A mouse took a stroll via the deep darkish wooden… and after checking for Gruffalos, went looking for the Faraway Tree, earlier than on the lookout for a river to play Pooh sticks, trying to find Peter Rabbit’s burrow and ensuring no giants had come down any beanstalks. You probably have children who love books, this imaginary world will really feel very acquainted!
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I’ve written earlier than how books, for me, are a gateway to new worlds and the way that’s impressed my love of journey – and I’ve been rediscovering so many elderly favourites as I introduce my daughter to the tales. It’s fascinating to look at her creativeness flourish, mixing the fictional world with our personal, including a serving to of magic to the only stroll within the woods.
However that’s solely the beginning in the case of days out with children who love books – there are some implausible locations to discover round England alone, with hyperlinks to some nice kids’s authors, to areas from basic tales, and different enjoyable locations to go to for youths who love studying. Whether or not you’re travelling with preschoolers or teenagers, you’ll discover one thing for each age and studying style amongst my prime picks.
Spot the Gruffalo
The deep darkish woods round England have been crammed with a Gruffalo or two for fairly a couple of years now, because the Forestry Fee began creating walks to tie in with Julia Donaldson’s best-loved tales.
And with the Gruffalo celebrating his twenty fifth birthday, there are extra occasions taking place all through 2024. Head out on the Gruffalo Get together Path, the place you may seek for lacking celebration gadgets and decide the Gruffalo a gift, with a path pack containing equipment to put on, and further actions.
There are additionally some large Gruffalo statues dotted across the nation, together with at Wendover Woods the place we’ve been following the Julia Donaldson trails since earlier than my daughter may learn.
For extra Gruffalo-themed enjoyable, take a look at my overview of the Gruffalo Clubhouse in Blackpool
Sleep with the Gruffalo at Chessington World of Adventures
If a stroll within the woods isn’t sufficient, mini followers can come head to head with the purple prickled one at Chessington World of Adventures.
In addition to the world’s first Gruffalo riverboat experience, you may snuggle down in a Gruffalo-themed bed room at Chessington’s Azteca Safari Resort lodge, with a particular Gruffalo reward, and the prospect to make use of the Reserve & Experience service to get quicker entry to 1 attraction on the theme park too.
There’s additionally a Room on the Broom themed room in case you desire that individual Julia Donaldson story to ship you to sleep, together with an opportunity to see the story come to life in Room on the Broom: A Magical Journey.
Ting from My Journey Monkey tried out the Gruffalo riverboat experience along with her five-year-old… And just like the mouse, they acquired away uneaten.
Discover Room on the Broom in Yorkshire
The witch had a cat, and a really tall hat – and you may see each, together with the opposite characters from Room on the Broom at Anglers Nation Park in Yorkshire.
The beautiful path across the lake is celebrating 15 years this 12 months – we had a good time when we visited a few years in the past, one among my favorite days out with younger children who love books.
Try my overview of our Room on the Broom time out at Anglers County Park
The Gloriumptious Roald Dahl museum in Buckinghamshire
When she first found Roald Dahl, my daughter requested a go to to Wonka’s Chocolate Manufacturing facility – and who can blame her? I guess most of us secretly fancy assembly assembly Oompa Loompas and consuming scorching chocolate straight from a river…
The closest various is the award-winning Roald Dahl Museum in Nice Missenden, which has all the pieces from the creator’s authentic writing hut to a string of hands-on displays, actions and story classes – probably the greatest days out with children who love books.
Aimed toward six to 12-year-olds, there are additionally Chiddlers’ Hour classes for little ones and trails across the village of Nice Missenden the place it’s set. Preserve an eye fixed out for normal occasions particularly throughout faculty holidays such because the Terrific Twits Backyard and Squiffing Speedy Science.
Try what we thought on a go to to the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, plus a Dahl-themed path via the village
Quentin Blake at Moyse’s Corridor Museum, Suffolk
Head additional north to Suffolk to find extra concerning the artist behind the images accompanying Dahl’s phrases – Quentin Blake’s well-known illustrations have been showing at WWT websites across the nation lately, however there’s now an opportunity to see a few of his less-well identified works at Moyse’s Corridor Museum.
