When I was told about the chance to go on a Gruffalo hunt I almost leapt at the chance (in actual fact I think a jump of joy may of actually happened lol).
My brother who works in a nursery had been told about the Gruffalo Trail in Thorndon Country Park, Essex. Straight away I was googling details and planning our trip.
The next day we packed a picnic and headed for the park. A short drive later (40minutes) we arrived in what I can only describe as a gorgeous, fictional forest. I couldn't believe we were so close to London yet felt like we were miles away.
You pay to park but it works out at about £3 for the whole day, and you head to the park shop where you can buy a Gruffalo trail map for 50p and off you go.
You are free to roam the forest searching for the characters from both The Gruffalo & The Gruffalos Child. The forest is peaceful yet brimming with the atmosphere for excited children (and parents) searching for the fictional characters that are hidden around.
Along the route we stopped several times to make instruments from sticks, listen for noises that could possible be the owl, make underground houses for the animals and to try our best and balancing on logs that lie over streams.
You can do the trail as many times as you like and go whichever way you please, it is an amazing place and you can definitely make a day out of it. There is a picnic area towards the end of the trail which is gated off.
Who can resist a selfie with The Gruffalos child :)
A very affordable day out. I would recommend it over and over again and we will definitely be revisiting.
If you guys end up going or have been let me know and share some pictures :) and of course if you need more information just feel free to ask.
Aww this looks like a lovely day out!
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