Forestry England Room on the Broom trails
Room on the Broom is coming to a forest near you in 2026! We love forestry England’s Julia Donaldson trails that have been ongoing for years. Read on to find out about the new Forestry England Room on the Broom trails for 2026.There are a few sites in the North West where you can find this fun kid’s trail and I’m sharing details of these below. Find more Family walks North West here.
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You can purchase a Room on the Broom Witch doll (or any of the other characters) before you visit.
Julia Donaldson trails at Forestry England North West England
Each year there is a new family trail and activity pack based on a different Julia Donaldson book at Forestry England sites across the whole of England.
These trails change every January and they usually run in Delamere forest, Gisburn forest, Grizedale Forest and Whinlatter forest in the North West as well as in many other forests across the whole of England.
In 2026 the new theme will be Room on the Broom, celebrating the books 25th anniversary. In the North West you will find a Room on the Broom trail at Grizedale Forest, Whinlatter Forest, Gisburn Forest and Stocks and Delamere Forest. It’s running in 27 forests in total across the whole of England.
What to expect from a Room on the Broom trail
Follow the trail through the forest to discover spellbinding stops filled with fun Room on the Broom activities and fascinating forest facts. Help Witch find her lost hat, bow and wand along the way and collect special ingredients to complete the spell.
These trails are fantastic for families. They keep your children entertained on a short walk. There are large boards along the trail, filled with illustrations based on the book, fun facts and activities. Young children love how these trails bring their favourite books to life.
Room on the broom activity pack
The Room on the Broom trail pack costs £4 and can be purchased on site, at your chosen forest before you start the trail.
Each pack includes a themed lanyard, magic spell cards, stickers, a pencil, and a pop-out craft to create your very own witchy wand.
The packs work great alongside the trail and of course you can use some of it at home afterwards too.
When are the Room on the Broom trails running?
The trails will open from 27th January 2026
Are dogs allowed on these Room on the Broom trails?
Yes
Room on the Broom trail at Delamere forest
This is a 1 mile fully accessible trail suitable for all.
Delamere forest also has a fantastic permanent Gruffalo sculpture trail. Find our review here – Delamere forest Gruffalo trail.
Find out more about Delamere forest walks here.
Room on the Broom trail at Gisburn forest
Buy your trail from Hungry Pine Cafe. The trail is suitable for children aged 3 – 9 years.
Room on the Broom trail at Whinlatter forest
This is a 1.25 mile trail. The paths are stone surfaced forest tracks and paths. There are some gradual, moderate climbs. Suitable for pushchairs.
Whinlater forest also has a lovely Gruffalo and friends sculpture trail and 1 mile long play trail and is well worth a visit.
Find our guide to Whinlatter forest here – Whinlatter forest walks
Room on the Broom trail at Girzedale forest
This is a 1 mile trail on a gravel surfaced path which is suitable for pushchairs. There are some gentle slopes but no steps or gates.
Grizedale forest is equally fantastic for families with an amazing play area and accessible sculpture trails. There is also now a Gruffalo sculpture in Grizedale forest!
Find our guide to Grizedale forest here – Grizedale forest walks
Enjoy family walks? Join the Family Walks North West Facebook group to be part of a community sharing the best walks for families across the region. Join here.
More useful guides
If you’re travelling to one of these trails, you might be going up or down the M6. Find 10 Places to stop on the M6.
These trails are fantastic places to take toddlers. Find loads more ideas, wherever you are in the North West here – Toddler days out North West
Find more ideas for Family walks Lake District here.