The Illustrated Hospital places work on show which Blake created for varied hospitals, and which – till now – have solely been seen by sufferers and employees. Uncover all the pieces from useful dragons to treetop adventures alongside the best way.
The exhibition runs to October 6 on the museum in Bury St Edmunds.
Play Poohsticks within the Hundred Acre Wooden, Sussex
Ashdown Forest impressed the situation of the Winnie the Pooh tales, and Pooh Bridge itself – the place Pooh invented Poohsticks – is close to Cotchford Home, residence to AA Milne and Christopher Robin.
Accumulate loads of sticks as you stroll via the woods and when you’ve had a couple of video games, how a couple of heffalump hunt, or an expotition to the North Pole, whereas protecting a cautious eye out for woozles and wizzles in fact.
Claire from Suitcases and Sandcastles has some nice recommendations on exploring the forest or strive one among VisitEngland’s different finest locations to play Poohsticks, together with Morden Corridor Park, the place we’ve loved various video games
Discover the door to Narnia in Oxford
You may not uncover everlasting winter (hopefully) or too many lions in Oxford, however you may see the door which is alleged to have impressed the doorway to the land of Narnia – CS Lewis studied and taught within the metropolis and would have typically handed the intricately carved door reverse the College Church of St. Mary the Virgin.
When you can go to Magdalen School as nicely, the animals carved on the pillars are additionally mentioned to have impressed the part the place Aslan brings the frozen animals again to life.
Don’t miss The Story Museum as nicely, with its Enchanted Library rooms bringing favorite tales to life, together with an opportunity to step inside Narnia.
Uncover Harry Potter’s Oxford
From filming areas like Christ Church faculty to the cloisters of New School, in addition to historic streets which really feel tailored for wizards, Oxford is a good place for youths who’re followers of Harry Potter.
We took a Harry Potter strolling tour of Oxford, taking us contained in the Bodleian library the place some extra scenes had been filmed, in addition to mixing trivia quizzes with tales of pranks that the Weasley twins would have been pleased with, a statue that impressed Practically Headless Nick and extra behind-the-scenes tales.
For extra Harry Potter days out within the UK, and Harry Potter areas in London, take a look at these posts
Enterprise into the Forbidden Forest in London
For Harry Potter followers, there’s nothing fairly as magical because the Warner Bros Studio Tour – having visited a number of occasions, together with when the Hogwarts Specific was first added I’ve fairly actually spent all day exploring there.
Alongside the best way, you may step into the Forbidden Forest the place you may uncover implausible beasts – be careful for Aragog although – in addition to stepping inside Gringott’s Financial institution (watch out for dragons right here), assembly creatures galore from the films, waving your individual wand, using a broomstick and much more.
Fly a broomstick over Hogwarts in Northumberland
Alnwick Fort in Northumberland is famously one of many essential filming areas for Harry Potter, to not point out a magical place to discover in its personal proper – however the enchanting icing on the cake is the prospect to fly a broomstick there, on the spot the place Harry had his personal first flying lesson within the movie.
There’s a tour taking you to a number of the filming areas across the grounds as nicely, or you will discover data as you discover by yourself. Don’t miss the citadel’s personal dragon too.
We had a go at levitating their very own brooms there – take a look at my overview of a day at Alnwick Fort with children
Go to Hobbiton’s inspiration close to Birmingham
With dragons, elves and journey, I liked studying The Hobbit after I was youthful – though I didn’t get various pages in to The Lord of the Rings for fairly a couple of extra years.
And whereas JRR Tolkein wrote his well-known novels in Oxford, a number of the areas had been impressed by his early years residing in Birmingham.
Head exterior the town to Sarehole Mill the place the Tolkein boys used to play, and whose miller used to chase Tolkein and his brother away, simply because the hobbits had been from the Nice Mill. The countryside and the rising industrialisation of the world all went on to play a component when Tolkein was creating Center Earth.
