Westonbirt Arboretum

Westonbirt Arboretum at its colourful best

Summary

There are over 15,000 numbered trees and 17 miles of paths in this excellent 600-acre arboretum run by the Forestry Commission. Best in: spring for rhododendron and magnolias, and autumn for Japanese maples and fothergilla.

History

Westnbirt Arboretum was begun by Robert Holford of Westonbirt House, the gates of which are visible from Mitchell Drive in the Old Arboretum. Most of the major features in the Old arboretum, including the broad avenues and rides, were in place by 1855.

Holford and his son, George Holford, were keen supporters of plant-hunting expeditions to the Far East. Robert Holford financed several expeditions and planted the arboretum with seedlings brought back to the UK by Victorian plant hunters. Holford's design paid little heed to botanical groupings; he planted for the maximum visual impact.

The Lime Avenue

George Holford planted important collections of maples and rhododendrons, two species for which Westonbirt is justly famous.

In 1927 the mansion was separated from the arboretum and became a school for girls. The estate was requisitioned by the military in WWII and in 1956 the arboretum passed to the Forestry Commission.

The Arboretum

Westonbirt is an absolute "must-see" for anyone with an interest in gardening, or even in an enjoyable stroll through lovely countryside! The arboretum is divided into two sections, the Old Arboretum, closest to the parking lot and visitor centre, and a newer plantation known as Silk Wood, containing several national collections of trees (oak and Japanese maple among them).

Acer Glade

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Westonbirt, apart from the wide variety of trees and plants on view, is the way that public access is arranged. You can choose to travel by way of the gravelled footpaths, which meander slowly throughout the arboretum, or strike off on wide, grassed avenues that cut directly across the plantations.

The Old Arboretum is more level, while the newer plantation does call for a little more strenuous use of leg muscles to follow the ups and downs of the landscape, but you can bypass the worst of the slopes by using the Treetop Walkway, a purpose-built pedestrian bridge over the gully that dives the arboretum into two parts.

Acer Glade

Perhaps the most famous corner of Westonbirt is Acer Glade, in the Old arboretum, where the autumn colours can be truly spectacular. Best seen in mid-to-late October for bright colours, Acer Glade is enjoyable year round.

Maple Loop

Maple Loop

Located in the newer Silk Wood section of the arboretum, this circular walk is home to some of the most vibrant autumn colours. Just off the Maple Loop is the 2,000 Year Lime coppice, an extraordinary grove of lime trees originating from a single root system. Some scientists believe that this lime tree grove may be as much as 2,000 years old.

More Arboretum Highlights

Westonbirt offers a mix of siinous paths and long, formal avenues. Among the latter is Holford Ride, in the Old Arboretum, where the broad avenue frames views of the Holford family's home of Westonbirt House. Also in the Old Aboretum is the Lime Avenue, a broad, straight corridor flanked by aromatic lime trees planted in 1870.

Willelsey Drive, in Silk Wood, is lush with Japanese katsura. In autumn the katsura leaves give off an aromatic scent of caramel.

Inside the 2,000 year old lime coppice

The arboretum is well provided with benches, so you can relax and soak in the lovely surroundings. There are also cafes and an interpretive centre where various visitor programs are run throughout the year.

Recent events include willow basket making, a Christmas Craft Fair, conker championships, and free guided walks led by volunteer guides from the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum.