Bristol whitebeam

The collection is one of the most significant of its kind, containing thousands of trees and shrubs from temperate regions everywhere. You could easily spend a full day exploring the formal gardens of the Old Arboretum or venturing into the more natural woodland sections of Silk Wood, where trails wind through both native British species and exotic varieties. The Stihl Treetop Walkway is particularly worth experiencing—it lets you walk through the forest canopy itself, offering an entirely different way to see what's growing here. The paths work well for most visitors, there's good space for spreading out with a picnic, and families will find plenty to keep them occupied. Different seasons offer their own rewards, whether that's spring blooms or the dramatic colour shifts of autumn. The collection developed from mid-19th century beginnings and remains active in conservation and scientific research today. You'll encounter numerous rare and interesting trees throughout, including several varieties found nowhere else but Britain. Tetbury sits just a short drive away, and if you want to make a bigger day of it, both Malmesbury and Cirencester are easily accessible for exploring more of the southern Cotswolds. On-site parking, a café, and a shop mean you can settle in without worrying about the practicalities.