Westonbirt The National Arboretum

Westonbirt The National Arboretum is located near Tetbury in Gloucestershire. It is thought to be the most important and widely known arboretum in the UK. It is one of the UK’s most beautiful outdoor spaces, known for its stunning tree collection, easy-access trails and family‑friendly atmosphere. Spread across the Old Arboretum and Silk Wood, it offers miles of paths to explore, seasonal colour, wildlife and plenty of opportunities for children to play, discover and connect with nature. Families can pick up a Young Explorers leaflet from the Welcome Building to follow a dedicated play-and-discovery route through the trees.

The arboretum has invested heavily in a new era of natural play, creating imaginative, inclusive spaces designed to challenge and inspire children aged around four to eight. Exploratree is a vibrant play zone where children can become explorers, weather forecasters or plant hunters. Features like the Weather Station and Explorers’ Lab encourage collaboration, investigation and imaginative play, all set within a woodland backdrop.

In the Old Arboretum, Branch Out offers climbing and balancing challenges using giant oak logs, rope routes and elevated beams that stretch out like roots and branches. Nearby, Holford Hollow blends seamlessly into the trees with an accessible boardwalk around a central oak, low tree nets for sky‑gazing, talk tubes inspired by mycelium networks, carved logs and gentle climbing routes. A quiet hut and the restored Troll Bridge add extra moments of discovery.

Silk Wood is home to Acorn Hideout, a new hide‑and‑seek themed natural play area, with more spaces planned for 2026. Across both woodland areas, Westonbirt’s natural play zones are designed to be inclusive, multi‑generational and accessible, giving every child the chance to explore, imagine and enjoy nature at their own pace.

There are miles of beautiful trails through the Old Arboretum and Silk Wood, with stunning seasonal colour, wildlife spotting and plenty of peaceful places to explore. Families love the Treetop Walkway for its canopy views, as well as the themed discovery routes and activity trails that run throughout the year. The Old Arboretum’s lawns, heritage trees and natural sculptures create a gentle, historic landscape, while Silk Wood feels wilder with wide paths and quiet corners perfect for wandering. There are lots of picnic spots, a large café and a shop near the entrance, plus regular family events, workshops and Westonbirt’s famous autumn colour season. At Christmas, the illuminated trail transforms the arboretum into a magical evening experience.