Families visiting Westonbirt, The National Arboretum are being invited to step into a storybook adventure with the launch of a brand-new Room on the Broom trail.
Forestry England has teamed up once again with Magic Light Pictures to bring Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved tale to life, creating a magical woodland experience that will run throughout 2026. The trail celebrates 25 years of Room on the Broom and promises plenty of outdoor fun for young explorers.
From Tuesday 27 January, visitors can follow Witch and her friends on a winding journey through the arboretum. Along the way, children are tasked with helping to track down the Witch’s missing hat, bow and wand, while gathering magical ingredients needed to complete her spell.
Each stop on the trail combines playful activities with forest-themed facts, encouraging families to explore the natural surroundings while engaging with the story. Designed to be both entertaining and educational, the trail offers a hands-on way to enjoy the outdoors during every season.
Holly Firks-Matthews, Visitor Attraction Manager at Westonbirt, said the new trail builds on the arboretum’s reputation for immersive family experiences.
She said: “We’re delighted to welcome Room on the Broom to Westonbirt. It’s a brilliant way for families to enjoy nature together while stepping into a story many children already love. With surprises and activities throughout the trail, it’s an adventure that invites curiosity and creativity.”
To add to the experience, families can purchase a Room on the Broom trail pack for £4. The pack includes a themed lanyard, spell cards, stickers, a pencil and a pop-out craft activity, allowing children to make their own witchy wand to take home.
The new trail continues a long-running partnership between Forestry England and Magic Light Pictures, which began in 2014 and has seen several Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler stories reimagined in woodland settings across the country.
With storytelling, nature and imagination coming together, the Room on the Broom trail offers families a fresh reason to explore Westonbirt throughout the year.
More information can be found on the Forestry England website.
