Summer at Westonbirt Arboretum

3 children run towards the camera in a woodland setting laughing.

Less scroll, more stroll

Switch Off. Tune In. Feel Alive.

This summer we invite you to pause, listen, take a long deep breath and reconnect with the living world around you. 

Take a moment for you. The trees will take care of the rest. 

We know it can be hard to switch off from all those digital distractions, but we also know you will feel transformed as you tune into the natural sounds and sights around you in the arboretum. Feel free to venture off the paths to find a tree that feels special to you. Listen for the sounds of wildlife and discover secret scents hidden in the leaves and bark. Feel tall grasses between your fingers as you wander through meadow areas. 

It’s a joy to stop, look and listen out for wildlife living in the trees.  Hear the quiet hum of bees as they work and try identifying the many wild birds living here. 

Tune in with nature this summer at Westonbirt. 

Things to do this summer

Woman laughing in a sunny forest.
Other active things to do

1 June – 31 August  

In a world where we’re constantly connected, with endless information and distractions just a tap away, it can be hard to truly switch off. The quiet “noise” of...

Illustration of a witch and a cat flying on a broomstick across the night sky.
Room on the Broom trails

Join Witch and her friends on an enchanting adventure at Westonbirt Arboretum.

This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed activities, fascinating forest...

A young girl and boy look cheery through a wooden circular window.
Play areas in the forest

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...

Westonbirt group
Event
Daily
11:00am & 2:00pm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Join our experienced and knowledgeable volunteers as they guide you through the Old Arboretum. 

Together you'll explore the best seasonal features of the Old Arboretum - and as the...

A sensing nature guide in green talks to a group of people, he stands by a felled log, which he has his hand placed on to feel the bark.
Event
Every Friday from Apr - Sep
11:30am
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Let our visually impaired guides lead you through an immersive and interactive sensory experience that aims to shift your perception, enjoy the arboretum at a slower pace and...

Westonbirt group
Event
Every Thu (Mar - Nov)
11:30am
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

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

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

An illustration of the character Witch from Room on the Broom sat on a broom, flying across the night sky.
Event
Sat 15 Aug
Throughout the day
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Join us for a day of family fun this summer with a special visit from Witch herself!

Witch will appear at intervals throughout the day - remember your camera for that all-important...

A natural bee house wooden structure hanging from a tree
Event
Sat 15 & Sun 16 Aug
10:30am - 3:30pm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Saturday 15th August, 10:30 – 15:30

Drop in at Silk Wood Barn to meet the wonderful Matt Somerville of Bee Kind Hives and see the new Rocket Hive he recently crafted and installed...

A woodland instrument made out of a large stick to make a frog stick
Event
Tue 18 - Thu 20 Aug
10:30am - 3:30pm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Drop in to our instrument-making workshop at the Learning Centre. 

We’ll be making a variety of instruments from woodland materials, including a frog stick, rain maker and seed...

Learning Westonbirt
Event
Tue 25 & Thu 27 Aug
10:30am – 12:00pm & 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Come and join us as we venture off path amongst the summer trees and explore using our senses.

Email to book  

Find your special tree, take some quiet time to listen the sounds...

Rest is not idleness… to lie on the grass under trees on a summer’s day… is by no means a waste of time.
John Lubbock