The Gruffalo is one of the all time favourite classics that not only is a favourite of ours but the new generation too and perhaps will be for many more generations to come.
It’s always amazing to see your favourite stories come to life. Recently, we took a stroll in the deep dark woods in search for the Gruffalo ourselves!
The Gruffalo Trail at Thorndon Country Park Brentwood is a great family day out, a perfect way to get close to nature and at the same time a wonderful learning and entertaining experience for the little ones.
I hadn’t told Aazeen where we were going because not only I wanted to keep it a surprise until the very last minute but at the same time was worried if the unpredictable weather was going to end up changing our plans. Luckily for us, the rain kept away and we were able to have a good time.
Upon arriving, we got our Gruffalo trail maps from the visitor centre and headed towards the woods. The trail is estimated to take around 45 minutes but took us a little over an hour as we went at our own pace not only finding the statues but enjoying everything else the woods had to offer.
The characters appear in the order same as the story. We had taken our book with us and read the story along which helped the experience to become more real.
We handed over one of the maps to Aazeen and let her take the lead, it was lovely to see her navigating through it and figuring out where to go, did we get lost? When following the 4 year old, we didn’t, just don’t give me the map if you want stay on path!
A mouse took a stroll in the deep dark woods…
A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good…
An owl saw the mouse and the mouse looked…
A snake saw the mouse….
Then we came across the Gruffalo’s child which was Aazeen’s favourite character.
But who is this creature with terrible claws and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws?!
There is a lovely little gift shop at the visitor centre selling all of the characters and books as well as a cafe with benches outside where you can have a little picnic too.
I got Aazeen a soft Gruffalo child’s toy as that is her favourite character – what happened when I gave it to her? She asked where’s the mummy! I know the Gruffalo is a he but for us it’s a she. So off I went back inside to get mummy too.
What about COVID19?
I am a nervous wreck when it comes to going to public places now, however, I was at ease throughout our time there. Not only because it was outdoor of course, there were plenty of groups of families but everyone was respectable of each other’s space and distance and took turns to take pictures with the figures.
Inside the gift shop, you were required to wear mask and there were hand sanitising stations dotted around everywhere.
The costs?
You only have to pay for parking! So we paid £4.50 for 3 hours, so a complete bargain for a fabulous day out with the entire family.
Will we be going back?
We will definitely be going back, it’s not something you visit once and that’s it, it is a great way to spend time, blow off the cobwebs and keep the kids occupied and entertained without much effort!
Have you been to the Gruffalo Trail in Brentwood or perhaps a local one to you?
The Healthcare Hustle says
This place looks so cute! Glad you enjoyed yourself
JamieAdStories says
This looks like a fun trail for kids and families.
Molly @ Transatlantic Notes says
What a great idea as an addition to a trail that’s nicely interactive and engaging for younger visitors. I wish more places with walks/trails had something like this (even for adults) it’s fun to see. Thanks for sharing!
Amie Cadwallader says
Oooh this looks amazing, I wish they had one closer to me! I’d be up for this! It is such a bargain too for a day out!
readandreviewit says
This looks like such a fun day out! I remember when I was younger I used to love the Gruffalo too – I’d have loved this back then! The gift shop looks really cute too, glad you all had a fab time – and for such little money, too. Thanks for sharing x
Ruth| Ruthiee loves Glamour says
You look like you had a lot of fun! I have never been to gruffalo trail before but it sounds like a good place to be! I should add it to my list of places to visit. Also, the fact that you only have to pay so little for such fun is amazing! Thank you for sharing.
Lisa says
Oh wow, what an absolutely lovely experience, Flora would have adored this when she was your daughter’s age. I hope you all enjoy it as much on future visits, what an absolute bargain too! x
Laura Hitt says
How fun!!!! I love the snake and the owl! 😀
Lisa says
What a fabulous day out! And what a bargain too. My little one absolutely loves The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child – I can read them both from memory now. My little one is 3 and he would love this – great way to wear him out too!
Lynn says
Aw, this is super cute! I love all the figures in the park. I’m so glad you enjoyed some family time there! xx
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
TheQuietGirl (Anissa) says
This place looks great and really fun for the kids. Seems like you had a great day! Great post! xx
TheQuietGirl | http://www.quietgirlblog.com