Westonbirt Arboretum, a renowned Gloucestershire destination celebrated for its stunning autumn colours, has announced exciting new features for the 2026 season.
From Monday 7 September, visitors can experience the ‘Magic of Maples’ trail-a fresh, immersive path weaving through the national arboretum. This trail invites guests of all ages to explore Westonbirt’s diverse tree collection, with a particular focus on the vibrant Japanese maples that have become synonymous with the arboretum’s autumnal splendour.
A Forestry England spokesperson explained, “The Japanese maple collections, with their striking array of colours, are at the heart of Westonbirt’s autumn appeal. The ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ trail in Silk Wood introduces nine Japanese concepts, offering a unique way to appreciate the vivid tree colours. Visitors are encouraged to engage their senses, uncover favourite spots among the trees, and savour the joyful experience of autumn’s natural beauty.”
READ MORE: A Lunchtime Retreat at Gloucester’s New Forum Development
READ MORE: Nurse Urges Public to Ring 111 if Key Symptoms Follow Wasp or Bee Sting
In addition to the new trail, Westonbirt is hosting a range of free, family-friendly events throughout September and October. Among these is the popular ‘Meet the Machines’ family day on Saturday 19 September, from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Perfect for children aged three and older, this event provides a hands-on opportunity to see some of the vehicles used to maintain the arboretum’s trees and grounds.
Children can enjoy sitting in the site’s large tractors, mowers, and all-terrain vehicles. Toddlers will also have fun with toy vehicles on the arboretum’s play map, ensuring an engaging day for the whole family.
As autumn is peak season for witnessing the spectacular foliage-running from 25 September to 15 November-advance booking is recommended. Each day during this period, visitors can join one of three free guided walks that delve into Westonbirt’s rich history.
Among the interactive attractions this autumn, the Room on the Broom trail, introduced earlier this year, continues to captivate families. Trail packs, available for £4 from the Welcome Building or shop, lead visitors through themed activities, forest facts, and hands-on fun as they help the Witch find her lost hat, bow, wand, and spell ingredients.
Longstanding visitors will be familiar with the beloved Gruffalo trail, featuring sculptures that bring the story’s characters to life. Most of these sculptures are located within the dog-free Old Arboretum area, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for families.
Together, these offerings ensure that Westonbirt remains a must-visit destination for nature lovers and families seeking inspiration amid breathtaking autumn colours.