Frequently asked questions
Ticketing
Where can I buy tickets from?
You can buy tickets for Christmas at Westonbirt online from Forestry England. If tickets are sold out, you may be able to purchase re-sale tickets securely using Forestry England's re-sale partner Tixel.
Do I have to book in advance?
We recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment. Each timed entry has a limited capacity, and the early evening and weekend slots are likely to sell out. Please note that on the day pricing is higher than tickets purchased in advance. On the day tickets are available via Ticketek only (subject to availability)
Can I buy additional tickets?
Yes, subject to availability. If you require any additional trail tickets after placing your order, please purchase these online as an additional transaction.
What are the dates, trail times and prices?
Please click here to view a grid displaying all dates and trail times, including prices.
Is my ticket for Christmas at Westonbirt valid for day admission entry into Westonbirt Arboretum?
Tickets for Christmas at Westonbirt are only valid from 4pm onwards, and the trail entry time chosen. If you would like to visit the Arboretum earlier in the day before Christmas at Westonbirt takes place, admission tickets can be purchased 7-14 days in advance here. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets on arrival.
Please note that the Old Arboretum will close at 2pm and day entry will close at 3pm to allow for trail set up.
Do I need to buy a car parking ticket to park at Christmas at Westonbirt?
If you are planning to arrive by car to Christmas at Westonbirt you must pre-book your parking space prior to arrival along with your trail tickets. Standard or Blue Badge parking is £8 per space (if booked in advance) or free if you are a member (full details on member parking are below).
Parking tickets are valid for evening event parking only (day entry into Westonbirt Arboretum is not included). You can arrive and park at your convenience prior to your trail entry time. As there is a short walk from the car park to the trail entrance, allow 15 minutes to reach the trail entrance. Parking tickets should be presented for scanning on arrival at the car park. Please follow all instructions from stewards.
Due to the rural location of Westonbirt Arboretum, we are expecting a high volume of vehicles and pre-booking allows us to manage this demand and provide assurance that you will be able to park on arrival. Whilst there is a hard standing car park at Westonbirt Arboretum, additional car parking will be arranged on the grassed areas near the entrance. In preparation for this, protective floor coverings will be laid to protect the ground and to prevent slippery conditions, which can be a challenge in the winter months. In addition to this, we hope that the pre-bookable parking encourages visitors to car share where possible to reduce any environmental impact.
I am a Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum/Forestry England member, do I still need to pay for Christmas at Westonbirt?
Yes, the trail ticket prices apply to all, however members are eligible for one free car parking space per membership, which must be pre-booked at least 1 day in advance with Forestry England (full details on member parking are below).
How do I book member parking for Christmas at Westonbirt?
Members are eligible for one free parking space for each membership, which must be pre-booked at least 1 day in advance with Forestry England. Free member parking will be offered at the time of booking, or can be booked in advance by contacting customerrelations@forestryengland.uk. You will need to provide your membership number to book your free member space. Free member parking is only available in advance, parking charges will apply if you have not pre-booked a parking ticket. You must present a valid membership card on arrival. If you do not present a valid membership card on arrival, you will be charged for your parking space.
How do I add parking to my booking after purchasing tickets?
You can book your parking by selecting buy tickets from our webpage, and choosing the date required when prompted (you can select any timeslot). Parking tickets are in “Extras” tab. You do not need to select any trail tickets to book any parking spaces.
If you are a member, and require Blue Badge parking, please contact customerrelations@forestryengland.uk to check availability and book (subject to availability).
I am a student, what do I need to provide to book a student ticket?
You will need to present a valid student card with your trail ticket on entry. If you do not present a valid student card, you could be charged for full price for entry onto the trail.
How/when will I receive my tickets?
A confirmation email, including a link to download your ticket/s, will be emailed to you straight after you have completed your booking. Please download these to your phone/device in advance to show on arrival, alternatively you can bring a printed copy.
Why is the On-the-Day price more?
