Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

UK, United Kingdom

---

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in the UK, is one of the most important and widely known arboreta in the country, located in Gloucestershire near Tetbury.

Established in 1829 by Robert Stayner Holford, it was originally part of the Westonbirt House estate and designed during the Victorian era to showcase a diverse collection of trees from around the world, reflecting the period's fascination with plant hunting.

The arboretum covers approximately 600 acres and is home to over 15,000 trees, including 2,500 species, featuring rare, native, and exotic varieties such as Japanese maples, incenses, and champion trees notable for their height and girth. It has a rich history of collecting and planting species from the farthest reaches of the globe, many sourced during expedition trips sponsored by Holford, making it a significant horticultural site.

Managed by Forestry England since 1956, Westonbirt is celebrated for its aesthetic landscape, which integrates native and exotic flora into picturesque scenery, attracting visitors for both its natural beauty and conservation efforts.

The arboretum offers guided walks, sensory experiences, family-friendly routes, and accessibility options, with entrance fees varying seasonally and free parking available, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, families, and botanists alike.