Coast redwood

The main draw for most people is the collection of Coast Redwood trees—these California natives are genuinely impressive, towering overhead and giving you a real sense of their sheer scale as you walk beneath them. It's quite something to encounter trees of that stature here in England.

The arboretum was established in the mid-19th century when Robert Stayner Holford began his passion project of collecting rare and exotic species from around the world. Those redwoods are just one highlight among over 15,000 specimens spread across the grounds. You can easily spend a full day wandering the network of paths, taking in the seasonal changes—autumn and spring are particularly striking—and if you want a different perspective, there's a popular treetop walkway that offers views you won't get from ground level. It's the kind of place where you really feel connected to the natural world.

Practically speaking, Westonbirt sits just a short drive from Tetbury, a proper market town where you can grab a coffee or lunch afterwards. Malmesbury and Cirencester are also close by, so it works well as part of a broader day exploring this part of the region.