Westonbirt Arboretum is a breathtaking landscape of diverse and important trees. It’s our favourite place to visit as a family at the weekend and I’m convinced there’s a calm, healing energy around trees, especially ancient and older forests like this one. It can, of course, be harder to feel all those good tree vibes when you have a three year old and a two year old in tow, however, we usually return more relaxed, connected and content (and the kids worn out and ready for a nap!).
The arboretum changes dramatically as you visit through the seasons. I find your eye is drawn to different trees and at times, some literally burst into your vision as if shining in a spotlight. There’s dramatic avenues of trees, vibrant flowers and berries, and spectacular autumnal leaf colour changes. It’s said that the creator, Robert Holford, rather than plant the trees he brought back from his expeditions according to species, he planted the arboretum aesthetically, according to the Picturesque movement that was sweeping the art world at the time. It’s a photographers haven and my phone snaps, (usually taken whilst running after children), certainly don’t do it justice.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
From a practical perspective it’s great because it’s been built to include something for everyone.
- It’s about 30-40 mins from Bath
- It’s a paid for site, adults £8, children over 5yrs £5 (make sure you book tickets in advance)
- It has all the necessary amenities, parking, toilets and refreshments.
- Dogs are welcome
- Smaller children can take bikes and scooters There’s a great wooden playground on site
- It’s paved, pretty flat, and accessible to all, buggies & wheelchairs
- It is, of course, popular but with 600 acres there’s plenty of space for everyone.
- There’s a host of activities and events or simply meander the paths as we do.
