Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

Things to do at Westonbirt this summer


This summer, we want Westonbirt Arboretum to be a place you can visit with the family to boost everyone’s wellbeing.

Westonbirt has so much to offer alongside our beautiful collection of trees – here are some highlights to help you plan your adventure!

Summer at Westonbirt

There’s no such thing as a Gruffalo…

Take the whole family on a stroll through the deep, dark wood to spot the Gruffalo and his friends with the Gruffalo Spotters Trail in Silk Wood. Download the app to watch the characters come to life among the trees. Or pop into the Old Arboretum and hunt down the Gruffalo Sculptures on Loop Walk, can you find all the animals from the book?

Summer at Westonbirt

Family activities

Find our learning gazebo in Silk Wood throughout August for a variety of family fun activities. Each week there is a different theme including making journey sticks of your adventures around the arboretum and collecting natural treasures to tell others about your day of exploration.

Summer at Westonbirt

Natural play

Pick up a natural play leaflet from the information point and discover a variety of entertaining activities ranging from den building to ‘What’s the time Mr Wolf’. Or how about a game of noughts and crosses with sticks and cones? The whole woodland floor is your playground if you let your imagination run wild.

Summer at Westonbirt

Climb a tree

Do you remember the simple joy of climbing a tree? You may think climbing our trees is frowned upon, but we actively encourage people to connect with trees in a safe and joyful way. Our recommendation is to only reach for branches that are thicker than your wrist, respect the tree and make sure you can get down again!

Summer at Westonbirt

Picnic

Summer is the perfect season to pack a blanket and eat a picnic under the shade of a tree. Or we have food and drink available with picnic tables across the downs. And surely no picnic is complete without a delicious Marshfield’s ice cream from the Pantry! We even have doggy ice cream for your canine companions.

Summer at Westonbirt

And remember KIDS GO FREE* for members!
Find out more about membership benefits


Can’t make it to Westonbirt?

Don’t worry – we still have you covered with over 50 activities available for you and your family to do at home or at a woodland near you. Make a natural mandala, create a dance inspired by trees or go on a bug hunt; be one with nature and breathe in the fresh air, with our wellbeing activities.

Whether it is having fun with your children or grandchildren, taking your dogs for a walk, going for a run or a relaxed walk with your loved ones, we want to help you boost your wellbeing, in a way that works for you.

Find even more activities on Forestry England's webpage...