With the enjoyment and well-being of our visitors in mind, having an on-the-day price allows for any last-minute adjustments we, the organisers, might have to make in terms of staffing and catering levels to ensure the smooth running of the trail. Wherever possible we support our customers in planning ahead, giving them the opportunity to not only buy at a cheaper price but also to purchase parking at the same time.
Can I show my tickets on my phone?
You can show your tickets on your phone as long as the barcode is clearly visible on entry. Please ensure you have downloaded your tickets on your device before arriving as signal at the venue is limited. Please turn the brightness on your device up to ensure easy scanning of the barcode. Alternatively, you can bring a printed copy.
I bought tickets from Forestry England but have not received a confirmation email. What should I do?
Please check your junk / spam folders as sometimes the confirmation email falls into these. If you have not received your confirmation email, you can log into your account here to download your tickets, or for further assistance contact customerrelations@forestryengland.uk.
If you purchased your trail tickets with Ticketek, please contact Ticketek directly here
How can I organise a group visit and is there a group rate?
There is a group rate of 10% off groups of 15+ adults when purchased via Ticketek. To make a group booking, please complete a booking form with Ticketek.
5 coach spaces are available per evening, and 10 minibus spaces. Coach parking is charged at £20 per coach and minibus parking is charged at £15 per minibus (in addition to trail tickets).
Once you have submitted your query via the contact form please allow 2 working days for the Ticketek team to respond to your query via email.
Why is there a transaction fee?
The fee charged for e-tickets is for the ticket provider, as they maintain the hardware and software at the venue so your paper ticket will be recognised or your device scanned. It also allows us to develop and maintain our own technology to make sure you have a simple, straightforward experience getting into your event.
Please make sure you’re booking tickets for everyone in your party including children and infant tickets. Separate transaction fees will apply for additional bookings.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Unfortunately, gift vouchers are not available for the trail.
I have an issue or query about my booking?
For bookings with Forestry England, our Customer Relations team can help you. Contact customerrelations@forestryengland.uk with your booking reference and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
If you purchased your trail tickets with Ticketek, please contact Ticketek directly here.
Christmas light trail
Where does the trail start and what is the route at Christmas at Westonbirt?
The trail will begin and end on the Downs. It will follow a circular path starting on Mitchell Drive going through the Old Arboretum and returning on the Main Drive. The route will be approximately 1.6km in length.
How long is the trail?
We anticipate that it will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to walk the trail. The illuminated trail follows a circular route approximately 1.2 miles (1.6km).
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
As the event is held in the Old Arboretum, dogs are not permitted (except for assistance dogs with proof of eligibility).
Is the trail dark or covered?
The trail is not covered and all visitors are reminded that this is an outdoor illuminated trail and the weather may be inclement. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear for winter.
We reserve the right to refuse inappropriately clothed patrons access to the walk, if it is felt they are open to greater risk of injury.
In some areas the lighting will be low level as this is part of the experience. We do encourage visitors to bring along a torch in case of an emergency - this should not be used unless it is necessary.
What should I wear?
Christmas at Westonbirt takes place outdoors and you may need to queue on busy days. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear for winter weather. We reserve the right to refuse inappropriately clothed patrons access to the trail if it is felt they are open to a greater risk of injury.
Should I arrive in advance of my time slot?
Please aim to arrive at Westonbirt 15 minutes prior to your trail time as the trail entrance is a short walk from the Arboretum entrance and car park. Entry to the trail may not be permitted after the last trail entry time has passed.
If I am delayed and miss my slot, can I join a later slot?
If you are running late, entry onto the trail is not guaranteed. We will try and accommodate you on the next available trail slot within the trail operational hours on the day. Entry to the trail cannot be permitted after the last trail entry time as passed.
Please ensure you leave enough time for your journey and plan your route in advance. We advise that you aim to arrive at Westonbirt 15 minutes prior to your trail entry time.
