Why June is the Perfect Time to Explore Westonbirt Arboretum
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Westonbirt Arboretum bursts into life every June. With long, (hopefully) sunny days and a stunning array of events, it's the ideal time to plan your visit and reconnect with nature. Whether you're a family looking for adventure, a keen gardener seeking inspiration, or simply someone yearning for a dose of fresh air, Westonbirt has something for everyone.
Unveiling the New Green Games Family Summer Trail
Mark your calendars! 05 June sees the launch of the brand new Green Games family summer trail. This exciting adventure will take you on a playful journey through the arboretum, packed with challenges, puzzles, and fascinating facts about the natural world. It's the perfect way to keep young minds engaged while exploring the wonders of Westonbirt.
Immerse Yourself in a Wildflower Spectacle
Summer is prime time to witness Westonbirt's glorious wildflower meadows in full bloom. Carpets of vibrant colour explode across the landscape, creating a breathtaking scene that's sure to leave you spellbound. Take a leisurely stroll on a wildflower walk and soak in the beauty of nature's vibrant palette. First Tuesday of every month until September.
Sensory Woodland: A Family Discovery Day
Calling all curious explorers! On Saturday 15 Jun - 10:30am - 3:30pm, the arboretum is hosting a special Sensory Woodland family discovery day. This interactive event allows children to engage with their senses through a variety of fun activities, making learning about the natural world both exciting and enriching.
Join the Community: Woodland Tree Care Day
Westonbirt is committed to preserving its magnificent trees for generations to come. If you're passionate about conservation and giving back to the community, why not volunteer for the Community Woodland Tree Care Day? This event, coinciding with the Bristol Festival of Nature, allows you to contribute to the arboretum's ongoing maintenance while learning valuable skills from experienced foresters. Sunday 09 Jun - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Make Westonbirt Your Summer Sanctuary
A single visit to Westonbirt is a delightful experience, but with so much to see and do, why not consider becoming a member, if you’re not already?! For the price of just three visits, you'll gain unlimited free access to the arboretum throughout the year, allowing you to witness the changing seasons and discover new wonders hidden amongst the trees.
Plan your Westonbirt adventure today and unlock a world of natural beauty this June!
Event & Activity details
Trails
Green Games – family summer trail
Wednesday 05 June – Wednesday 04 September
As you explore the Old Arboretum this summer, look out for eight games that invite you to play together. Use your imagination, test your memory, beat your opponents and improve your aim!
Spending time amongst the trees and really noticing nature is scientifically proven to boost our mental and physical health. Follow the trail to take a mindful walk through the arboretum that invites you to relax.
The Gruffalo is celebrating his 25th birthday and to celebrate, everyone is invited to take part in a brand-new forest adventure. Purchase your Gruffalo Party Trail pack from the Westonbirt Shop.
The interactive family trail features all sorts of party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures.
Guided walks
Old Arboretum, Daily - 11:00am & 2:00pm
Discovery walk, Every 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month - 10:30am
Sensing nature, Every Friday from April - September - 11:30am
Wildflower walk, First Tuesday of the month, April - September - 10.30am
Events
Community woodland tree care day
Sunday 09 June - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Come along and help with the project with a day of mulching and tree care.
Half marathon, 10km, 5km and 1 mile
Sunday 23 June - From 8am
Family activity
Sensory woodland - family discovery day
Saturday 15 June - 10:30am - 3:30pm
Come and join us Silk Wood Barn to discover more about nature through touch, sound and sight. Follow our blindfold rope trail, create a sound map, use colour filters and prisms to see through the eyes of a bee and design your own flower UV pattern art.
Education
Every third Saturday of the month - 10:00am - 4:00pm
Our Wild Westonbirt programme is aimed at young adults aged 14 - 18.
School term time, Monday, Thursday & Friday - 10.15am - 11.45am & Monday & Friday 12.30pm - 2pm
Learning With Nature runs weekly Tots & Twigs Forest School sessions at Westonbirt Arboretum for pre-school children (2 years to 5 years of age) and their parents/carers.
Every third Saturday of the month - 10:00am - 4:00pm
We are running learning sessions throughout the year for home-educated children, aged 7-11.
Using the arboretum’s magnificent surroundings, students will have the opportunity to engage creatively with the natural setting. Each event has a different theme and learning activity for the children to immerse themselves in.
Workshops
Every Tuesday & Wednesday - 10am - 11.15am
Join the Nordic Nomad for weekly Nordic Walking sessions. A fun chance to socialise with other Nordic Walkers, exploring all that Westonbirt has to offer.
Dates during 2024 - 9:00am - 5:00pm
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, using a variety of hand tools to carve a seat and to frame a well proportioned and strong Windsor chair.
Saturday 15 June, Saturday 06 July, plus other dates - 10:00am - 4:00pm
Spend a relaxing day crafting and weaving in a small group of like-minded people - absolute beginners are very welcome and all the materials will be provided.
