Autumn is an ideal season to enjoy the outdoors, offering gentle strolls through enchanting woodlands that promise picturesque views and shelter should the weather change. During this time, leaves transform into stunning shades of orange and red while sunlight filters through towering trees, and delicate white snowdrops begin to bloom.
Gloucestershire boasts numerous woodland walks across its extensive nature reserves and forests, making it a sought-after destination for autumnal exploration. Among these, one site stands out as one of the finest in the UK-Westonbirt National Arboretum. Spanning 600 acres and home to approximately 15,000 trees, this captivating woodland includes a treetop walkway and is an exceptional place to visit as the seasons turn.
Situated just 10 minutes from Tetbury and around 45 minutes from Cheltenham or Gloucester, Westonbirt is managed by Forestry England and features over 2,500 tree species from around the world. It is particularly noted for its impressive displays of autumn colour, especially from its renowned collection of Japanese maples.
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The cultivation of Japanese maples at Westonbirt began in the early 1980s, and today the arboretum hosts around 297 species. Visitors travel internationally to admire their spectacular and vibrant hues. Alongside the maples, Westonbirt houses collections of maple species from across the globe, bladdernut, walnut, and an extensive lime tree collection, including a 2,000-year-old small-leaved lime in the ancient Silk Wood. Towering Scots pines and the rare Wollemi Pine also adorn the winding pathways, enhancing the majesty of the woodland.
Recognised as the UK’s premier arboretum, Westonbirt offers 17 miles of easy-to-follow walking routes and trails across three key areas: Silk Wood, The Downs, and the Old Arboretum.
A highlight for many visitors is the 300-metre-long treetop walkway, which rises 13 metres above the ground beneath the tree canopy. The walkway includes lookout points with informative displays about the surrounding landscape and steps that allow visitors to climb even higher. It is fully accessible to mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and pushchairs, making it enjoyable for visitors of all ages, including children.
The Downs serves as an ideal spot to rest after exploring, offering picnic benches, a café, a restaurant, a shop, toilets, and a playground for children. Located between Silk Wood and the Old Arboretum, The Downs is the central hub and first area visitors encounter, making it perfect for a hot takeaway coffee on cooler days.
Westonbirt is mostly dog-friendly, with Silk Wood allowing well-behaved dogs off-lead. However, dogs must be kept on a lead in The Downs, and the Old Arboretum is a dog-free zone.
Visitors can easily spend a full day wandering beneath the tree canopy and utilising the facilities. Entry to the arboretum requires a ticket; although tickets can be purchased on arrival, pre-booking is highly recommended, especially during the busy autumn period. Admission costs £14 per person, with free entry for members. Tickets grant entry between 9am and 4pm on the day of the visit.
Annual memberships are available and may offer good value for locals. Membership starts at £35 for individuals aged 18-25 and £54 for adults, including free entry for up to four children under 18. There is also an adult joint membership option for £99, which covers two adults and up to four children.
Throughout the year, Westonbirt hosts various events, including guided walks, exhibitions, and creative workshops. One of the most popular is Christmas at Westonbirt, during which the Old Arboretum is transformed into a spectacular light trail featuring shimmering displays, art installations, and festive scenes, creating a magical winter wonderland.
For further details or to book tickets, please visit the Westonbirt National Arboretum website.