We visited The Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, last week, so I thought I'd let you all know what it's all about and what we thought of it.
There are two main areas to Westonbirt, and we wandered around both of then, the Old Arboretum (started in the 1820's by a chap called Robert Holford) and The Silk Wood, expanded by Holford's son, George, who took over in the 1870's. in 1956 the entire 600 acres (240 hectares) were handed over to the Forestry Commission who manage things now.
There are lots of lovely trees and plants, and some very good paths around then, and everything's labelled with very informative signs. There's a seasonal "Spring Trail" at the moment with numbered plaques providing even more infomation about the greenery you're walking through.
Westonbirt has a wide range of facilities, all close to the main car park :
- Toilets, very clean - Shop, selling the usual tea towels, books, trinkets etc - "Maples" restaurant & cafe, open between 10am and 5pm daily selling a range of hot and cold meals and drinks. The Courtyard Cafe sells snacks, drinks and ice creams, but was not open when we went (10am - 5pm daily throughout the summer and autumn; weekends only at other times of the year) - The Great Oak Hall - home to the Friends of Westonbirt Charity. - Picnic area, where we had our lunch - The Plant Centre where you can buy all kinds of plants including a large range of unusual trees and shrubs, many of which can be found growing in the Arboretum, as well as garden tools & ornaments.
Difficulty walking? You can still enjoy Westonbirt - we spotted that they have electric scooters, and even a 2-seater buggy that you can use, but I belive that they should be booked in advance.
Got a dog? They seem welcome at Westonbirt, but they're only allowed in the Silk Wood, rather than the Old Arboretum (not exactly sure why...)
They even do weddings and music concerts (Embrace 16 June, UB40 17 June, Van Morrison 28 July, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 29 July, Massive Attack 30 July) there !
How to get to the Arboretum:
Westonbirt is situated on the A433 approximately 3 miles South East of Tetbury. There are the usual touristy brown signs to help.
From M4: (20 mins)
- Exit Motorway at Junction 18 - Take the A46 north towards Stroud - After a few miles turn right onto the A433 (signed Cirencester) - Continue on this road for approx 3 miles and the Arboretum is on your left.
From M5: (20mins)
- Exit at Junction 13 onto the A419 (towards Stroud) - Take the A46 (towards Bath) - After going though Nailsworth, come to traffic lights at X-roads - Turn left onto A4135 to Tetbury - In Tetbury, turn right on the A433 - Continue on this road, passing through Doughton, for approx 3 miles. The Arboretum is on your right.
The Arboretum is open from 10am to dusk (or 8pm, whichever is the earlier) every day of the year. The Forest Shop, Plant Centre and Maples Restaurant close at 5pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day). The Courtyard Cafe is open from Easter until Christmas. The Great Oak Hall closes at 4pm
Entry rates vary with the seasons (as you might expect), and there are concession (senior citizens, students, disabled), child (18 yrs and under), family & disabled group rates.
- Spring/Summer (1 March to 31 September) £6.50 - Autumn (1 October - mid November) £7.50 - Christmas (Mid November to 25 December) Free - Winter (26 December 2006 to 28 February 2007) £5
I hope this helps...
Pictures of Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury
Westonbirt
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