Summer at Westonbirt Arboretum

A young boy jumps off of a felled log with his Dad laughing next to him and sister and mum in background walking along the log.
We care for every visitor just as much as we care for our trees. Your visit supports our work and gives you the freedom to roam free.

New play coming soon 

Something exciting is on the horizon! Our brand-new play area is opening soon, designed to spark imaginations and let kids roam free.

Westonbirt is the perfect place to explore, unwind, and reconnect. Whether you're climbing, discovering, or simply soaking up the sunshine (or seeking the shade), there's no better time to visit.

Your summer starts here! 

Things to do this summer

Digital illustration of Julia Donaldson's character Stick Man, running near a large tree.
Stick Man activity trails

The Stick Man trail at Westonbirt

Set off with a hop and twirl as you join Stick Man on his forest adventure. 

The interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree...

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Forest Find Westonbirt
Other active things to do

Family trail at Westonbirt Arboretum

Become a biodiversity detective and search for as many livings things in nature as you can as you follow along our family trail. Discover what lives at Westonbirt through our trail...

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Forest Live stage at Thetford Forest
Article

Forest Live

16 October 2023

Join us among the trees to hear the best live music, connect with nature and discover unique concert locations in the nation's forests.

Find out more
A young girl and boy look cheery through a wooden circular window.
Family activity

Play at Westonbirt Arboretum

Play at Westonbirt Arboretum

Follow our play project as we work through 3 phases to improve play opportunities at Westonbirt Arboretum.

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Westonbirt group
Event

Westonbirt Guided Walk

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...

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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

Sensing Nature Guided Walks

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...

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Westonbirt group
Event

Discovery Walk at Westonbirt Arboretum

Every Thu
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...

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A volunteer in green holds a wildflower for a visitor to admire
Event

Wildflower Guided Walk

Tue 3 Jun, Tue 1 Jul, Tue 5 Aug
10.30am
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Discover the fascinating world of wildflowers and other flora at Westonbirt Arboretum and uncover the many uses, stories and traditions associated with each one.

Each walk starts at...

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A dad and young boy stand by a large tractor peering.
Event

Meet the Machines – family activity day

Sat 14 Jun
10:30am - 3:30pm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

A chance to get up close to some of the vehicles used at Westonbirt to care for our trees and the landscape. Children will even get the chance to sit in one of our big tractors, a...

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A woman smiles at the camera holding a shovel that she is pushing down on one leg into the soil.
Event

Community Woodland Public Volunteering Day at Westonbirt Arboretum

Sat 12 Jul
11:00am - 3:00pm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

At Westonbirt Arboretum's Community Woodland we are re-planting an area of woodland cleared due to ash dieback. Every step of the woodland regeneration is being carried out by...

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three young girls lean on a table to write and draw on paper together.
Event

Roots of the Past – Uncovering Westonbirt’s Heritage – family activity

Sat 19 Jul
10:30am - 3:30pm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Join us and the Green Pledge Project from Gloucestershire County Council to discover more about Westonbirt’s heritage. Archive records including a selection of maps, old photos...

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A young boy stands smiling at a piece of art work he has made on a piece of fabric.
Event

Fabulous fibres - family activity

Tue 5 - Thu 7 Aug
10:30am - 3:30pm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Ever wondered how to use tree fibres in making crafts, or where natural dyes come from in nature? Come along to found out from our artist who will be leading activities during this...

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A young boy looks through a magnifying glass to take a closer look at the bark of a tree trunk.
Event

Arboretum Apprentice -family activity

Tue 12 , Wed 13, Thu 14 Aug
10:30am - 12:00pm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Join us for an exciting summer experience at the arboretum, where you'll explore the connection between people and trees! 

Designed for 11-14 year olds, this hands-on program dives...

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A large screen sits in front of a landscape of trees with Adventure cinema projected in the middle.
Event

Open-Air Cinema at Westonbirt Arboretum

Fri 15, Sat 16, Sun 17 Aug
Various times
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

The UK's No.1 Outdoor Cinema Shows are coming to Westonbirt, The National Arboretum!

Adventure Cinema is bringing your big-screen favourites to the stunning grounds of Westonbirt...

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Learning Westonbirt
Event

Lotions and Potions - family activity

Tue 19 - Thu 21 Aug
10:30am - 3:30pm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Join us as we explore how trees can help people with health and medicines. 

Follow our short discovery trail close to the Learning Centre to enter a prize draw quiz. 

Come and make...

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2 young girls walk holding magnifying glasses to their eyes.
Event

Woodland Wellbeing - family activity

Tue 26 - Thu 28 Aug
10:30am - 3:30pm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

We are delighted to welcome back storyteller Michael Loader and invite you to join us for storytelling sessions and story walks through the arboretum. 

There will also be other...

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A husband and wife smile at each other holding a Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum leaflet in their hands

40 years of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

For four decades, the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum have helped nurture this extraordinary place, supporting conservation, education, participation and the joy of discovery among the trees. Their care has helped Westonbirt grow into the vibrant, welcoming space it is today.

By becoming a Friend, you’re not just joining a membership, your supporting to help protect rare trees, inspire young explorers, and ensure Westonbirt continues to thrive for generations to come.

Become a member