Westonbirt, The National Arboretum Reviews Summary

Beauty and Atmosphere

Pros:

• "Such a beautiful and peaceful place with lots to see and do."
• "An unexpectedly beautiful day out."
• "Finally visited Westonbirt for the autumn colours. It was very beautiful."
• "Beautiful as always, no matter what season you come the trees will spoil you with beauty."
• "The trees were absolutely giving it some on the colour front. Beautiful views in every direction."
• "A beautiful place to visit especially in Autumn - the colours on display were breathtaking."
• "Absolutely stunning to see the autumn colours, great variety of trees."

Cons:

• "Most autumnal colours now somewhat faded (10 November), but still lovely to see/stroll, esp. with sunny intervals."
• "It was okay, not as beautiful as I thought it would be. Maybe we need to walk a different part next time."
• "A beautiful place sadly ruined by too many visitors."
• "But it is expensive at £15 per person and one has to ask whether it is worth it compared to walking around other British forests for free."

Facilities and Accessibility

Pros:

• "Cafes and facilities are good and hygenic. Oat milk and vegan ice cream available."
• "The walkway through the canopy was fun and the toilets were clean and modern."
• "Access is easy for the disabled people out there and the toilets are clean."
• "Has multiple walks of different lengths to fit most people, a lot are wheelchair accessible or good for people with reduced mobility."
• "Plenty of free parking."
• "The tree top bridge was quite cool, taking you up close to the canopy."
• "Old arboretum is buggy and wheel chair friendly."

Cons:

• "This year, nothing, I'm definitely not returning next year."
• "Although one member of our party couldn’t complete is as we brought a dog with us and they weren’t permitted on the trail."
• "Quite big but very, very busy (Autumn Half-term); lots and lots of dogs and catering not adequate for the numbers."
• "The only disappointment was that breakfast is not available to order up to 11:30 as advertised."
• "The point is lost due to the onsite catering 'the kitchen'. The sign says open until 4:30 however this is for cake and coffee only."
• "The only negative are some inconsiderate dog owners who do not clean up after their dogs."
• "For an eco attraction it is let down by very poor provision for those arriving by public transport."

Value for Money

Pros:

• "Highly recommend buying membership if you plan on visiting more than 3 times a year."
• "Admissions fee is not high either, so perfect place for a day out."
• "At £15 per adult and dogs + babies being free, I personally think it one of the better days out in the area and worth the money."
• "I recommend taking annual membership as it’s much cheaper if you leave close and want to visit regularly."
• "Very good value entrance (child free in summer hols; free mobility scooter hire + free entrance, inc. for my wife as carer; only paid £11 for our adult daughter)."
• "Yearly Membership is however great value for money so we go there often."
• "£21 for an adult ticket, absolute bargain for the experience and really nice time we all had."

Cons:

• "£10 per person does seem a bit steep for what it is but a good walk none the less."
• "Nice restaurant and cafe but food is very overpriced, on site toilets which are clean, free car park close to entrance."
• "A tad expensive if you're not a member."
• "Westonbirt is lovely at this time of year but I wouldn't pay the £16 pp entrance fee which is too expensive for just a walk in the trees."
• "Not sure the £21 adult ticket price is justified though."
• "Considering it cost around £40 for 2 adults and a child we spent a further £20 on rides and food."
• "A tad expensive if you're not a member £22 for two adults and a child to go for a walk is a bit much."

Family and Pet Friendliness

Pros:

• "Getting a toy tractor off him was only possible with the kind help of the sales woman who said she'd lost it and thanked him for finding it!"
• "Plenty of places to walk and explore. All mainly level so great for all ages and abilities."
• "Most of the park is dog friendly, which was fantastic."
• "Complete with rides for the children, Santa Claus and plenty of refreshments."
• "There are lots of places for kids to play and activities to learn more about trees."
• "Great to visit in the autumn the colours are spectacular. My grandchildren 8 & 6 loved it following the trails, Gruffalo & friends tree top walkway, small play park."
• "Loved by dog walkers and families."

Cons:

• "Dogs allowed in the arboretum in the left and central areas but not in the old arboretum."
• "The gruffalo trail is always a winner with my son but it's looking a bit dated and could do with a refresh."
• "Only one down side, it seems to turn into dogs place towards the afternoon which I really don't like."
• "Only mild inconvenience is the large distance between dog poop bins, considering how incredibly dog friendly the venue is."
• "Not doggy people and found it a bit annoying how disrespectful some of the dog owners behaved letting dogs off lead."
• "However you have got one thing badly wrong. There is a notice outside the shop stating that dogs are allowed but not mobility scooters."
• "Was looking forward to today but wasn’t a good experience.. sons scooter was allowed in past but this time they wouldn’t allow it (he austic) so very upset."