Westonbirt National Arboretum

BRIEF HISTORY
Westonbirt, the UK’s National Arboretum is one of the finest collections of temperate trees and shrubs in the world, celebrated not only for its diversity of species but also its maturity and unique planting style. Planted originally in the 1850s by wealthy Victorian landowner, Robert Holford, the arboretum is now managed by the Forestry Commission and receives over 370,000 visitors a year.
 
HORTICULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
Set out over 600 acres, the collection holds around 3000 different kinds of species and over 16,000 individual specimens, many of which are very rare, or the largest of their kind in the country. Westonbirt Arboretum contains five National Plant Collections: Japanese Maples and Maples species – famed for their autumn colour, Bladdernut, Lime and the Walnut family.
 
OTHER THINGS TO SEE & DO
Explore the 80 ‘Champion Trees’ – the tallest or largest (girth) of their species in the country, as recognised by the Tree Register of the British Isles, or discover the 2000 year old coppiced lime tree in Silk Wood, the ancient woodland area of Westonbirt. If you’re here with the kids, why not pick up a Naturally Playful trail map and find the seven hidden natural play areas around the Old Arboretum.
 
LOCAL AREA
Westonbirt Arboretum is located in the South Cotswolds area, on the border of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. The arboretum sits within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one of the largest of 40 AONBs in England and Wales. The protected landscape is world renowned for its distinctive stone walls and buildings, rolling grasslands, ancient woodlands and captivating villages.

PLACES TO STAY
The South Cotswolds boasts many picturesque towns and villages, with an abundance of hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses in and around the area. See the Visiting Westonbirt pages at www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt for useful accommodation websites.

HOW TO FIND US
Westonbirt Arboretum is situated in Gloucestershire on the A433 approximately three miles south west of Tetbury. Take junction 18 on the M4, follow the A46 towards Stroud, then the A433. Or junction 13 on the M5 and the A419 towards Stroud, then the A46 towards Bath.

OPENING TIMES
Open every day of the year. Retail and food outlets are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

ENTRY
 £6-10 adults, £5-9 concession, £2-4 child (seasonal variations apply). Groups welcome- discounts apply for groups over 10 people.

FOOD & DRINK
Choose between Maples Restaurant, for a hot meal between 12-2pm and selection of sandwiches and other snacks between 10am-5pm, or dine ‘al fresco’ with a snack from our Courtyard Café from 10am-5pm, open Easter to Christmas. Alternatively, why not bring your own picnic to enjoy in the open air?

POSTCODE FOR CAR SAT NAVs
GL8 8QS

FRIENDS/VOLUNTEERS
Volunteering opportunities are available through the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum. Visit www.fowa.org.uk for details.
 
WEBSITE
www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt