Type: Garden
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, managed by the Forestry Commission, is one of the finest collections of temperate trees and shrubs in the world. The 600 acre arboretum is home to 3,000 different species of trees and over 16,000 individual specimens.
Westonbirt Arboretum is a place of environmental and historical importance. Its Victorian creator Robert Holford was fascinated by rare and beautiful plants and helped finance expeditions to collect specimens from around the world.
Westonbirt offers an unforgettable day out in all seasons - from the magnolias and rhododendrons in spring, the green leafy glades in summer and the autumnal colour explosion of the world famous Japanese maples.
Events, workshops and family activities run throughout the year. Signature events include Treefest in August and the spectacular Enchanted Christmas illuminated trail in November and December.
Free weekend guided walks are available (Easter to October). There are mobility scooters and manual wheelchairs available to borrow (it is advisable to book these in advance), special group rates on request and retail and refreshment opportunities onsite.
Dogs are welcome in Silk Wood and on the Downs, whilst the Old Arboretum is a dog free zone.
Spring walks 2012
Visitors to Westonbirt this spring can follow two new seasonal trails. The trails offer insight into the heritage landscape and the flowering trees and wildflowers within it.
Trail stops in the Old Arboretum include information on the origins of many of the heritage rhododendrons, camellias and other flowering trees, whilst areas shown on a Victorian map of the Old Arboretum have recently been opened up by the tree team to show off Westonbirt's heritage flowers to those on the spring trail.
Over in Silk Wood, the spring trail displays a wildflower and grassland photography exhibition by Cotswolds photographer, Barney Wilczak. The photography exhibition highlights the importance of grassland habitat as you explore the trail.
More information on the spring trail at Westonbirt Arboretum can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-spring
Opening Times
| Open All Year |
|---|
| Open (01/01/2012 - 31/12/2012) |
|---|
* Westonbirt is open 365 days of the year for you to enjoy.
April - August: 9am - 8pm
September - March: 9am - 5pm
Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Adults, Dec - Feb | £5.00 per ticket |
| Adults, Mar - Sept | £8.00 per ticket |
| Adults, Oct - Nov | £9.00 per ticket |
| Child 5+, 20 Jul - 31 Aug | Free |
| Child 5+, Dec - Feb | £2.00 per ticket |
| Child 5+, Mar - Sept | £3.00 per ticket |
| Child 5+, Oct - Nov | £4.00 per ticket |
| Concessions, Dec - Feb | £4.00 per ticket |
| Concessions, Mar- Sept | £7.00 per ticket |
| Concessions, Oct - Nov | £8.00 per ticket |
| Under 5s | Free |
Treefest - See website for prices Enchanged Christmas - See website for prices|
Facilities
- Gift Shop
Attraction Facilities
- Childrens Play Area
- Plant Sales
- Shop
Venue Facilities
- Wedding Venue
Provider Preferences
- Forest Location
- In countryside
- Outdoor Attraction
Accessibility
- Accessible to Wheelchair Users
- All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors - Some woodland paths are not suitable for wheelchair users.
- Facilities for the Disabled
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Ramp/Level Access
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Children & Infants
- Facilities for children
Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Coach Parking
- On Bus Route
- On site parking
- Parking (free) - Included in the cost of admission
Catering
- On-Site café/restaurant
- Picnic Site
Payment Methods
- Approx length of visit - 2.5 hours
- Delta accepted
- Groups Accepted - Please enquire for further details
- Maestro accepted
- MasterCard accepted
- Min group size - 10
- Solo accepted
- Special group rates - £3 - £8
- Switch accepted
- Visa accepted
Establishment Features
- Available for wedding receptions
- Conference facilities
- Dogs Accepted
- Event venue
- Licenced for civil marriages
- Open all year
- Tea / Coffee Shop
- Toilets
Specialist Features
- Family Fun
- Marketed towards families
- Marketed towards senior citizens
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
- Guided Tours Available for Groups
Road Directions
From Bath take the A4 to the A46, signposted Stroud. Continue for approx. 8 miles and follow brown signs to Westonbirt on the A46.
From Bristol follow signs to the M32, then onto the M4. Leave at junction 18 onto the A46, signposted Stroud. Continue for approx. 6 miles and follow brown signs to Westonbirt on the A46.
From Cirencester take the A419 then the A429 signposted Bath, Chippenham, continue forward on the A433 to Tetbury, take the A46 signposted Bath and follow the brown signs to Westonbirt on the A46.
Public Transport Directions
The nearest train station is Kemble which is located between the towns of Tetbury and Cirencester and is a 15 minute drive from Westonbirt.
For information on train times contact National Rail on 08457 484950. For information on bus times contact Traveline on 0871 2002233.
Video
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