A mouse took a stroll by means of the deep darkish wooden… and after checking for Gruffalos, went searching for the Faraway Tree, earlier than in search of a river to play Pooh sticks, trying to find Peter Rabbit’s burrow and ensuring no giants had come down any beanstalks. When you have youngsters 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 best stroll within the woods.
However that’s solely the beginning in terms of days out with youngsters who love books – there are some improbable 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 just a few 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 occurring all through 2024. Head out on the Gruffalo Get together Path, the place you may seek for lacking occasion objects and choose the Gruffalo a gift, with a path pack containing equipment to put on, and additional 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 might learn.
For extra Gruffalo-themed enjoyable, try my assessment 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 trip, you may snuggle down in a Gruffalo-themed bed room at Chessington’s Azteca Safari Resort resort, with a particular Gruffalo reward, and the possibility to make use of the Reserve & Experience service to get quicker entry to at least one attraction on the theme park too.
There’s additionally a Room on the Broom themed room if you happen to desire that specific 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 trip together with her five-year-old… And just like the mouse, they bought away uneaten.
Discover Room on the Broom in Yorkshire
The witch had a cat, and a really tall hat – and you’ll 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 yr – we had a good time when we visited a few years in the past, one in every of my favorite days out with younger youngsters who love books.
Try my assessment of our Room on the Broom day trip 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 unit – and who can blame her? I guess most of us secretly fancy assembly assembly Oompa Loompas and ingesting sizzling chocolate straight from a river…
The closest various is the award-winning Roald Dahl Museum in Nice Missenden, which has the whole lot from the creator’s authentic writing hut to a string of hands-on displays, actions and story periods – among the best days out with youngsters who love books.
Aimed toward six to 12-year-olds, there are additionally Chiddlers’ Hour periods for little ones and trails across the village of Nice Missenden the place it’s set. Hold a watch out for normal occasions particularly throughout college 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 by means of the village
Quentin Blake at Moyse’s Corridor Museum, Suffolk
Head additional north to Suffolk to find extra in regards to the artist behind the photographs 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 recognized 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 workers. Uncover the whole lot from useful dragons to treetop adventures alongside the way in which.
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, dwelling to AA Milne and Christopher Robin.
Gather loads of sticks as you stroll by means of the woods and when you’ve had just a few video games, how a couple of heffalump hunt, or an expotition to the North Pole, whereas retaining a cautious eye out for woozles and wizzles in fact.
Claire from Suitcases and Sandcastles has some nice tips about exploring the forest or strive one in every of 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 won’t 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 usually handed the intricately carved door reverse the College Church of St. Mary the Virgin.
In the event you can go to Magdalen Faculty as properly, the animals carved on the pillars are additionally stated to have impressed the part the place Aslan brings the frozen animals again to life.
Don’t miss The Story Museum as properly, 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 Faculty, in addition to historic streets which really feel tailored for wizards, Oxford is a superb 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 have 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, try these posts
Enterprise into the Forbidden Forest in London
For Harry Potter followers, there may be nothing fairly as magical because the Warner Bros Studio Tour – having visited a number of instances, together with when the Hogwarts Categorical was first added I’ve fairly actually spent all day exploring there.
Alongside the way in which, you may step into the Forbidden Forest the place you may uncover improbable 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 personal wand, driving a broomstick and much more.
Fly a broomstick over Hogwarts in Northumberland
Alnwick Fort in Northumberland is famously one of many fundamental 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 possibility 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 among the filming areas across the grounds as properly, or yow will discover data as you discover by yourself. Don’t miss the fort’s personal dragon too.
We had a go at levitating their very own brooms there – try my assessment of a day at Alnwick Fort with youngsters
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 just a few extra years.
And whereas JRR Tolkein wrote his well-known novels in Oxford, among the areas have been impressed by his early years residing in Birmingham.
