If your house is anything like ours then The Gruffalo is a favourite book. But did you know there are lots of fun places to take the kids Gruffalo spotting? Here’s where to take the kids on a Gruffalo Trail (of course we all know there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo!)

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Gruffalo Trail Scotland

The Gruffalo Trail at Ardkinglas has a Gruffalo Trail with boards showing selected extracts from the Scots version of the famous book to link the story to the setting of this special corner of the Woodland Garden. Pick up a Trail Map from the Mouse which will help guide you along the route. NB Admission to the Woodland Garden including the Gruffalo Trail is £5 per person, £15 per family.

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 will come face to face with the elusive Gruffalo. Be warned, he is life sized! Mouse is also there, along with other wood carvings created by owner, Uli Roesier.

In addition you may come face to face with trolls, fairies and a few bugs who have checked into the Bug Hotel. The facility is open year round and  there is a charge of €8 per car, 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 Gruffalo Trail takes about 45 minutes. Pick up a map for 50p at the Countryside Centre in Thorndon North and it’s recommended to wear wellies for the walk.

26 Gruffalo Trails in England (in Deep Dark Woods)

The English Forestry Commission have launched interactive Gruffalo Trails in 26 forests across England. Download the free Gruffalo Spotter App before you go then follow clues on interactive trails, point the app at special markers on the trail and watch the characters from The Gruffalo come to life!

Gruffalo Orienteering

There are also 6 locations in England that host Gruffalo Orienteering. These courses are suitable for up to 8 years old. You pick up the map from the forest office for £1.50 then try to find twelve Gruffalo markers, answering questions on their 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, £1.50 for tickets. Collect your trail booklet from the visitor centre gift shop. Follow the clues and answer the questions in your booklet to discover the animal homes from the story. You may even encounter a 8ft Gruffalo hiding in the woods!

Over to you now. Have you visited a Gruffalo Trail with your child? Tell us about it in the comments below.