National Arboretum | Westonbirt

The National Arboretum

1. Westonbirt - The National Arboretum, is renowned worldwide for its tree and shrub collection. It contains nearly 16,000 specimens, including almost half of those woody plants known to grow in the world's temperate climate zone, and covers 600 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Its importance is recognised by English Heritage's Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historical Interest as a Grade 1 registered Landscape.

2. Westonbirt is managed by the Forestry Commission. Visitor numbers are just under 350,000 per annum with a membership of over 22,000.

3. Westonbirt Arboretum was established in 1829 by wealthy landowner Robert Holford, and later developed by his son, George Holford. Much of Westonbirt's renowned Autumn colour is often credited to Sir George's plantings of Japanese maples between 1875 and 1900, many of which are still alive today. Unlike many arboreta, Westonbirt is laid out according to aesthetic appeal rather than scientific or geographical criteria, and the Holfords' legacy is open for all to enjoy - a beautiful, relaxing and unique day out amongst some of the tallest, oldest and rarest trees and shrubs in Britain.

4. Westonbirt is home to the National Maple (Acer) Collection, with over 300 different types in the collection. The Forestry Commission opened Westonbirt Arboretum to the public in 1961, and in 1966 a new Acer Glade was established alongside the original one planted by Robert and George Holford in 1870. Today we are in the process of creating the world’s best collection of maples.

5. Westonbirt Arboretum is three miles south west of Tetbury on the A433 (Tetbury to Bath Road). It is 10 miles north-east of Junction 18 of the M4 and south-east of junction 13 of the M5.

6. The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. Further information can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk

OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES

ARBORETUM OPEN:
Monday to Friday 9am
Saturday & Sunday 9am
ARBORETUM CLOSED: 5pm (1 November - 31 March - or DUSK if earlier)
8pm (1 April - 31 October or DUSK if earlier)
FOREST SHOP, PLANT CENTRE & MAPLES RESTAURANT - open daily 10am - 5pm
(Except: Plant Centre closed 25 December 2007 to 2 January 2008, Forest Shop closed 25/26 Dec & 1 Jan 08)

ADMISSION PRICES:

2 January to 28 February 2007 Adult £5, Concession £4, Child £1
1 March to 31 September 2007 Adult £7, Concession £6, Child £2
1 October to 30 November 2007 Adult £7.50, Concession £6.50, Child £2
1 December to 31 December 2007 Adult £5 Concession £4 Child £1

ADMISSION PRICES FOR SPECIAL EVENTS:

Dog Days: Adult £6, Concession £5, Child £2
Festival of the Tree: Adult £8, Concession £7, Child £3
Illuminated Trail: Adult £6, Concession £5, Child £2

CATEGORIES:

Concession rate applies to: Senior Citizens, Students and Disabled Adults (concession rate for a disabled adult includes free entry for 1 carer per disabled adult)
Child rate applies to 18 years & under
Disabled children aged 18 years and under will be charged the normal child admission rate, as above

GROUPS:
From from 1st March 2007

Adults £5.50
Seniors/Disabled £4.50 (1 Carer per disabled client admitted free)
Children £1

Through the winter period group rates for adults and concessions go down by 50p

Directions

From M4 (approx 15 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 (approx 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.