Ancient sweetness

This is much more than just woodland—it's a living museum where you can walk among thousands of different trees from across the globe, many of them ancient and full of character. The experience divides into two distinct areas: the formal Old Arboretum, where individual specimen trees display their unique shapes and forms, and the more natural Silk Wood, offering peaceful woodland paths perfect for wandering and reflection. The Stihl Treetop Walkway is a genuine highlight, an elevated walkway that lets you move through the canopy itself, particularly beautiful when autumn colours arrive or spring leaves emerge.

Robert Stayner Holford established this arboretum in the mid-1800s, building the remarkable collection you see today. Most visitors find a full day here passes easily—there's plenty of space to explore, breathe in the fresh air, and take in the extraordinary range of plant life. When you're ready for food or shopping, Tetbury lies just a short drive away with its well-known antique dealers, or you might head to Malmesbury, a market town with good facilities. It's a genuinely restorative place to spend time, offering a distinctive combination of nature and horticultural interest that stays with you long after you leave.