Stop for a moment and immerse yourself in autumn’s wonder, with new Japanese-inspired walking trails and activities to enjoy on a visit to Forestry England's Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, this September and October 2026.
What to expect from 'The Magic of Maples' at Westonbirt Arboretum
From Monday 7 September 2026, Westonbirt is exploring the theme ‘The Magic of Maples’, with an immersive family trail that winds through the dog-friendly Silk Wood.
As you step into a world of fiery reds, glowing oranges and golden yellows, experience hands-on activities, fascinating discoveries and imaginative challenges for curious young minds. Uncover the secrets, stories and surprising science behind some of Westonbirt's most spectacular autumn trees, inspired by its National Collection of maples.
The ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ trail, also in Silk Wood, brings together nine Japanese concepts that offer a unique perspective on the rainbow of tree colour.
Aimed more towards adults, this trail invites visitors to explore the tree collection and the Japanese maples 'with a new curiosity', taking a journey of reconnection by experiencing the arboretum through the lens of Japanese aesthetic concepts.
Visitors are encouraged to explore using all their senses, and to find favourite spaces between the trees that spark joy, 'whether it’s simply a tree that feels special or a place where you can immerse yourself in autumn’s colourful wonder'.
Haiku exhibition at Westonbirt Arboretum
In partnership with the British Haiku Society, Westonbirt is also celebrating the beauty of nature through the art of haiku.
The arboretum organised an online haiku competition earlier this year, inviting poets from around the world to capture 'the magic of maples' in just a few words. The winners’ words are now part of an outdoor haiku exhibition, providing moments of inspiration at Westonbirt this autumn.
What's on for families at Westonbirt Arboretum this autumn 2026?
Free family events at Westonbirt this autumn include the chance to get up close to some of the vehicles used to care for the trees, in 'Meet the Machines' on Saturday 19 September.
Children can get creative with poetry and printing, in ‘Celebration of Maples’ on Saturday 17 October; while families can enjoy 'delightful' storytelling on guided maple-themed walks, on Monday 26 and Friday 30 October; and take the kids on a hunt for maple leaves to make a leaf lantern in 'Maple Magic', from Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 October 2026.
The trails and paths are all accessible, located along hard paths, suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams and pushchairs. Pre-book a mobility scooter, manual wheelchair or trike, subject to availability, when pre-booking day admission.
How to book tickets to Westonbirt Arboretum
Booking in advance to visit Westonbirt in autumn is strongly recommended.
All trails and activities are included in the price of admission, which costs £14 for adults, £4 for children aged five to 18 and is free for children under four years old.
For more information about everything happening at Westonbirt this autumn, visit forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/autumn.
