About Forestry England Westonbirt Arboretum
Set in the heart of Gloucestershire’s countryside, Westonbirt Arboretum is one of the UK’s most celebrated tree collections and a living, breathing showcase of global forestry. Managed by Forestry England, it spans around 600 acres and brings together more than 15,000 labelled specimens from across the world.
This is not a park in the traditional sense. Westonbirt is part scientific collection, part seasonal spectacle, and part peaceful woodland escape — where each path leads through carefully curated landscapes that shift dramatically with the time of year.
A landscape of living collections
At the heart of Westonbirt are its two distinct worlds:
Old Arboretum
A Victorian-era landscape of rare and mature trees, arranged in sweeping ornamental design. This is where you’ll find dramatic maples, towering conifers, and winding avenues that feel almost theatrical in structure and scale.
Silk Wood
A more naturalistic contrast — ancient woodland managed for conservation and biodiversity. It’s here that Westonbirt feels wilder, quieter, and more immersive, with a canopy walk that lifts you into the treetops.
Seasonal highlights
Westonbirt is defined by its seasons:
- Autumn – arguably its most famous moment, when fiery reds, oranges, and golds turn the arboretum into one of Europe’s most striking autumn colour displays
- Spring – delicate blossom, magnolias, and fresh green canopies returning to the woodland floor
- Summer – deep shade, long walks, and picnics beneath towering tree giants
- Winter – stark silhouettes, frost-laced branches, and quiet, atmospheric trails
What to expect on a visit
- Over 17 miles of marked walking trails
- The elevated Arboretum Canopy Walkway through Silk Wood
- Family-friendly discovery areas and natural play zones
- Seasonal events including illuminated trails and guided tree walks
- A strong conservation and education focus, with regular talks and workshops
Westonbirt manages to feel both expansive and intimate — a place where you can easily lose an afternoon wandering without ever retracing your steps.
Why it stands out
What makes Westonbirt exceptional is its balance: scientific precision meets emotional impact. It’s a collection that tells a global story of trees, while also delivering one of the most visually dramatic woodland experiences in the UK.
For visitors across Oxfordshire and beyond, it’s a destination that rewards repeat visits — because no two seasons ever look the same.
