We may be famed for autumn colour but the arboretum is waking up to reveal one of its best kept secrets - spring!
Westonbirt is known for its autumn colour, but did you know that spring has long been a favourite time of the year for staff.
As blossom and new leaves soften and colour emerges, spectacular spring blooms are displayed by the exotic magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons from late February onwards; this spring promises to be a most spectacular season.
There are so many amazing activities to take part in, from guided walks amongst the blossoms, to finding out the best kept secrets of spring with our new spring trail. Whether you are walking in the spring weather, visiting for a cuppa or running around with the kids, your visit promises to be beautiful.
Spring watch
Find out how the arboretum is looking this week by playing our spring watch video!
Filmed Friday 19 May.
Visit every week for a new spring watch video update.
Our hugely popular guided walkswill show you what the arboretum has to offer this spring. Or why not take the path less travelled and delve into the fascinating world of flora on our wild flower walks.
Ravishing rhododendrons
The ornamental rhododendron collections began at Westonbirt Arboretum in the 1860s with plantings by R.S.Holford. Our Rhododendron ririeri is the UK Champion for both height and girth. Introduced to the collection by Gloucestershire-born plant hunter Ernest Wilson, it adds a vibrant splash of purple along Circular Drive.
Follow the Zog trail and collect golden stars as your little dragons learn how they can help care for the forest, and how the forests can care for them. This new self-led trail features brightly illustrated panels and a trail pack full of fun activities for little ones to enjoy.
Magnificent magnolias
Magnolia flowering is always a special time in the Arboretum and our appropriately named ‘Westonbirt Diva’ is a main attraction at this time of year as the dramatic display of wonderful pink flowers dominates the view on Circular Drive.
Our family trail promises to let you in on all of springs secrets. Using all your senses, discover the 'awakening woodland' and connect with springtime wildlife. We take you on a journey to explore the secrets of nature during this magical season.
Charming camellias
Ornamental camellias are thought to have arrived in Britain at the beginning of the 18th century. Since then these decorative plants have thrived at Westonbirt. You can't fail to notice ‘Donation’, one of our most eye-catching camellias, as you pass the Westonbirt shop. ‘Donation’ is perhaps the best-known of all williamsii varieties. It is long-flowering and produces large, semi-double, soft pink, saucer-shaped flowers among glossy, bright green leaves.
Other spring highlights
The Handkerchief or Dove tree with its papery white bracts, The Cherry plum with their delicate pale pink or white flowers, Chinese Winter Hazel with its fragrant, yellow, drooping racemes and the beautiful carpets of bluebells adorning Silk Wood.