9 Reasons to Visit Westonbirt Arboretum in Spring

If you’re searching for a captivating destination to embrace the wonders of spring, look no further than Westonbirt Arboretum.

Nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire, the national arboretum boasts a diverse range of tree species from all around the world, offering a unique and awe-inspiring experience for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts and simple wanderers alike.

Visitors can explore the extensive network of pathways that wind through the trees, allowing for immersive experiences amidst the enchanting scenery. The arboretum offers various walking trails from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes, catering to different preferences and fitness levels.

For example, you can wander through the picturesque Silk Wood, the arboretum’s largest woodland area, or take the Treetop Walkway, which offers a unique perspective from the canopy.

The seasons of Westonbirt

Most well-known for its kaleidoscope of vibrant red, orange, yellow and gold colours in autumn; closely followed by its Enchanted Christmas light extravaganza every winter, Westonbirt offers visitors an abundance of beauty whatever time of year you visit.

We were recently invited to see for ourselves on a spring discovery tour. Our lovely guides, Alan and Maggie, spent two and half hours showing us the some of the most spectacular spring colours on offer that sunny Sunday, also explaining that things can change so quickly that there’s almost always something new to see every single day!

Top tip: Be sure to pick up a ‘Wow Map’ at the Welcome Centre when you arrive – this is updated every week with the most spectacular things to see at that given time.

Our guides were walking, talking arboreal encyclopaedias, and we learnt so much during our short time with them. For example, we were surprised to learn that the massive 600 acres site only has around 50 full-time staff, mainly getting its support from almost 300 volunteers like Maggie and Alan.

The history of Westonbirt Arboretum

They also taught us a lot about the history of Westonbirt Arboretum, which came into being thanks to Robert Holford [If history’s not your bag, feel free to skip ahead].

A wealthy solicitor and landscape enthusiast, when he inherited the rather hefty estate, he embarked on an ambitious project to create a world-class arboretum. Under his guidance, extensive planting of trees from all around the world began in 1829.

This wasn’t done willy-nilly however, as Alan explained during the tour, but rather focused around the concept of picturesque landscaping. This was a big trend of the time, which entailed creating compositions that balance various elements such as plants, trees, pathways and structural features in a way that creates a visually striking and harmonious scene – just like this:

The arboretum grew rapidly, with trees sourced from various expeditions and ‘plant hunters’ who travelled to remote corners of the globe. By 1855, much of the Old Arboretum had been laid out, including Main Drive and Specimen Avenue, which we meandered along during our visit. Maggie explained that this was where Holford would bring his guests to showcase his venture. As back then (albeit with much younger specimens!), the avenue is lined with carefully selected and labelled different tree species to create an educational and visually stunning display.

The arboretum stayed in the Holford family until the 1900s, eventually becoming the property of the Forestry Commission in 1956. Opened to the general public in 1961, the commission has since managed and maintained the site ensuring its preservation.

Spring highlights at Westonbirt Arboretum

Now it’s time to join us as we uncover the many reasons why visiting Westonbirt Arboretum in spring is an absolute delight.

1- Blossoming splendour

As spring breathes life into every corner of Westonbirt a breath-taking transformation takes place. Delicate buds unfurl, turning the landscape into a tapestry of blossoms. Magnolias, cherries, azaleas and rhododendrons burst forth in vibrant hues, creating a picturesque canvas that captivates visitors.

But it’s not just a treat for the eye; as you wander through the winding paths, you’ll also find yourself immersed in a symphony of fragrances (be warned, some might not be all that appealing though!)

2- The magic of bluebells

One of the most enchanting sights at Westonbirt Arboretum in spring is the mesmerising carpet of bluebells. Wander through ancient woodlands dotted with these delicate flowers, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.

3 – Educational opportunities

Westonbirt Arboretum isn’t just a scenic haven; it’s also an educational treasure trove. The arboretum provides a wealth of knowledge about trees and their conservation. Attend informative talks or embark on guided walks like we did to deepen your understanding of the natural world.

