Katsura

Westonbirt Arboretum holds thousands of specimens from around the globe, and walking its many miles of paths feels like exploring a living museum where each turn reveals something different.

The Katsura trees deserve particular attention, especially when autumn arrives. Their heart-shaped leaves transform into brilliant golds, oranges, and reds, and as they fall they release a distinctive sweet scent reminiscent of caramel or burnt sugar. It's an experience that engages multiple senses at once. Beyond these standout specimens, you can discover towering redwoods or take the STIHL Treetop Walkway for an unusual vantage point among the canopy. Whether you're after a peaceful walk, a family outing, or simply a quiet place to be among nature, the arboretum delivers.

The collection began during the Victorian era when Robert Stayner Holford started carefully developing the grounds. That same process of growth and discovery continues today. It sits conveniently close to the Cotswold towns of Tetbury and Malmesbury, so you can easily combine a visit here with exploring other parts of the region.