What time does the illuminated trail finish?
Last entry to the trail will be 15 minutes after the last timeslot of the day. All customers must exit the car park no later than 2 hours after the last trail start time or by 10pm (whichever is earliest).
Can I bring my drone?
Drones are not permitted.
Can I take photographs?
Yes, you are welcome to take photographs and to share these on social media with the hashtag #ChristmasAtWestonbirt. You can also follow the developments across our Christmas Trails via 'My Christmas Trails' on Facebook and Instagram.
Commercial photography is not permitted at this event, except by prior written agreement. To enquire please email westonbirt@forestryengland.uk
Are there toilets?
Toilets, including accessible toilets and baby changing facilities, are located at the Welcome Building and the Great Oak Hall. A small number of toilet facilities will be available mid-way through the trail.
Will we get to see Father Christmas?
At this time of year, Father Christmas is extremely busy and so is unable to meet children individually, however, be sure to look out for him as he will be on the trail this Christmas!
Will there be a Christmas Village?
The Christmas Village will be available before and after your trail entry allowing you to soak up further festivity and seasonal cheer. The village will have food and drink stalls plus traditional fairground rides for an additional cost.
If you would like to spend time in the Christmas Village prior to entering the trail, please choose a trail entry time that allows for this.
Will there be a gift shop available?
Westonbirt Arboretum has a gift shop run by Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum which offers a great selection of items that would make a lovely souvenir for your visit.
The shop aims to be open until 8.30pm on all trail dates up to and including 24 December. Please contact customerrelations@forestryengland.uk to check opening times for your visit.
Can I have a catering stand at this event?
If you have any questions regarding having a catering stand at one of our trails, please email commercialenquiries@raymondgubbay.co.uk
Access provisions
What provision do you have for guests with access needs?
The trail is created to be as accessible as possible within the natural landscape of Westonbirt Arboretum. The lighting trail is designed so that all installations can be viewed from the pathways. Accessible toilets are available at the Welcome Building and at the Great Oak Hall. Limited toilet provision will be provided at the midway point.
There is a Changing Places toilet located at the Great Oak Hall. The Changing Places toilet provides sanitary accommodation for people with multiple and complex disabilities and is designed for people who cannot use a standard accessible toilet. It includes a ceiling track hoist system, adult-sized changing benches, curtains and adequate space for the disabled person and assistants.
Do you have accessible parking for visitors with disabilities?
Accessible spaces for Blue Badge holders are located in the hardstanding car park. Due to high demand, we strongly advise that you book your accessible parking alongside your trail tickets.
If you do not have a Blue Badge and would like to discuss your eligibility, please contact customerrelations@forestryengland.uk
Please note that these spaces are limited and must be purchased in advance. Visitors with limited mobility can be dropped off and picked up from the Welcome Building if required, please speak to the parking attendants on arrival.
Is the trail accessible for wheelchair, mobility scooter and pushchair users?
The trail includes a mix of accessible hardstanding stone and tarmac footpaths. Due to the natural landscape the trail does include some gradual slopes and paths can be uneven in places. Wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs can be used, however discretion is needed as the trail may not be suitable for all. Wherever possible stewards will assist but this cannot be guaranteed.
Can I bring my own mobility scooter or wheelchair?
You are welcome to bring your own but please ensure it is suitable for the trail and is fully charged prior to your visit.
Can I hire mobility equipment?
Westonbirt Arboretum have a small number of wheelchairs and mobility scooters available to hire free of charge. When booking your trail tickets with Forestry England, mobility equipment is offered prior to check out (subject to availability). Due to the limited number available to book and high demand, please ensure that required equipment is available when purchasing your tickets.
Once booked, you can collect your hired wheelchair or scooter from the Welcome Building. Please allow up to 15 minutes to collect your equipment prior to your trail entry time. You will be given full instructions on how to operate the scooter when it is issued to you. You will be required to demonstrate your understanding and competence in operating the scooter without assistance. In the interests of providing a safe experience to all our visitors, we reserve the right to refuse scooters, if we believe it is not the right option for you. You must be aged 16 years or over to operate a hired scooter.
