Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Originally created with great vision and foresight by Robert Holford in the 19th century, Westonbirt has a reputation today as home to many of the world’s most exotic trees and shrubs. For the last fifty years however, the arboretum has been carefully nurtured by the Forestry Commission. Under their guidance, Westonbirt has become not only an ornamental collection of trees and shrubs, but a scientific one: a living laboratory dedicated to conservation, research and education.

This is also simply a magical place to lose your self in. There are fewer and fewer places to enjoy the countryside and some tranquillity away from modernity, and Westonbirt really is a perfect place to stretch your legs. The Forestry Commission is keen to encourage visitors to think of Westonbirt as one giant health tonic. Tai Chi classes, calorie counting walks, well-being weekends (complete with meditation and reflexology classes) have all been available at the arboretum.

Westonbirt is a place for all seasons, if you visit only for the drama of Autumn, with its breathtaking displays of colour, you’ll miss the subtle charm of spring and summer and the stark beauty of Winter, with its ghostlike atmosphere and skeletal trees. It is both a home for the ancient, (one tree, a Small-leaved Lime is believed to be over 2000 years old) and for the future, in its constant work with seed propagation and conservation of endangered species.

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire. GL8 8QS

Opening Times:
The Arboretum is open from 10am to dusk (or 8pm, whichever is the earlier) every day of the year.