Children and families are being encouraged to 'roam free' at Westonbirt Arboretum this summer 2025, with a variety of activities to take part in throughout the holidays and many of them included with the price of admission.
Visitors to the popular attraction near Tetbury – which is open seven days a week, all year round – already have picturesque walking routes, its famous Treetop Walkway and natural play areas to enjoy, with plenty more to look forward to throughout July and August.
Running until Sunday 31 August 2025, little explorers can search for and learn about a host of livings things on the arboretum's summer family trail Biodiversity Detectives, ticking off trail challenges on their activity sheet as they go, to earn a special reward at the end.
On Saturday 12 July 2025, families are invited to roll up their sleeves for a unique opportunity to leave their mark at Westonbirt, helping to replant an area of woodland felled due to ash dieback at a Community Woodland Public Volunteering Day.
History buffs young and old can learn all about the arboretum’s fascinating past on Saturday 19 July 2025, delving through archive records, maps and old photos of Westonbirt in Roots of the Past – Uncovering Westonbirt’s Heritage.
From Tuesday 5 to Thursday 7 August, children aged three and up can discover how tree fibres are used in making crafts and where natural dyes come from, with artist-led activity Fabulous Fibres.
One for older children, Arboretum Apprentice invites those aged 11 to 14 to explore the connection between people and trees and get a feel for what it's like to work at Westonbirt on Tuesday 12, Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 August 2025 – with advance booking recommended as spaces are limited.
Coming to Westonbirt over the weekend of Friday 15 to Sunday 17 August 2025, visitors can enjoy movie magic amongst the trees watching big-screen favourites like The Greatest Showman, Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza, a Gruffalo and Stick Man double bill and The Lion King, courtesy of Open-Air Adventure Cinema, with tickets starting at £15.50.
And lastly in August, children aged three and up can learn how trees help people with health and medicines through hands-on activities before embarking on a short discovery trail, with Lotions and Potions from Tuesday 19 to Thursday 21 August 2025.
Throughout the summer, families can also enjoy the Stick Man trail, packed with fun stick-based activities and the chance to discover 'tree-mendous' facts about forest wildlife.
For more information, including event times, or to book Arboretum Apprentice or cinema tickets, visit forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-summer.