If you have any queries regarding mobility equipment hire, please contact customerrelations@forestryengland.uk
Am I eligible for a free personal assistant ticket?
Where an adult or child requires assistance to attend the illuminated trail because of a health condition or disability and is in receipt of any of the following benefits, they will qualify for a free personal assistant ticket:
- Disability Living Allowance (mobility or care component);
- Attendance Allowance;
- Personal Independence Payment (daily living or mobility component).
- A valid Access Card
You may be asked to present documentation on the night. Unfortunately, a Blue Badge cannot be accepted as proof of a health condition or disability. Personal assistants should be 16+.
Personal assistant tickets can only be booked in conjunction with a full price adult or family ticket.
I need more than one personal assistant, what should I do?
If you require more than one personal assistant, please email customerrelations@forestryengland.uk.
Are there Quieter Access Sessions?
Yes, our Relaxed sessions are for adults and young people, with additional needs, who would love to experience Christmas at Westonbirt without the usual high volumes of people. These sessions have reduced audio levels and will begin at twilight before the illuminated trail opens to the public, making the transition into the dark much easier.
These sessions will be offered at 4pm on:
- Saturday 29 November
- Saturday 6 December
- Thursday 11 December
- Wednesday 17 December
The capacity of these sessions will be limited to ensure that the trail remains less crowded and more relaxed. Ticket prices for these sessions are consistent with the rest of the illuminated trail, with personal assistants entering for free.
Will there be strobe lighting?
There will be lighting sequences created within the lighting design that will have some flashing lights contained within them, however, these will not be strobe lighting. We have worked to guidelines on photosensitive epilepsy and will adhere to the industry standard of synchronising effects and locking the sequences to ensure that lights do not operate at more than 5 flashes per second.
Food, beverage and retail
Can I purchase food and drink at the venue?
Yes, absolutely! This FAQ will be updated with more details of the catering offered shortly before the event. We will only accept card payments.
Are there cash points at the venue?
There will not be any cash points on site. Only card payments are accepted, this is a cashless event.
Cancellation, Exchanges and Refunds
What happens if the weather is bad or the event is cancelled?
Christmas at the Westonbirt is an outdoor illuminated trail. If the weather presents a hazard and a risk to safety, any decision to cancel the illuminated trail will be taken by 2pm on the day of the illuminated trail and you will be notified shortly thereafter.
You will be notified by email and text message and you will be informed of the re-booking process. It is your responsibility to ensure you have entered correct contact details.
We advise you to check the website and social media for the latest updates before you travel. Make sure to check your junk/spam folders to ensure you have not missed any important communication.
If you have not heard from our customer service team regarding a cancellation, the event will go ahead as scheduled. No refunds will be offered simply if the weather is inclement.
I have booked for the wrong day – can I transfer over to another day?
You can transfer to an alternative date/time of the same value in your online account (subject to availability, up to 1 day in advance of your visit).
Can I have a refund?
Tickets are non-refundable, however you can transfer to an alternative date/time of the same value in your online account (subject to availability, up to 1 day in advance of your visit).
Sustainability and ecology
Overview
Our illuminated trails are small, tightly contained, and open for limited hours at a very dormant time of year. It is perceived that we do not foresee any adverse effect on wildlife.
Light Pollution
The trail will be architecturally lit by experienced lighting designers who have developed sensitive ways of working in heritage and landscape settings.
Responding to the natural darkness of the site is key to the success of the illuminated trails. The best visual work is sensitive to light “competition” and the brightness of one light source relative to another. We therefore take advantage of the environmental darkness to reduce the overall brightness of our lighting interventions and allow ample space within our audience experiences for people’s eyes to attune to the darkness, then to allow them to appreciate the sights and sounds of the natural environment as a contrast to, and context for, our artistic efforts. We try to avoid continuous lighting of trails and paths and will only use audience area lighting where it is absolutely necessary for reasons of public safety.