Head exterior 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 have been from the Nice Mill. The countryside and the rising industrialisation of the realm all went on to play an element 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
Residence to Beatrix Potter, who wrote her tales in seventeenth century farmhouse Hill Prime, there’s a Beatrix Potter path across the lakeshore grounds of Brockhole – itself dwelling to among 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 fulfill him at Willows Exercise Farm not removed from St Albans – and play in his journey playground.
To not point out raiding the large radishes in Mr McGregor’s backyard. Regardless of the Christmas sights on throughout our go to, that was nonetheless simply one in every of my daughter’s favorite elements.
It’s expanded since we visited, with the Lily Bobtail Nature Discovery Space, the kitchen and laundry of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and the state-of-the-art Nice Invention Sensory sport, created by Mr Bouncer. You possibly can step into Mr Tod’s Lair if you happen to’re courageous sufficient, whereas the Peter Rabbit Secret Treehouse is the right place to identify Outdated Brown!
Watership Down on the Downs
For a distinct 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 dwelling.
I keep 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) nevertheless it’s an exquisite place for a stroll regardless.
There are numerous strolling trails, together with one which passes Nuthanger Farm – preserve your eyes out for wild rabbits hopping round if you happen to’e quiet.
Comply with the Well-known 5 and go wild in Dorset
You possibly can comply with 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 continues 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’ll 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 incredible day trip with youngsters in Dorset.
Learn what we considered a day trip on Brownsea Island, Dorset
Spot Paddington in London
Alongside Platform 1 at Paddington Station, there’s a metallic statue of a really well-known bear – sitting on a bench, ready for somebody to take care of him. And it’s laborious to beat Paddington in terms of youthful youngsters who love books.
With a embellished bench not distant, 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 an entire lot extra, and you can theme a whole London journey round Paddington Bear.
For extra locations to seek out Paddington in London, try 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 stunning place for youthful youngsters particularly to lose themselves on the earth of Kenneth Grahame’s tales.
We even bought 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 possibility for older major college age youngsters, Cornelia Funke’s Ghost Knight e book was impressed by a go to to Salisbury Cathedral and its college – 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 whilst you’re there.
Swallows and Amazons adventures, Cumbria
If Peter Rabbit doesn’t tempt your youngsters to the Lakes any extra, Swallows and Amazons is the right 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 personal 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 youngsters, try my prime picks
Path Dracula in Whitby
In case your youngsters 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 Outdated 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, experience 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 possibility to see Christopher Lee’s cloak.
For concepts of extra issues to do in Whitby with youngsters, try my prime picks
Go to Seven Tales in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Hold heading north east to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, for a go to to Seven Tales: The Nationwide Centre for Kids’s Books – the free museum is devoted to accumulating, preserving and celebrating kids’s books.
Whereas there are sometimes altering exhibitions, there’s an incredible show asking ‘The place do Tales come from’, trying on the method related plots seem in several instances and cultures around the globe – and taking a look at the concept that there are solely seven sorts 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 periods.
Uncover Kids’s Story Centre
You don’t have to have the ability to learn to get misplaced in tales at Uncover: Kids’s Story Centre in London’s Stratford, geared toward youngsters aged from 0 to 11.
This improbable multi-sensory play area in east London is ideal for younger kids, full with two flooring of magical Story Worlds and a Story Backyard, that includes the whole lot 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’ll construct your personal session, together with any particular exhibitions and storytelling, plus the play areas throughout the 2 fundamental 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 in the course of the Edinburgh Pageant however lots to entertain youngsters year-round.
Count on 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 youngsters 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 usually 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 retaining a watch out.
We went to an exhibition at Mottisfont when my daughter was younger, whereas there was one other exhibition at Newby Corridor just a few years in the past, amongst others.
*First revealed 2017, final up to date 2024*
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Disclosure: This put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. All opinions on the perfect days out for youths who love books are my very own (and my daughter’s)
Fundamental picture courtesy Depositphotos; all others copyright MummyTravels