Autumn is an ideal season to enjoy the outdoors, with gentle walks through enchanting woodlands that offer striking scenery and shelter should the weather change unexpectedly. During this time, leaves transform into vibrant shades of orange and red, sunlight filters through towering trees, and early white snowdrops begin to bloom.
Gloucestershire boasts a wealth of woodland walks, with numerous nature reserves, forests, and trails perfect for autumn exploration. Among these, Westonbirt National Arboretum stands out as one of the finest in the UK. Spanning 600 acres and home to around 15,000 trees, it features a unique treetop walkway and is a popular destination as autumn unfolds.
Located just 10 minutes from Tetbury and approximately 45 minutes from Cheltenham or Gloucester, Westonbirt is managed by Forestry England and offers an impressive collection of over 2,500 tree species from across the globe. The arboretum is particularly famous for its spectacular autumn colours, notably its collection of Japanese maples.
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The arboretum’s Japanese maple collection began in the early 1980s and has since grown to include about 297 species. Visitors from around the world come to admire their vivid colours in autumn. In addition to maples, Westonbirt features other notable tree collections, including global maples, bladdernut, walnut, and a renowned 2,000-year-old small-leaved lime tree in the ancient Silk Wood. Visitors will also encounter majestic Scots pines and the rare Wollemi pine along the many winding paths.
Widely acclaimed as the UK’s premier arboretum, Westonbirt offers 17 miles of easy-to-follow walking trails across three distinct areas: Silk Wood, The Downs, and the Old Arboretum.
A highlight of the site is the 300-metre-long treetop walkway, raised 13 metres above the ground beneath the canopy. The walkway includes lookout points featuring informative displays about the landscape, with steps available for those wishing to climb higher. It is fully accessible to mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and pushchairs, making it enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
After exploring the woodlands, The Downs provides a welcoming space with picnic benches, a family-friendly green area, a café, restaurant, shop, toilets, and a playground for children. Serving as the central hub, The Downs is the first area visitors encounter and a perfect spot for a takeaway coffee on cooler days.
Most of Westonbirt is dog-friendly; dogs are welcome off-lead in Silk Wood, must be kept on a lead in The Downs, and are not permitted in the Old Arboretum area.
Visitors can easily spend a full day enjoying the tree canopy and on-site amenities. Entry requires a ticket, which can be purchased at the gate, though pre-booking is strongly recommended, especially during the busy autumn season. Admission costs £14 per person, while members enter free of charge. Various membership options are available, including annual memberships starting at £35 for 18 to 25-year-olds and £54 for adults, allowing up to four children under 18 to enter free. Joint memberships for two adults and up to four children can be purchased for £99.
Throughout the year, Westonbirt hosts events such as guided walks, exhibitions, and creative workshops. A particularly popular event is Christmas at Westonbirt, where the Old Arboretum is transformed into a dazzling light trail featuring seasonal displays, art installations, and festive scenes, creating a magical winter atmosphere.
For further details or to book tickets, please visit the Westonbirt National Arboretum website.