Noise Pollution
Sound installations are created to provide atmosphere and a sense of feeling for an installation. All sounds are targeted and specific to a part of the route and are therefore contained within defined spaces, therefore there is no noise pollution over and above the natural sound level created by the presence of audiences on the trail.
Fuel
Fuel for power generation is kept to a minimum by efficient use of power loadings and low wattage lighting units where appropriate.
Sustainability
Consideration for the illuminated trails sustainability has been built into the planning process for the delivery of the illuminated trail, the end result of which we hope will be to inspire and engage new and existing visitors.
The trail designers, Culture Creative Ltd, have been appointed on the strength of their experience of working in environmentally sensitive ways in heritage and landscape settings.
Specific attention is given to power, and where possible we use mains power. Where generators are needed, these are carefully specified and operated to ensure the most efficient fuel usage. Low wattage lighting units are used where appropriate on the trail.
Culture Creative Ltd’s design ethos is to take advantage of the environmental darkness to reduce the overall brightness of their lighting interventions, whilst maximising the effects of their artistic efforts.
Continuous lighting of trails and paths will be avoided, and we will only use audience area lighting where it is absolutely necessary for reasons of public safety. Care is also taken to ensure that we are considerate of our neighbours who live in the immed
Ecology
The illuminated trail will not be open every night and its impact must be considered both from the standpoint of the venue itself and in relation to surrounding sites. The venue is carefully vetted to ensure that the trail will not have undue impact on the local flora and fauna.
Method
In order to assess the likely impact of the illuminated trail both a desk study and workaround surveys are conducted on each site. The route proposed for the trail, is walked and checked on a regular basis with horticultural staff from the venue, this is an ongoing process and will be constantly checked as the design of the illuminated trail progresses. General Comments The illuminated trail is planned and installed, by private company, Culture Creative Ltd. Culture Creative Ltd specialise in illuminated trails of this kind which are often in sensitive venues with high biodiversity and important historical heritage. Its staff have valuable experience in minimising any negative impacts which might be anticipated and work with venue staff to meet and resolve any concerns which arise.
The duration of the illuminated trails spans to the autumn/winter period, the time of year in which there is least wildlife activity. Many protected species such as bats and amphibians should be hibernating. These are unlikely to be affected unless the illuminated trail passes directly over their hibernation sites. The earliest bird nesting activity is to be expected from February onwards but all the equipment will have been removed well before then. In addition it is open for a maximum of six hours only each night. These restrictions on the open nights and times will reduce any impacts upon wildlife particularly as outdoor events take place at the venue regularly and resident wildlife has adapted to the existing level of disturbance.
Lighting Trail
Generators used on the route are very quiet and will be inaudible from the trail and from any wildlife habituation. The power will be carried using cabling which has been used previously in sites with wildlife populations with no adverse effects. Much of the lighting will be floor based to highlight trees. The trees form part of the cultivated collections at each venue and their welfare is paramount as part of the planning of the illuminated trail.
Flora
Where possible routes will be on hard surfaces i.e. paths. They pass through areas which are well-walked by visitors daily and will not take in any sections of grass with sensitive wild floras.
Birds
Sound and lighting installations surrounding trees or on areas of water where a number of birds have the potential to roost are modified and designed to minimise any potential for damage to birds.
Reptiles and amphibians
There should be no impact from the illuminated trail upon reptiles or amphibians as they should be hibernating away from the water at this time of year. Bats Every care is taken to ensure that any potential bat roosting holes in trees are not lit directly to avoid any potential disturbance during the bat hibernation season.
Litter
Please help us to keep the Arboretum clean and tidy by putting litter in the bins provided. Where possible, please reuse any disposable items and keep waste to a minimum. Our caterers will be happy to refill any reusable water bottles.
