Autumn at Westonbirt Arboretum

A drone autumn shot taken at Westonbirt Arboretum

Autumn at Westonbirt Arboretum

The magic of maples

Autumn at Westonbirt is all about a riot of green, red, orange, pink, yellow, gold and brown leaf colours, with the Japanese maple collections taking centre stage. 

The autumn trail ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ invites us all to explore the tree collection and the Japanese maples with a new curiosity. To take a journey of ‘reconnection’ as we experience the arboretum through the lens of Japanese aesthetic concepts.  

Our online Haiku competition invited poets from around the world to capture the magic of maples in just a few words. Find the winners’ haiku words, providing moments of inspiration, in our outdoor Haiku exhibition.  

Come and immerse yourself in the season’s rich colour, as you explore autumn and the details found within nature with a new sense of curiosity. 

If you want to see the Youtube video you need to accept Targeting Cookies. To do this, click on the cookie icon in the bottom left of the screen, then toggle Targeting Cookies and Confirm My Choices.

Autumn Watch videos - coming soon

Our weekly autumn watch videos will be arriving soon. In the meantime, enjoy a favourite from last year and start getting excited for what's to come.

Things to do this autumn

A man and woman smile at each other looking at a red maple tree
Other active things to do

Perfectly Imperfect autumn trail at Westonbirt Arboretum

We’re exploring the theme of maples this autumn, with an immersive trail that winds through the arboretum. Inspired by our national collection of Japanese maple cultivars, this...

Find out more
A boy sits on his dad shoulders holding a yellow maple leaf surrounded by autumn colour
Other family activities

Magic of Maples family trail at Westonbirt Arboretum

Step into a world of fiery reds, glowing oranges and golden yellows on our brand-new family trail through dog friendly Silk Wood. Follow the Magic of Maples trail and uncover the...

Find out more
Tree in forest
Other active things to do

Haiku Exhibition at Westonbirt Arboretum

In partnership with the British Haiku Society, we are celebrating the beauty of nature through the art of haiku this autumn. 

Earlier this year, we organised an online haiku...

Find out more
Illustration of a witch and a cat flying on a broomstick across the night sky.
Room on the Broom trails

Room on the Broom trail at Westonbirt Arboretum

Join Witch and her friends on an enchanting adventure at Westonbirt Arboretum.

This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed activities, fascinating forest...

Find out more
A young girl and boy look cheery through a wooden circular window.
Family activity

Play at Westonbirt Arboretum

Play at Westonbirt Arboretum

Follow our play project as we work through 3 phases to improve play opportunities at Westonbirt Arboretum.

Find out more
A group on guided walk during autumn are lead through brightly coloured maple trees
Event

Westonbirt guided walk

Daily
11:00am & 2:00pm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Join our experienced and knowledgeable volunteers as they guide you through the Old Arboretum. 

Together you'll explore the best seasonal features of the Old Arboretum - and as the...

Find out more
Westonbirt group
Event

Discovery Walk at Westonbirt Arboretum

Every Thu (Mar - Nov)
11:30am
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Take the path less travelled and delve a little deeper into our captivating trees with our discovery walks.

Please note that dogs are not permitted on guided walks (except...

Find out more
A dad and young boy stand by a large tractor peering.
Event

Meet the Machines – family activity day

Sat 19 Sep
10:30am - 3:30pm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

A chance to get up close to some of the vehicles used at Westonbirt to care for our trees and the landscape. Children will even get the chance to sit in one of our big tractors, a...

Find out more
Autumn Westonbirt
Event

Celebration of maples - free after admission family event

Sat 17 Oct
10:30am - 3:30pm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Celebrate maples through creative poetry and printing. 

Bring the children and drop into the Great Oak Hall to join us as we celebrate our wonderful maples in autumn. 

Create...

Find out more
A group of adults and children listen to a guided walk surrounded by autumn colour.
Event

Sensory maple storytelling walks - free after admission family event

Mon 26 Oct & Fri 30 Oct
10:30am - 12:00pm (ages 4-8), 1:30pm - 3:00pm (ages 9-14)
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Come and join us for some maple stories by exploring with your senses and take part in some maple themed activities! Create your own haiku and listen to the legend that claims how...

Find out more
A young girl holds up a stick with colourful maple leaves.
Event

Maple magic - free after admission family event

Tue 27 - Thu 29 Oct
10:30am - 3:30pm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Based in the Learning Centre, join us for a magical variety of maple leaf discovery, leaf watching and crafts.  

Design your own leaf crown or wrist band and fire some maple...

Find out more
Autumn Westonbirt
Event

International Maple Symposium 2026

Sun 25 - Tue 27 Oct
9:00am - 5:00pm
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

The Maple Society of Britain and Ireland has partnered with The Maple Society of North America and are delighted to offer a fabulous three day symposium. 

Venue - Day 1 and 2 –

...

Find out more

red maples 
prolonging 
sunset 

Haiku by Antonia Chersan, Romania. Westonbirt’s Haiku competition young poet special prize winner 

Autumn Westonbirt