Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, is an historic and an internationally important tree and shrub collection. It is based near the small market town of Tetbury in Gloucestershire and is managed by the Forestry Commission and supported by the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum.
This time of year the colours are amazing - and this year even more so because we enjoyed them in the glorious sunshine of a true Indian Summer (I don't know what the temperature was there last Sunday 2 Oct 2011, but it was hot - I am guessing well into the mid 20s - and I needed my sun hat).
These are just a few of my photographs. On the first one in particular the colours look almost unreal. If you are in the area over the next couple of weeks it is probably worth going to have a look.
There are lots of paths and tracks there and it is quite easy to spend all day there.
If you do manage to get to get there can I also recommend afternoon tea at the Hare and Hounds Hotel, just up the road. The Hotel, which is attached to Jack Hare's Bar, a rather up market road side pub, does exquisite afternoon tea. You don't have to have the full works, but can have a slice of cake or scones etc. The latter came with proper clotted cream and beautiful homemade jam. The attention to detail was perfect.
You could really push the boat out and stay over. It is a 4 Star establishment so is a real treat, but we stayed for one night and so did the dog! They take dogs. He did cost £10 but they provided a bed for him (we just took his usual bedding) and despite being the only mutt in residence that night (the rest being proper well bred kennel club type hounds) he behaved himself and did not show us up at all.
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