See Westonbirt's trees in a new light this Christmas!
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum’s Enchanted Christmas, 25 November – 18 December
The spectacular Enchanted Christmas will return to Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, which is managed by the Forestry Commission, this November and December.
Westonbirt Arboretum’s special green costumed Father Christmas and his real reindeer will turn on the lights at 4.45pm on Friday 25 November.
Alongside exploring this year’s illuminated trail at Westonbirt, families will be able to enjoy a new winter wonderland in the education centre. Amongst a snowy setting, children can meet Father Christmas and make festive crafts with the arboretum’s learning team.
Visitors can also buy gifts and decorations in the Westonbirt Arboretum Forest Shop and enjoy warming festive fare from hot chocolate to mulled wine. For an added Christmas treat, visitors can also book a carvery dinner at Westonbirt’s Maples restaurant. See www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-christmas for details of a special carvery and trail ticket package.
For over ten years Westonbirt, The National Arboretum has thrilled winter visitors with the Enchanted Christmas illuminated trail.
The one mile trail highlights the striking structures of Westonbirt’s trees in winter. A new route through the trees is created each year to take in different specimens, paths and vistas in the tree collection.
The 2011 route will take visitors through a path newly restored by arboretum staff this year. Leading from Mitchell Drive to Main Drive, the path features on historic arboretum maps but had become lost to subsequent planting schemes.
The illuminated trail is accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, both of which can be booked for free in advance by calling 01666 881218.
The Enchanted Christmas takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from 25 November to 18 December, from 5 to 8.30pm, with the last entry at 7.15pm.
Admission is adults £9, concessions £8 and children £5. Discounted entry is available for pre-booked groups over 10 people and Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum members receive half price entry on Fridays.
Advance tickets can be booked online at www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-christmas
Explore Gloucestershire
1 November 2011
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