Springtime provides a unique opportunity to learn about the different tree species and witness their incredible growth and regeneration. We learnt so much from our guides during our time there, who not only educated us, but also brought the place to life with their anecdotes and fun facts. For example, did you know that:

• Westonbirt has a Wollemi pine, which was thought extinct for over two billion years until discovered in a canyon in the Blue Mountains, Australia in 1994. Until then it had only ever been seen as a prehistoric fossil.
• Prince Albert came up with the idea of Christmas trees after seeing a Serbian Spruce.
• The magnolia was the first ever flowering plant, with fossils found that date back to the cretaceous period.

As we began the tour walking to Down Gate, we learnt that the arboretum is the largest of its kind in the temperate world, and in the Down Gate area alone there are species from four different continents.

We got up close and personal to some giant sequoia and redwoods dating back to 1861, including those known as the ‘three sisters’, which Holford gifted to his daughters on his death, and went hunting for cones that held the seeds for these beasts.

The tour was very tactile and engaging, and for those that wanted to participate, you’re even given the chance to taste something. On our tour that was a leaf from a pepper plant, which was delicious, but definitely had a kick!

4 – Wildlife encounters

Springtime at Westonbirt Arboretum welcomes a host of fascinating wildlife from birds and insects through to small mammals. During our exploration we met several friendly squirrels, watch some busy bees flit between the flowers and their hives, and even spotted an impressive badger den.

Keep your eyes peeled for woodpeckers and warblers and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a deer or two gracefully meandering through the woodlands.

5 – Serene tranquillity

Amidst the vibrant blooms and lively wildlife, Westonbirt Arboretum provides pockets of serenity and tranquillity. I mean, with over 600 acres to meander through, you’re bound to find a lovely spot all to yourself!

Immerse yourself in the tranquillity as you wander through its peaceful groves and secluded corners. Whether you’re seeking a moment of solitude or a quiet stroll with loved ones, the arboretum’s serene ambiance offers the perfect escape from the stresses of everyday life.

6 – The Treetop Walkway

Elevated 42 metres above the forest floor, Westonbirt’s Treetop Walkway offers a unique perspective on the arboretum’s stunning spring landscape. As you traverse the walkway, you’ll find yourself immersed in a captivating interplay of light and shadow, with the canopy providing a verdant roof overhead. From up here you can also take in the arboretum’s breath-taking vistas from a whole new angle.

7 – A photographer’s heaven

For photographers, the arboretum provides countless opportunities to capture stunning images. The vibrant colours, combined with soft lighting and natural backdrops, offers an ideal setting for capturing the essence of spring.

Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, Westonbirt Arboretum will inspire you with its photogenic landscapes. There’s even a Perfect Picture Trail available to help you out!

Top tip! The Arboretum Explorer app details every tree in the arboretum and is accurate up to six feet. If there’s something specific you want to see during your visit, this will help you find it.

8 – Seasonal events and activities

Westonbirt Arboretum hosts an array of engaging events and activities throughout the spring season (well, all year in fact!).

From guided walks and photography workshops to children’s discovery trails and family festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the world of horticulture by attending informative talks or take part in nature-inspired arts and crafts.

I particularly liked the fact that there are blind guides on the volunteer roster, offering visitors with sight limitations a sensory tour of the arboretum. Accessibility is given its due consideration here, with aids for hire to help those with restricted mobility make the most of their visit.

9 – Family-friendly adventures

Bring the whole family along and embark on an outdoor adventure in Westonbirt Arboretum. Explore the Gruffalo trail, where kids can encounter the beloved characters from the popular children’s book. Engage in interactive activities, solve puzzles, and let your little ones’ imaginations run wild in this captivating woodland setting.

Visiting Westonbirt Arboretum in Spring

A visit to Westonbirt Arboretum in spring promises an enchanting experience that will leave you spellbound. The vibrant blooms and captivating wildlife offer a delightful escape into nature’s embrace.

Whether you’re an avid photographer, nature enthusiast or simply seeking a picturesque outing, this arboretum is an oasis of beauty waiting to be explored.

So, don’t miss the chance to witness the symphony of colours and fragrances at Westonbirt Arboretum this spring!