westonbirt journey 

From wealth & treasure of three generations, to the National Arboretum, the whole story.

Thursday 21 May

Rhododendrons

Marvel at vibrant rhododendron blooms in their prime.

Thursday 28 May

Behind the Scenes

Gain an insight to the work of our propagation unit and how we make sure that seeds and plants coming into the Arboretum are free of pests & diseases.

Thursday 4 June

Silk Wood

Take the path less travelled to discover the wonders of our Ancient Woodland which has existed for 2.000 years.

Thursday 11 June

Native trees

Amongst the 15.000 trees, we have about 2.000 different species of trees, but only a few of those are considered ‘Native’ to Britain, this walk will concentrate on our own native trees. Prepare to be surprised. 

Thursday 18 June

Plant hunters

Hear tales of adventurous collectors who shaped our landscapes.

Thursday 25 June

Coppicing

Learn about the traditional method of woodland management and the commercially viable products our coppicers create. 

Thursday 2 July

Silk Wood

Take the path less travelled to discover the wonders of our Ancient Woodland which has existed for 2.000 years.

Thursday 9 July

Just conifers 

Explore the world of conifers and their unique adaptations.

Thursday 16 July 

Wildlife

Come and discover the wildlife found here at Westonbirt Arboretum. 

Thursday 23 July

Champion trees 

Let us introduce you to our majestic champion trees, each standing as a record-breaking testament to nature's grandeur.

Thursday 30 July

Medicinal trees

This walk in the Old Arboretum will show the trees which have been the source of medicaments and potions for our wellbeing.

Thursday 6 August

Picturesque landscape 

Development of this style from the 18c to W S Gilpin & how Robert Holford used the idea to great effect which we can sometimes fail to notice.

Thursday 13 August 

Focus on bark 

A chance to get close and look  at the bark, what does it do and how the bark of some trees help improve air quality.

Thursday 20 August

Native trees 

Amongst the 15.000 trees, we have about 2.000 different species of trees, but only a few of those are considered ‘Native’ to Britain, this walk will concentrate on our own native trees. Prepare to be surprised. 

Thursday 27 August

Myths and legends

Explore the magical stories associated with many of our trees, this will appeal to children of all ages.

Thursday 3 September 

Silk Wood

Take the path less travelled to discover the wonders of our Ancient Woodland which has existed for 2.000 years.

Thursday 10 September

Champion trees

Let us introduce you to our majestic champion trees, each standing as a record-breaking testament to nature's grandeur.

Thursday 17 September 

The Westonbirt journey 

From wealth & treasure of three generations, to the National Arboretum, the whole story.

Thursday 24 September

Behind the Scenes

Gain an insight to the work of our propagation unit and how we make sure that seeds and plants coming into the Arboretum are free of pests & diseases.

Thursday 1 October – 11:45am 

Silk Wood

Take the path less travelled to discover the wonders of our Ancient Woodland which has existed for 2.000 years.

Thursday 8 October - 11:45am

Maples

Come and see Natures Firework Display, but also learn about the number of different species, where they come from, and why there are so many colours.

Thursday 15 October - 11:45am

Tasting

A chance to taste some of the fruits & berries from our trees and shrubs in the Old Arboretum.

Thursday 22 October - 11:45am

Maples

Come and see Natures Firework Display, but also learn about the number of different species, where they come from, and why there are so many colours.

Thursday 29 October – 11:45am 

Silk Wood

Take the path less travelled to discover the wonders of our Ancient Woodland which has existed for 2.000 years.

Thursday 5 November - 11:45am

Tasting

A chance to taste some of the fruits & berries from our trees and shrubs in the Old Arboretum.

Thursday 12 November – 11:45am

Evergreens

Our guide will take you through Silkwood to explore the sometimes overlooked variety of evergreen trees, and those which have special significance at this time of the year.

Thursday 19 November 

Silk Wood

Take the path less travelled to discover the wonders of our Ancient Woodland which has existed for 2.000 years.

Thursday 26 November

Mystic midwinter

This guided walk in Silk Wood will demonstrate how trees and shrubs would help through the dark and cold months of winter before the festivals of light.