Warm weather and sunshine make summer the perfect season to spend time outdoors surrounded by nature – with no better place to do that in Gloucestershire than at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum.
Offering an abundance of thriving flora and fauna to discover and a range of events and activities to enjoy, there's something for the whole family at Westonbirt in summer. SoGlos list seven of the best ways to enjoy the season at the beloved outdoor attraction in 2026.
And making it easier for families to visit, look out for its reductions on standard admission tickets and children's meals throughout the summer.
Tune in to nature
Visitors to Westonbirt are invited to pause, listen, take a long deep breath and reconnect with the living world around them this summer, taking in the natural sounds and sights of one of the most beautiful and important plant collections in the world.
Venture off the paths to find a tree that feels special to you, listen for the sounds of wildlife – the quiet hum of bees, and the calls of wild birds – discover secret scents hidden in the leaves and bark, and feel tall grasses between your fingers as you wander through its meadow areas.
Heading out for a stroll on one of its many walking trails, or up into the canopy on its popular Treetop Walkway, are good places to start for experiencing nature, with maps available to collect on entry and provision for those less mobile too – including a shuttle bus offering pickup and drop-off at the beginning and end of many of its short walks.
Let the kids run free with natural play
Kids will love exploring the natural sights and sounds of Westonbirt, with plenty of space to run free, trees and shrubs to hide amongst and secret paths to explore, throughout the arboretum.
And younger visitors can also blow off steam in its popular natural play areas, containing all sorts of wooden features for climbing, sliding and scrambling, and plenty of nature to discover and investigate.
With 12 to discover across the grounds, highlights include Exploratree, where children can embrace their inner explorer, scavenger or plant hunter in its 'weather station' and 'explorer's lab'; Holford Hollow, an accessible boardwalk around a central oak, with plenty of nets and logs to climb on; and the new 'hide and seek' themed Silk Wood play area, with plenty of eye-catching wooden attractions to explore.
Walk your dog in acres of space
Four-legged family members can get their fill of fun at Westonbirt this summer, too, with acres of space to walk your dog.
Two thirds of the arboretum's grounds are dog-friendly, with pooches able to run free off-lead in Silk Wood and the lower downs.
While the old arboretum is a dog-free zone, except for assistance dogs, all dogs are welcome on-lead around the arboretum's main visitor areas and facilities, including the car park and upper downs.
Explore family-friendly activity trails
As well as all the main walks around the Old Arboretum and Silk Wood, Westonbirt has launched a special seasonal activity trail to enjoy this summer.
Until the end of August 2026, Westonbirt's summer theme, ‘In Tune With Nature’, comes to life through an immersive trail that winds through the arboretum. Created for all ages, the trail invites visitors to pause and be present – tuning in to birdsong, rustling leaves and dappled light – whilst discovering how time among trees can soothe the mind and lift the spirit.
And families won't want to miss the Room on the Broom trail – new for this year – joining much-loved Julia Donaldson character Witch and her friends for a 'spellbinding' journey featuring 'fun activities, fascinating forest facts, and a sprinkle of woodland magic'.
Take part in events and activities
Visitors can also get involved in the arboretum's series of seasonal events, with everything from nature spotting and wellness, to fun craft sessions, on selected dates throughout the summer.
All included with the price of admission, enjoy family-friendly wellbeing walks with gentle yoga, connect with the trees through sound creativity workshops, discover the arboretum through sight, sound, touch and smell on sensory guided walks, and let the kids get crafty with a 'woodland orchestra' workshop, where they create their own musical instruments using natural materials.
While wildlife-focused activities include a day of mapping the sounds of woodland wildlife, and the chance to watch bees at work and discover the fascinating lives of free‑living honeybees.
Enjoy a picnic under the trees
With acres of gorgeous grounds to choose from, you're sure to find an idyllic spot for a summer picnic with your friends and loved ones at Westonbirt.
Visitors are welcome to stretch out a blanket in a picturesque woodland clearing, whether in the sun or the cool shade, or take a perch on one of the picnic tables available in the main visitor area.
You can either bring all your own food and drinks with you, or pick up tasty treats to go from the cafe and restaurant on-site, including homemade sandwiches, freshly made cakes, hot and cold drinks and more.
Watch big name artists live in concert
Returning to Westonbirt this June 2026, Forestry England's Forest Live concerts offer a rare chance to experience live music in one of the Cotswolds’ most atmospheric locations.
Big names including Fatboy Slim, Richard Ashcroft, Rick Astley, Deacon Blue and UB40 will all be performing outdoors at the arboretum this month, from Wednesday 24 to Sunday 28 June 2026.
With tickets still available for the shows, make your visit to Westonbirt a day to remember – exploring the arboretum during the day, before watching world-renowned acts live on stage by night.
