Two new children's playgrounds open at Westonbirt Arboretum

Summer might nearly be over, but the opportunities for outdoor adventures are ever-growing at Westonbirt Arboretum, which has just unveiled two brand-new children's play areas ahead of its busiest autumn season.

Packed with natural play equipment, the two new play zones — affectionately named 'Holford Hollow' and 'Branch Out' by public vote — invite off-path exploration within its Old Arboretum, encouraging kids to engage with their natural environment through discovery and imaginative play. 

Designed by outdoor play design experts, Earth Wrights, both 'Holford Hollow' and 'Branch Out' offer challenges for children of all ages, from tots still developing their early play skills to older children keen to test out their balance and climbing techniques. 

Best suited for four- to eight-year-olds, these natural play areas feature balancing poles, swinging ropes and speaking tubes — the kind of play equipment that encourages kids to interact and socialise with other children to have fun together.

Explore climbing routes made from felled trees, gaze up at the canopy from low-lying tree nets and be careful not to wake the troll, if you dare cross over its bridge!

Best of all, both play areas are accessible for children with additional needs, with ramp access and wheelchair friendly spaces, as well as observation points for quietly watching and acclimatising to the space. Visitors can also find creative activities, alongside the more physical obstacles.

Marking the start of a 'new era of play' at Westonbirt, this is just the first of three development phases for new play areas at the arboretum between now and 2026.

A further two new play areas are planned for the arboretum's dog-friendly Silk Wood, while there are also plans to redevelop its well-loved Exploratree play area near the cafe.

The first phase of the play area development received £127,000 funding from the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, which continues to fundraise to support the delivery of phases two and three; with additional investment made by Forestry England.

To plan your visit and find out more about Westonbirt's new play area development, visit forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/play.