Westonbirt is the National Arboretum, a Forestry Commission-run collection of trees with trails, events, treetop walkway and wide open spaces. It’s in the South Cotswolds, near the market town of Tetbury.
Westonbirt is a remarkable place, most famous for Autumn colours. In fact, Westonbirt’s 15000 specimen trees (2,500 diffreent types) from around the world are spectacular year-round, especially bearing in mind seasonal treats such as bluebells, rhododendrons and azaleas. Most of the 400,000 visitors annually find their own way though the 600 acres and 17 miles of pathways, but there are also various guided or self-guided routes and walks available. Things can get a little queue-ey in October, especially at weekends. The winter illuminated trees event is also in demand.
The collection in the Old Arboretum is Victorian in origin, planned out by Robert Holroyd the local landowner. He brought in sample trees from China, Japan, Chile, North America and the UK. Silk Wood, another section of Westonbirt, is dog-friendly.
Highlight for most visitors is the Treetop Walkway, a 300 metre, fully accessible canopy walk at leaf height.
Not to be confused with the, also excellent, Batsford Arboretum in the North Cotswolds, near Moreton in Marsh.
Cotswolds Hotels Nearby
Of course, planning a visit to the many attractions in the Cotswolds region is not complete without a great place to stay.
Nearby hotels in the Cotswolds Finest range include…
