Westonbirt Arboretum was the first close-to-nature place when we moved to the UK for the first time. While researching the best place to photograph the autumn season near London as a day trip, I came across this and realized that it is not an ordinary garden. It is like a museum but for the trees. Westonbirt Arboretum has over 16,000 trees from all over the world (majorly from Britain, China, North America, Japan, Chile, and hot temperature climates), planted since 1829, and plantings continue today.
About Westonbirt Arboretum, Forestry England, Gloucestershire, Tetbury
Westonbirt Arboretum has over 16,000 trees from all over the world (majorly from Britain, China, North America, Japan, Chile, and hot temperature climates). Planting was started in 1829 by Robert Holford, and it continues today.
Westonbirt Arboretum has two areas, and both are great (in the Silk Wood, you can take dogs). The good thing is that this place is very family, kids and pets friendly. Most of the trails are simple, with plenty of options to eat. There are children play area and kids can also learn as all trees are marked with names and details about wood.
Westonbirt is well known for its magnificent Autumn hues from around mid-October to mid-November, and I cannot recommend it more. If you are around, you must visit here. It is famous worldwide for autumn colors and the spring rhododendron, azalea, and magnolia displays. Along with this Painswick Rococo Garden is another natural retreat.
Having said that, with over 16,000 trees, winter and summer can’t go wrong as well. I will plan my trip and share pictures. Follow me on Instagram for regular updates.
How to Reach there?
Westonbirt Arboretum has on-site free parking, so you can come by car. It is 20 mins from via M4, junction 18. It will take around 2 hours from central London and 1.5 hours from Birmingham.
Public transport is also available for Westonbirt by Cotswold Conservation Board, along with Guide Tours. (You can download the guide or order a printed copy from the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty website.)
Train travel is also possible. The nearest train station is Kemble, located between the towns of Tetbury and Cirencester, and is a 15-minute drive from Westonbirt Arboretum. Yate train station is also of equal distance. Then take a taxi to Westonbirt (20 minutes) – approx taxi costs £30 each side.
Our Recommendation: If you are like us and enjoy the journey as much as the destination, Come by car.
How much is the ticket price, and what are the opening hours for Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt Arboretum is open 364 days (except Christmas, open every day) from 09 am.
- March – September & November
- Opening Hours: 09 am-05 pm, last entry 04:30 pm
- Adult £11.00 | Cons* £7.00 | Child* £4.00
- October
- Opening Hours: 09 am-05 pm, last entry 04:30 pm
- Adult £15.00 | Cons* £10.00 | Child* £4.00
- December – February
- Opening Hours: 09 am-04:30 pm, last entry 04:00 pm
- Adult £8.00 | Cons* £5.00 | Child* £3.00
*Concessions: Students, job seekers & those arriving by public transport or bike
*Child 5 – 18 years. Under 5s go free and don’t require a ticket.
**Note: Pre-booking is required for the following key dates
- Bank holiday: 27 – 29 Aug
- Autumn: 01 Oct – 13 Nov
- Christmas: 24 Dec – 02 Jan
Click Here to check ticket availability & book tickets!
Important Links
Westonbirt Arboretum Gallery
