Westonbirt, a renowned Gloucestershire attraction famed for its vibrant autumn colours, has unveiled its new offerings for the 2026 season.
From Monday 7 September, visitors of all ages can experience the brand-new “Magic of Maples” trail. This immersive pathway winds through the national arboretum, encouraging exploration of the diverse tree collection, with a special focus on the stunning Japanese maples.
A spokesperson from Forestry England explained, “The Japanese maple collections, showcasing a vivid array of colours, are at the heart of Westonbirt’s autumn fame. The ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ trail in Silk Wood combines nine Japanese concepts, presenting a unique lens through which to appreciate the brilliant spectrum of tree colours. We invite visitors to engage all their senses and discover favourite spots among the trees-whether it’s a particularly captivating tree or a tranquil place to soak in autumn’s splendour.”
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To add to the appeal, a variety of free family-friendly events will take place throughout September and October. Notably, the ‘Meet the Machines’ family day is set for Saturday 19 September, from 10:30am to 3:30pm. This event, geared towards children aged three and over, offers the opportunity to get up close with some of the vehicles used at Westonbirt for tree and landscape care. Children can even sit in large tractors, mowers, or all-terrain vehicles, while toddlers can enjoy playing with toy vehicles on the arboretum play map.
Visitors are encouraged to prebook visits between 25 September and 15 November, which is peak season for witnessing the vibrant autumn colours. During this period, three free guided daily walks will explore the rich history of the arboretum.
Other interactive autumn activities include the Room on the Broom trail, launched earlier this year. Priced at £4, trail packs are available from the Welcome Building or shop. They bring the beloved story to life, inviting children to help the Witch find her lost hat, bow, wand, and spell ingredients through themed activities, forest facts, and hands-on fun.
Returning favourites, such as the Gruffalo trail, continue to delight families. This longstanding attraction features sculptures of characters from the book and is primarily located in the dog-free Old Arboretum area.
Westonbirt promises an engaging and colourful autumn experience for visitors of all ages in 2026.