Trees in Silk Wood at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Where to go · Gloucestershire

Forest bathing at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

A Victorian arboretum of 600 acres near Tetbury, with trees from around the world and 17 miles of paths.

Westonbirt was created almost 200 years ago by the Victorian plant collector Robert Holford, and is now run by Forestry England as the National Arboretum. Around 2,500 kinds of tree and shrub grow across 600 acres, including five national collections. It is split into three parts: the Old Arboretum (no dogs), the central Downs, and Silk Wood, where dogs are welcome.

You enter through the Welcome Building, where the café, shop and toilets are. From there you can explore the Old Arboretum or head out across the Downs into Silk Wood. There are 17 miles of hard and grassy paths, with mobility scooter and wheelchair hire. Autumn colour from late September to mid November is very popular, and booking ahead is advised then; in winter and early spring it is calmer. There is an admission charge, and Forestry England lists regular guided forest bathing sessions here.

Practical

Managed by
Forestry England
Parking
Car park at the Welcome Building, with 21 accessible spaces
Terrain
17 miles of hard and grassy paths
Nearest station
Kemble or Yate, about 20 minutes by taxi
Facilities
Welcome Building, café, shop, toilets, Changing Places facility, mobility scooter and wheelchair hire
Opening and entry
Admission charge; open daily from 9am except Christmas Day; pre-booking advised in autumn
Official page
forestryengland.uk

Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.

Guides nearby

Two guides within 15 miles of Westonbirt, The National Arboretum