A brand new and enchanting family adventure has officially opened its gates at the Wyre Forest near Kidderminster. The free Julia Donaldson Room on the Broom Trail launched on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, inviting visitors to step into the magical world of the beloved children's book.
An Immersive Literary Adventure
Following the successful footsteps of previous Forestry England trails featuring the Gruffalo and Zog, this latest installation brings the charming characters of the Witch, the Cat, and the Dog to life amidst the natural beauty of the forest. The trail is designed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the book's publication and will remain in place throughout the entirety of 2026, offering a year-long opportunity for exploration.
Interactive Fun for Young Explorers
Children are encouraged to become active participants in the story. The central activity involves helping the Witch locate her lost possessions, including her hat, bow, and wand. Along the journey, young adventurers can collect magical ingredients required to complete a special spell, making each stop on the trail an engaging and educational experience.
Each point on the route is packed with a variety of hands-on activities and interesting forest facts, seamlessly blending entertainment with learning about the natural environment.
Optional Trail Pack for Enhanced Experience
For families wishing to augment their visit, a specially curated Room on the Broom trail pack is available for purchase at £4. This pack includes a themed lanyard, a set of magic spell cards, collectable stickers, a pencil, and a pop-out craft kit allowing children to create their very own witchy wand to take home.
Planning Your Visit
The Wyre Forest Visitor Centre is conveniently accessible for families from the Birmingham area. The journey from Birmingham city centre takes just under an hour via the A456, passing through Halesowen and Hagley. This makes it an ideal destination for a day trip filled with fresh air, fantasy, and family fun.
This new trail promises to create lasting memories, combining the timeless appeal of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's illustrations with the serene backdrop of one of England's beautiful forests.
