Spring in Full Swing
May is the perfect time to enjoy the breathtaking spring blooms at Westonbirt. The arboretum comes alive with a burst of vibrant colours and sweet scents including the Rhododendrons, with so many plants in full bloom. It’s a great chance to take in the beauty of the bluebells, especially in the cool, shady areas of Silk Wood.
Must book: Wild Flower Guided Walk - 2 hours, Tuesday 6 May, 10.30am Booking required.
Discover the fascinating world of wild flowers and other flora at Westonbirt Arboretum and uncover the many uses, stories and traditions associated with each one.
Don’t miss: The ARB Show 2025 - Fri 16 May - Sat 17 May - 9am - 5pm
The ARB Show 2025 is a fantastic celebration of trees and the latest innovations in tree care and arboriculture. Enjoy a family-friendly packed programme of talks and activities and even try your hand at tree climbing. It’s a great day out at Westonbirt, full of fun, learning and a deeper appreciation for the trees around us.
Get Stuck in: Community Tree Planting Sat 17 May - 11:00am - 3:00pm Booking required.
Join the tree team for a hands-on day supporting the Silk Wood re-planting project with some rewarding mulching and tree care. They’ll provide all the tools and training you need. Come along, enjoy the fresh air, and make a real difference. This day is perfect for adults and families with children aged 7+.
May Half-Term: Family Fun Activities
Biodiversity Detectives - 31 May
Become a budding biodiversity detective on the Spring Trail. Explore the wonders of Westonbirt and discover local wildlife through fun science-inspired challenges and activities. Collect your detective's activity sheet from the Welcome Building to complete as you go and return to collect your reward at the end. Best suited to children aged 6+.
Stick Man trail - available daily until September
Can you help Stick Man find his way back to the family tree? With plenty of interactive challenges and activities along the way, this self-guided trail is sure to be a family favourite. Activity packs are available to purchase from the Welcome Building and Westonbirt shop during opening times and cost just £4.
Woodland Webs – Tuesday 27 – Thursday 29 May, 10.30-3.30pm
Join the free family craft event making a woodland web paper chain, craft pipe cleaner trees, and use microscopes to discover life in leaves, soil, and on branches! Suitable for children aged 3+.
Wild and Wonderful Walks to Discover
Wild Flower Guided Walk - 2 hours, Tuesday 06 May, 10.30am
See Westonbirt Arboretum in a new light as you explore the wonderful world of wild flowers and learn the stories, tales and traditions behind each species. Guided walk tickets cost £1 per person when booked in advance. Booking open soon.
Sensing Nature Guided Walks - 11:30am every Friday of the month from April - September.
Let our visually impaired guides take you on an immersive sensory journey through Westonbirt. Slow down, shift your perspective, and explore the trees using your nonvisual senses. Please note that dogs are not permitted on these walks (except assistance dogs).
Westonbirt Guided Walks - Daily 11:00am
Join our knowledgeable volunteers for a guided walk through the Old Arboretum and discover seasonal highlights and hidden gems. With the arboretum ever-changing, each walk offers a unique experience every time.
Discovery Walks – Every Thursday 11.30am
Embark on a journey off the beaten path and explore the fascinating world of our trees and plants with our weekly themed Discovery Walks.
- Thursday 01 May & 08 May – Rhododendrons - discover the vibrant rhododendron blooms brightening our landscape.
- Thursday 15 May – Wood from the Trees - highlights trees and the timber used in everyday products.
- Thursday 29 May - Plant hunters - discover the plant hunters who risked it all to bring us the plants we enjoy in the arboretum today.
- Thursday 29 May – Medicinal trees - showcases trees used for medicinal remedies and potions.
Westonbirt Workshops
Whether you fancy levelling up your garden design skills or turning your hand to needle felting, Westonbirt workshops have something to offer everyone.
Creating Garden Plans – Saturday 10 May - £145. Booking required.
Spend a day learning how professional garden designers create a well thought out garden. Aimed at all levels of experience you’ll learn a tried and tested method for planning your garden layout. £145. Book
Dry needle felting - Friday 9 May & Friday 23 May. Booking required.
Join Amy Grimsby for a creative morning of dry needle felting. Price includes all materials and step by step instructions to get you started to create a beautiful woodland creature of your very own. Suitable for beginners. £45
Willow Sculpture - 24 May & 30 May, 10.00am - 4.00pm. Booking required.
Spend a day crafting and weaving in a small group. Absolute beginners are very welcome, and all the materials will be provided. £95
Windsor chair making course - 28 Apr - 3 May & 5 - 10 May. Booking required.
In groups of up to ten, you’ll learn to select timber, to cleave it from the log, to shape it with side axes and with draw knives on a shaving horse and to turn it on a pole lathe. You’ll also try your hand at steam bending. £585.
Take a look at all the workshops available...
Ready, steady, let’s go!
Westonbirt 10K. Wednesday 21 May 2025, 7pm
This popular annual event is sold out for runners, but you’re still welcome to come along, support friends and family, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere in one of Westonbirt’s most beautiful seasons.
June must-do events include concerts with Snow Patrol, Sting, Elbow, Paul Heaton, McFly, and The Script. Book your tickets (subject to availability) and bask in the glow of your favourite music played in your favourite place in the world.
