Westonbirt
If you like trees, Westonbirt Arboretum is somewhere you really ought to visit. If you don't like trees, I'm afraid you're going to struggle with this one.Set near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, Westonbirt is one of Britain's finest arboretums, with an enormous collection of trees and shrubs spread across a beautifully landscaped estate. It was established in the nineteenth century by the Holford family, who began planting exotic species alongside the native woodland, creating the remarkable collection we see today.
A tree lover's paradise
Westonbirt contains thousands of trees from around the world, including spectacular maples, oaks, cherries, conifers and many more unusual species. Some are enormous, some beautifully shaped and others so strange that you wonder what the plant's original creator had been drinking.
There are several distinct areas to explore, including the Old Arboretum, where some of the earliest plantings can be found, and the Silk Wood, which has a more natural woodland character.
There are miles of paths and trails, so you can make the visit as energetic or as leisurely as you wish. You don't need to know the difference between a Japanese maple and a particularly attractive bush to enjoy it — although there are plenty of labels for those who do.
Autumn is spectacular
Westonbirt is particularly famous for its autumn colour, when the trees turn the landscape into an extraordinary mixture of reds, oranges, yellows and golds.This is probably the time when Westonbirt is at its most spectacular, although it does mean that autumn weekends can be extremely busy. Spring brings blossom and fresh green foliage, while summer provides shade and pleasant woodland walks.
There is also a very good reason not to ignore winter. The bare branches reveal the structure of the trees and the arboretum becomes considerably quieter.
More than walking
Westonbirt isn't simply somewhere to wander aimlessly between trees. There are walking trails of varying lengths, family activities, events and seasonal experiences.
The Tree Top Walkway is particularly enjoyable, lifting visitors above the woodland floor and giving a different perspective on the trees. There are also cafés and picnic areas, so you can easily make a proper day of it.
For families, there is enough space to run off some energy, while anyone interested in horticulture could happily spend considerably longer examining the collection.
The verdict
Westonbirt Arboretum is one of those places where the simplest description is probably the most accurate: it's beautiful.It is peaceful, interesting and very different from the grand gardens and stately homes that dominate so much of Britain's visitor attractions. There are no palaces, ruined castles or spectacular works of architecture here.
Just trees.
Rather a lot of them, actually.
And when those trees put on their autumn display, they provide one of the finest natural spectacles in the Cotswolds.
Take a coat, wear sensible shoes and, if visiting in autumn, take a camera. The trees have done most of the decorating for you.
Opening Times: - Daily Hours: 09:00 – 17:00. Last Admission: 16:30
Admission Costs:- Adults: From £13.00, Child (5–18 years): £4.00, Under 5s: Free, Young Persons (19-25) / Students: £8.50
(prices quoted correct as at August 2026)
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