There are additionally strolling excursions in Oxford which embody JRR Tolkein in addition to CS Lewis
Chase Peter Rabbit in Cumbria
Dwelling to Beatrix Potter, who wrote her tales in seventeenth century farmhouse Hill High, there’s a Beatrix Potter path across the lakeshore grounds of Brockhole – itself residence to a number of the creatures which seem in her books.
However better of all for followers of her fluffy creations, simply alongside the lake shore, you’ll additionally discover The World of Beatrix Potter, the place you may discover Mrs Tiggy-Winkle’s kitchen, Jemima Puddle-duck’s woodland glade and Peter’s backyard.
Discover Mr McGregor in Hertfordshire
For much more Peter Rabbit, there’s an opportunity to satisfy him at Willows Exercise Farm not removed from St Albans – and play in his journey playground.
To not point out raiding the enormous radishes in Mr McGregor’s backyard. Regardless of the Christmas sights on throughout our go to, that was nonetheless simply one among my daughter’s favorite components.
It’s expanded since we visited, with the Lily Bobtail Nature Discovery Space, the kitchen and laundry of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and the cutting-edge Nice Invention Sensory recreation, created by Mr Bouncer. You’ll be able to step into Mr Tod’s Lair in case you’re courageous sufficient, whereas the Peter Rabbit Secret Treehouse is the proper place to identify Previous Brown!
Watership Down on the Downs
For a unique story of bunnies, head to the North Wessex Downs in Hampshire. Right here sits a hill at Ecchinswell, named Watership Down – giving its title to the story of rabbits discovering a brand new residence.
I bear in mind being in absolute floods of tears on the finish of the movie, and pondering of Hazel, Bigwig, Bluebell, Fiver et al nonetheless brings a slight lump to my throat (so I haven’t learn it to my daughter simply but) but it surely’s a fantastic place for a stroll regardless.
There are numerous strolling trails, together with one which passes Nuthanger Farm – hold your eyes out for wild rabbits hopping round in case you’e quiet.
Comply with the Well-known 5 and go wild in Dorset
You’ll be able to observe within the Well-known 5’s footsteps in Dorset the place Corfe Fort was the inspiration for Kirrin Fort, which seems together with Kirrin Island in a number of books.
The destroy which Enid Blyton visited in 1941 remains to be there, together with a portray of the 5 in Corfe Station – steam trains nonetheless puff alongside the route from Swanage too, and you may even mix it with a ship journey to Poole for a correct old school journey.
Close by Brownsea Island, with its crimson squirrels and timeless air, additionally helped encourage Kirrin Island – solely accessible by boat, it makes an excellent time out with children in Dorset.
Learn what we considered a time out on Brownsea Island, Dorset
Spot Paddington in London
Alongside Platform 1 at Paddington Station, there’s a steel statue of a really well-known bear – sitting on a bench, ready for somebody to take care of him. And it’s exhausting to beat Paddington in the case of youthful children who love books.
With a embellished bench not far-off, reward store and loads of locations to get a sticky bun (marmalade sandwiches are a bit trickier), it’s a enjoyable go to by itself for mini Paddington followers – together with my daughter.
It’s removed from the one statue of the lovable bear from darkest Peru, with one other one in Leicester Sq., in addition to two on the banks of the close by canal. Add in a Paddington afternoon tea bus tour, the brand new immersive Paddington Expertise on the South Financial institution, Paddington strolling excursions and a complete lot extra, and you could possibly theme a whole London journey round Paddington Bear.
For extra locations to seek out Paddington in London, take a look at this put up for inspiration
The Wind within the Willows at Henley
At Henley’s River and Rowing Museum, there’s a nook devoted to the Wind within the Willows, with the tales recreated by fashions – it’s a beautiful place for youthful children particularly to lose themselves on the planet of Kenneth Grahame’s tales.
We even acquired to meet Mr Toad on our go to, though the actions and family-friendly displays change all year long.
Spot ghosts in Salisbury
An awesome choice for older major faculty age children, Cornelia Funke’s Ghost Knight e book was impressed by a go to to Salisbury Cathedral and its faculty – you may nonetheless see the effigy of William Longspee, who makes an look within the novels.
