If you’re looking for things to do in and around Stroud, a visit to Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the Cotswolds. Just a short drive from Stroud, this spectacular woodland is home to one of the finest tree collections in the country, with miles of paths to explore and something different to discover in every season.
Whether you’re visiting with family, looking for a peaceful countryside walk or simply love trees and beautiful landscapes, Westonbirt makes a memorable day out near Stroud.
Explore a world of trees
Managed by Forestry England, Westonbirt is home to an extraordinary collection of trees and shrubs from across the globe. The arboretum covers around 600 acres, with an extensive network of paths and trails winding through historic plantings, woodland and open spaces.
There are several distinct areas to explore, including the Old Arboretum, Silk Wood and the Acer Glade. The Old Arboretum is particularly impressive, with many of its trees dating back to the 19th century, while Silk Wood offers a more natural woodland experience.
You don’t need to be a gardening expert to enjoy Westonbirt. Simply walking beneath the trees, discovering unusual species and taking in the changing landscape is an experience in itself.
A different experience in every season
One of the reasons Westonbirt is such a popular Cotswolds attraction is that it changes dramatically throughout the year.
Spring brings fresh green leaves, blossom and woodland flowers. Summer offers lush foliage and shady paths, while autumn is perhaps the arboretum’s most famous season, when its collection of maples, oaks, cherries and other trees creates spectacular displays of colour.
Winter has its own quiet beauty too. With the leaves gone, the structure and form of the trees become much more apparent, making it a peaceful time for a woodland walk.
Westonbirt also hosts seasonal events and activities throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s happening before you visit.
Exploring the Cotswolds
A trip to Westonbirt can easily form part of a wider day out from Stroud. Combine your woodland walk with a visit to nearby villages, explore the Five Valleys or head back into Stroud to discover its independent shops, markets and galleries.
And when it’s time to eat, make Juliet Restaurant on London Road part of your Stroud itinerary. After a day spent walking through the arboretum, our seasonal cooking provides the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy a relaxed meal.
At Juliet, our menus celebrate British and European cooking, with ingredients sourced from local farmers and suppliers alongside fruit, vegetables and herbs grown in our own two-acre kitchen garden at Lypiatt Park.
The connection between the landscape and our kitchen is an important part of what we do. We celebrate the changing seasons through our menus, making a visit to Juliet a natural complement to a day exploring the countryside around Stroud.
Discover Westonbirt
For anyone planning what to do in and around Stroud, Westonbirt Arboretum deserves a place on your itinerary. Allow plenty of time to explore its paths, discover its remarkable collection of trees and enjoy the tranquillity of the woodland.
Whether you visit for the famous autumn colours, a family day out, a long walk or simply a breath of fresh air, Westonbirt offers a chance to reconnect with nature in one of the Cotswolds’ most beautiful settings.
For opening times, seasonal highlights, events, accessibility and booking information, visit Westonbirt, The National Arboretum before your visit.
