If your house is anything like ours, The Gruffalo is a firm bedtime favourite — and the good news is there are lots of fun places to take the kids Gruffalo spotting in real life. Here’s where to take the kids on a Gruffalo Trail (of course, we all know there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo!).
Gruffalo Trail Scotland
The Gruffalo Trail at Ardkinglas has boards showing selected extracts from the Scots version of the famous book, linking the story to the setting of this special corner of the Woodland Garden. Pick up a Trail Map from the Mouse to help guide you along the route. There’s an admission charge to enter the Woodland Garden, which includes access to the Gruffalo Trail.
Gruffalo Trail Northern Ireland
Colin Glen Forest Park near Belfast is home to Northern Ireland’s only official Gruffalo Trail. Each character has been magically recreated by sculptor Andrew McIntyre and set against the backdrop of a stunning forest park.
Gruffalo Trail at Wells House, Wexford, Ireland
Wells House and Gardens in Wexford invites visitors to take a stroll through the deep, dark woods where they’ll come face to face with the elusive Gruffalo. Be warned, he’s life sized! Mouse is also there, along with other wood carvings created by owner Uli Roesier. You may also come face to face with trolls, fairies and a few bugs who have checked into the Bug Hotel. The trail is open year round, with a parking charge payable on exit.
Gruffalo Trail at Thorndon Country Park, Essex
Thorndon Country Park has a self-led Gruffalo Trail where kids can discover the magic of the Deep Dark Wood and search for carvings of Gruffalo characters. The trail takes about 45 minutes to complete. Pick up a map at the Countryside Centre in Thorndon North, and it’s a good idea to wear wellies for the walk.
Gruffalo Trails in England (in Deep Dark Woods)
The Forestry Commission has launched interactive Gruffalo Trails in forests across England. Look out for the Gruffalo Spotter App, which lets you follow clues on interactive trails, point your phone at special markers, and watch the characters from The Gruffalo come to life.
Gruffalo Orienteering
There are also several locations in England that host Gruffalo Orienteering. These courses are suitable for children up to around 8 years old. Pick up the map from the forest office, then try to find twelve Gruffalo markers, answering questions on the accompanying leaflet.
- Dalby Forest, Yorkshire
- Delamere Forest, Cheshire
- Cannock Chase, Staffordshire
- Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire
- Thetford, Norfolk
- Whinlatter Forest, Cumbria
The Gruffalo Trail at Hardwick Park
There’s a Gruffalo Trail at Hardwick Park, near Sedgefield. The trail is available during gift shop opening hours. Collect your trail booklet from the visitor centre gift shop, follow the clues, and answer the questions to discover the animal homes from the story. You may even encounter an 8ft Gruffalo hiding in the woods!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Gruffalo Trail?
A Gruffalo Trail is a woodland walk featuring carved or sculpted characters from Julia Donaldson’s much-loved story, often with a map or activity booklet to guide families along the route.
Do you need to book in advance?
Most Gruffalo Trails are self-led and don’t require booking, but it’s worth checking the venue’s own website before you travel in case this has changed.
Are Gruffalo Trails suitable for toddlers?
Yes — most trails are gentle, family-friendly walks suitable for a range of ages, though buggy access can vary, so it’s worth checking with the venue beforehand.
Is there anything to buy on the trail?
Some trails offer a printed map or activity booklet from a visitor centre or gift shop, which adds a fun scavenger-hunt element for kids.
You Might Also Like
- Best Woodland Walks for Kids
- Free and Low-Cost Family Days Out
- Books That Inspire Outdoor Adventures
Save This for Your Next Family Day Out
Planning a Gruffalo-spotting adventure? Bookmark this page or save it to your family days-out list so you’ve got it handy next time you’re looking for somewhere new to explore.
Don’t Miss Out on More Family Fun Ideas
Want more days-out inspiration delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free newsletter, packed with ideas, competitions and offers for family fun — and yes, it really is free.
