Westonbirt Arboretum Walk

Route Description for Westonbirt Arboretum Walk

The Westonbirt Arboretum Walk requires paid admission to the Arboretum, and advanced booking is recommended. Please refer to their website for more details. There is a large paid car park at the Westonbirt Arboretum, or you can park in Westonbirt village and walk to the park. There is an off-leash area for dogs in the Silk Wood, but they are required to be leashed everywhere else. Dogs are not permitted in the old Arboretum, so you’ll want to skip this area if you are bringing your pet. To exit the Silk Wood you walk the new treetop walkway, if you choose to skip this section please be aware that the path is quite steep.

This is a beautiful and easy walk that explores the spectacular collection of trees of the National Arboretum. You’ll love the quiet paths and beautiful trees, and the kids will love that they can bring their scooters and bikes if the handles are 1 m from the ground or lower.

From the parking lot, you’ll want to walk towards the Welcome Building. If you brought your dog with you, you’ll walk straight towards the main buildings and turn left onto Waste drive to complete the Silk Wood half of the loop. Otherwise, make a right at the buildings towards the Old Arboretum and walk down Main Drive.

There are many beautiful paths for you to explore that are clearly marked and easy to follow. To make a circuit of the Old Arboretum, take the Main drive away from the main buildings and then turn left at the junction with the Loop walk trail. Follow the trail around the perimeter until it joins with Mitchell drive, which you can follow back to the Welcome Building.

To explore the perimeter of the Silk Wood, take the Treetop Walkway west of the Welcome buildings. After enjoying the views from this path in the canopy, you can follow Willesley drive until it connects with Oak Avenue. Take right on to Oak Avenue, and then another right onto Waste Drive which you can follow back to the Main Arboretum buildings.

Consider a Walking Holiday in the Cotswolds

One of the best ways to experience this stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is by booking a pre-planned adventure tour in the Cotswolds. Find the famous self-guided Cotswolds Way and other amazing guided and self-guided tours on 10Adventures Tours.

Insider Hints for Westonbirt Arboretum Walk

• The Arboretum can get busy, it is recommended to book your visit in advance
• Visit this website for parking and admission prices.
• Your dog will love playing off-leash in Silk Wood, but please remember they are not permitted in the Old Arboretum section
• If you're planning on spending more time in the area longer, consider staying at The Orchard Cottage.