Whereas there was a path to take you to numerous areas with hyperlinks to the story, this now not appears to exist, however followers gained’t battle to establish locations they recognise from the e book. Don’t miss Magna Carta when you’re there.
Swallows and Amazons adventures, Cumbria
If Peter Rabbit doesn’t tempt your children to the Lakes any extra, Swallows and Amazons is the proper journey for older major age kids. There are areas galore from the movie – one of many authentic stars, Sophie Neville, revisited a number of together with many from the current film film too.
And you’ll have your individual lake journey on Coniston – strive Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the Coniston Boating Centre. On close by Ullswater, Glenridding Crusing Centre has Swallows and Amazons day adventures for aged 6+ too.
For a extra relaxed model, you may cruise aboard Steam Yacht Gondola too, which impressed Captain Flint’s houseboat.
For extra concepts of the perfect issues to do within the Lake District with children, take a look at my prime picks
Path Dracula in Whitby
In case your children have moved on from kids’s tales to basic literature, there are few extra evocative locations to carry a narrative to life than Whitby, the place Dracula famously got here shore within the form of a canine.
Climb the 199 steps from the Previous City to St Mary’s Church, and look out for the grave of Mr Swales, one other character in Dracula, within the graveyard (together with real-life Arctic explorer William Scoresby).
There are sometimes performances of Dracula at Whitby Abbey close by, though the atmospheric ruins are value a go to everytime you’re in Whitby. Or for one thing distinctly extra kitsch, enjoy all issues vampire on the Dracula Expertise. Aimed toward 13+, the attraction mixes animation and particular results with dwell actors to introduce guests to Dracula’s connection to Whitby, plus the prospect to see Christopher Lee’s cloak.
For concepts of extra issues to do in Whitby with children, take a look at my prime picks
Go to Seven Tales in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Preserve heading north east to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, for a go to to Seven Tales: The Nationwide Centre for Youngsters’s Books – the free museum is devoted to accumulating, preserving and celebrating kids’s books.
Whereas there are sometimes altering exhibitions, there’s an excellent show asking ‘The place do Tales come from’, wanting on the means related plots seem in numerous occasions and cultures world wide – and taking a look at the concept that there are solely seven forms of story.
Elsewhere, you may step into Judith Kerr’s kitchen (the place the Tiger famously got here to tea) and meet Mog the forgetful cat. However that’s solely the start… 2024’s touring exhibitions embody Elmer and Associates, in addition to common storytime and craft classes.
Uncover Youngsters’s Story Centre
You don’t have to have the ability to learn to get misplaced in tales at Uncover: Youngsters’s Story Centre in London’s Stratford, aimed toward children aged from 0 to 11.
This implausible multi-sensory play house in east London is ideal for younger kids, full with two flooring of magical Story Worlds and a Story Backyard, that includes all the pieces from a pirate ship to a spacecraft and loads of different enjoyable imaginary lands for youths to discover.
There are numerous timed actions and you may construct your individual session, together with any particular exhibitions and storytelling, plus the play areas throughout the 2 essential flooring.
The Scottish Storytelling Centre
Devoted to preserving and recounting tales, there’s at all times one thing to find at The Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh, with additional occasions throughout the Edinburgh Pageant however a lot to entertain children year-round.
Anticipate dwell storytelling, in addition to workshops and exhibitions, to not point out theatre, dance and music performances for all ages on the web site within the coronary heart of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile.
If you’re visiting Edinburgh with children who love Harry Potter, there are hyperlinks galore to the tales which JK Rowling wrote within the metropolis – discover one inspiration for Diagon Alley, take a Potter-themed strolling tour and extra.
Be careful for…
Charlie & Lola
There are frequently exhibitions on Lauren Childs’ work across the UK – and whereas there’s nothing at the moment lined up for Charlie & Lola followers, it’s value protecting an eye fixed out.
We went to an exhibition at Mottisfont when my daughter was younger, whereas there was one other exhibition at Newby Corridor a couple of years in the past, amongst others.
*First printed 2017, final up to date 2024*
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Disclosure: This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions on the perfect days out for youths who love books are my very own (and my daughter’s)
Predominant picture courtesy Depositphotos; all others copyright MummyTravels
