Seasonal Leaflet at Westonbirt Arboretum
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Welcome to Westonbirt, the National Arboretum
Originally planted by the wealthy Holford family during the heyday of Victorian plant hunting, today Westonbirt contains one of the finest tree collections in the world.
The arboretum is carefully laid out within a beautiful, Grade 1 picturesque landscape, and there is something amazing to experience every day of the year.
Summer at Westonbirt
Bursting with life, the sounds, scents and textures of the arboretum are taking centre stage. Bees and butterflies weave through wildflower havens, dappled light shifts on the ground, the trees offer shade, and make the perfect play mates for hide and seek!
Explore with curiosity today, immerse yourself through all your senses in the wonder and warmth of summer.
In tune with nature
Spending time amongst the trees can always help us to feel better, it’s something we all feel, but perhaps can’t put our finger on.
This summer, we invite you to stop, listen and notice the delights that bring the arboretum alive at this time of year.
It has been scientifically proven that being in forests and woodlands is good for our wellbeing, boosts our immune system, decreases feelings of anger and anxiety, reduces stress and helps to relax.
Follow our In Tune With Nature trail, and spend time reconnecting to nature, and to yourself.
Stop, listen and notice the delights
With facts and activities to guide your journey, you may finally understand why a wander through the woods does wonders!
See the map for trail route
Trail information
There are two trails, one in the Old Arboretum and the other in Silk Wood. They are both positioned to take you to the best of our summer views!
All stops are on hard paths, and easily accessible, but do bear in mind Old Arboretum is a dog free area.
Highlights
Use the map overleaf for locations
- Discover the tree canopy on our Treetop Walkway
- Find out how we grow the next generation at the Propagation Unit
- Explore centuries of history at the coppice charcoal kilns
- Learn how we replanted an area of Silk Wood following the discovery of ash dieback
- Delve deeper on a free guided walk (ask at admissions)
- Ask, at the Welcome Building, which trees are looking their best right now
- Head into our deep dark Gruffalo wood and meet his famous friends
Ask at the Welcome Building about our fun family activities and the family play map!
A bite to eat
Westonbirt has a variety of catering space.
The Kitchen provides a sit-down service and relaced atmosphere offering breakfast, brunch and lunch packed with local ingredients.
The Pantry offers a ‘grab and go’ selection of home-made cakes, freshly made sandwiches and drinks.
The Smokehouse offers wood-fired pizzas and barbecue. It operates at weekends bank holidays and at varying times throughout school holidays.
Takeaway coffees and snacks are also available by the welcome building.
Coming up this autumn!
Step back and admire the Magic of Maples... (amongst other autumn colour of course!)
Experience the arboretum through the lens of Japanese aesthetics on our autumn trails, alongside family friendly activities, and facts behind the wonder of autumn.
Discover an exhibition of winning entries from the Magic of Maples haiku competition, in collaboration with the British Haiku Society.
Get involved in fun activities for all, during October half term! For more detail, visit: forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/events
Upgrade your day to a year
Sign up as a member in the Welcome Building or Shop before you leave today to unlock a Westonbirt Shop gift card.
Visit our gift shop
Every penny you pend in the gift shop helps to protect trees and enrich lives for generations to come.