Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure at Westonbirt!

Published: June 11, 2025 - Last updated 08 December 2025 - Please note: This blog was first published more than a year ago.
Westonbirt Arboretum

Whether you're bringing the whole family or gathering with friends, Forestry England's Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, is bursting with excitement, wonder, and natural beauty. Feel a wonderful sense of freedom as you wander through soaring tree canopies, vibrant wildflower meadows and breathtaking woodland trails.

Westonbirt isn't just a sanctuary for trees and wildlife - it's a place that lifts the spirit and sparks joy. Every day, staff and volunteers witness visitors light up with happiness and a wonderful sense of wellbeing as they explore the arboretum, discovering a powerful connection to nature that leaves everyone refreshed and inspired. As Westonbirt's team care for this extraordinary collection of trees, the trees and beautiful landscape quietly returns the favour - nurturing us in return.

Bring the children and let their imaginations run wild! From discovery trails among the trees to nature-inspired play and activity days, Westonbirt is packed with moments that will make hearts race and faces beam. And yes, you'll feel that skip in your step too!

With a packed programme of summer family fun - all included in admission and membership - there's never been a better time to dive into the wonders of Westonbirt!

Biodiversity Detectives family trail from now until 31 August. You and the children will be searching for and learning about many livings things as you explore Westonbirt's self-guided family trail in dog-friendly Silk Wood. Collect your detectives activity sheet from the Welcome Building to complete the trail challenges as you go and return to collect your reward at the end!

Meet the Machines family activity day, Saturday 14 June, 10:30am - 3:30pm. This day offers children the exciting chance to get up close to some of the vehicles used at Westonbirt to care for the trees and landscape. Children will even get the chance to sit in one of the big tractors! For ages 3+.

Community Woodland Public Volunteering Day, Saturday 12 July, 11:00am - 3:00pm. Ideal for families with children aged over 7 years, help re-plant an area of woodland cleared due to ash dieback. Come along and help this project with an active day of community volunteering involving plenty of mulching and tree care.

Roots of the Past - Uncovering Westonbirt's Heritage, family activity Saturday 19 July,
10:30am - 3:30pm. Join some of Westonbirt's team and the Green Pledge Project from Gloucestershire County Council to discover more about Westonbirt?s heritage. Delve through archive records, maps and old photos to learn about the arboretum's fascinating past. For ages 6+.

Fabulous fibres, family activity, Tuesday 5 - Thursday 7 August, 10:30am - 3:30pm.
Ever wondered how to use tree fibres in making crafts, or where natural dyes come from in nature? Come along to find out from the artist who will be leading these family activities each day. For ages 3+.

Arboretum Apprentice, family activity taking place Tuesday 12, Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 August, 10:30am - 12:00pm. A hands-on program for 11-14-year-olds to join Westonbirt's team for an exciting summer experience at the arboretum, exploring the connection between people and trees - and the chance to deep-dive into the work and various careers at Westonbirt. Please visit the website to book your place. Places are limited.

Open-Air Adventure Cinema, Friday 15 to Sunday 17 August, various show times. Adventure Cinema, the UK's No.1 Outdoor Cinema Shows, are bringing big-screen favourites to Westonbirt including The Greatest Showman, Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza, The Gruffalo & Stick Man and Lion King. Book tickets online in advance. Prices start at £15.50.

Lotions and Potions family activity, Tuesday 19 - Thursday 21 August, 10:30am - 3:30pm. Bring the children to enjoy some hands-on activities and learn how trees help people with health and medicines, and follow a short discovery trail close to the Learning Centre. For ages 3+.

Woodland Wellbeing family activity, Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 August, 10:30am - 3:30pm. Westonbirt is welcoming back storyteller Michael Loader, inviting you and the children to enjoy wonderful storytelling sessions and story walks through the arboretum. For ages 3+.

You can also set off with a hop and twirl with the children as you join Stick Man on his forest adventure at Westonbirt! The interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree. To make the most of the trail, grab your trail pack for just £4 at the Welcome Building when you arrive or from Westonbirt Shop.

For all the nature enthusiasts amongst us, choose from one of Westonbirt's four guided walks to ensure that you see some of the arboretum's most beautiful places, hear some hidden secrets and learn more about the wonderful trees.

Westonbirt is the perfect place to explore, unwind, and reconnect this summer! Whether you're strolling, running, discovering, or simply soaking up the sunshine (or seeking the shade), there's no better time to visit or a more beautiful place in which to roam free.

For more information see: Forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/summer