The Gruffalo Trail brings the deep dark wood, & Julia Donaldson’s 1999 classic bedtime story to life. Immerse yourself in the magic of one of the nation's most beloved children’s tales at a special selection of forests dotted across the UK.
What Is The Gruffalo Trail?
Explore the sensational hand-crafted sculptures of your favourite Gruffalo characters across a collection of charming routes. These woodland walks transform Axel Scheffler’s illustrations as physical beings ready & waiting to be adored in the environment they were destined to live in.
A number of these special sites also feature a Gruffla Orienteering Trail. Here, you can discover new parts of the forest & take on a Gruffalo-themed challenge! Using a simple map, can you find the twelve markers hidden in the deep dark wood? You'll have to answer a few questions on the way around but you'll also gain valuable decision making & map reading skills. Please enjoy & feel no need to rush or zoom through the day, there are plenty of photo opportunities to capture those invaluable memories. Just do not forget those wellies!
To find out more about how you can go on a Gruffalo Trail, click here.
Head over to Forestry England for the most up-to-date & accurate information about the sculptures & orienteering routes.
Where Is The Gruffalo Trail?
Good news… There is not just one, but a plethora of lovely locations all over the UK where you can get out & about to enjoy the Gruffalo in the great outdoors. The Gruffalo Trail is headed up by the Forestry Commission (opening times & directions also provided), with the sculptures & orienteering available at a number of fantastic forests.
Gruffalo Sculptures:
- Alice Holt, Surrey
- Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Kent
- Cannock Chase Forest, Staffordshire
- Dalby Forest, Yorkshire
- Delamere Forest, Cheshire
- Fineshade Wood, Northamptonshire
- Haldon Forest Park, Exeter
- Hamsterley, Durham
- Kielder Forest & Castle, Northumberland
- Moors Valley Country Park, Dorset
- Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire
- Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire
- Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
- Whinlatter, Cumbria
- Wyre Forest, Worcestershire
All the information you need about the Gruffalo Sculptures can be found here.
Gruffalo Orienteering:
- Alice Holt, Surrey
- Cannock Chase Forest, Staffordshire
- Dalby Forest, Yorkshire
- Delamere Forest, Cheshire
- Fineshade Wood, Northamptonshire
- Haldon Forest Park, Exeter
- Hamsterley, Durham
- High Lodge, Thetford Forest, Suffolk
- Mallards Pike Lake, Parkend, Gloucestershire
- Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire
- Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire
- Wyre Forest, Worcestershire
Get all the details you need about Gruffalo Orienteering routes here.
With so many top locations to visit, there is bound to be one nearby. Or better yet, plan a mini-break or long weekend away & make sure you seek out your nearest trail. There is plenty of parking spaces as well as picnic areas so you will be well accommodated upon arrival.
Get Your Hands On These Gruffalo Goods
As the officially licensed Gruffalo Shop, we have all the fundamental merchandise you need. Perfect for children, adults, classrooms, & the collectors of this world, our store is at your service. Browse & order the following:
Also, did you know? 2019 celebrates the 20th birthday of the original Gruffalo story getting published. To commemorate such an amazing anniversary, a limited edition Gruffalo 50p coin can be yours to own. It will Definitely become a real prized possession!
Plan The Perfect School Trip
The Gruffalo trail will help children learn more about our forests, seeing that they are wonderful, peaceful, & mesmerising aspects of nature.
The Deep Dark Wood, the enchanting setting that made this modern classic so popular is also an idyllic day out to add to the educational calendar. With a number of country parks & forests hosting these terrific orienteering trails, there is bound to be one not too far away! Perfect for children & adults alike, there is plenty to see & do. Your class will love the hand-crafted carvings of all their favourite Gruffalo creatures, as well as explore the habitats of the Fox, Mouse, Owl, & Snake.
Explore More Gruffalo Events
Many other spectacular Gruffalo events occur up & down the country. With international book festivals, live tours & performances, there is something for every kind of Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler fan.
Join up with the mouse with no fear for The Gruffalo Live with this marvellous musical adaptation. Sing along, laugh out loud, & revel in the performance of your child’s cherished story - find tickets here.
Get Your Personalised Merchandise
How much do you really love The Gruffalo? You can love it even more with our collection of official personalised merchandise. Customise a broad range of essentials such as t-shirts, water bottles, lunch boxes, & so much more. They make the ideal gift & the personal touch always goes down a treat. Perfect for all ages, especially the avid super fans out there.
