A mouse took a stroll by the deep darkish woodenโฆ and after checking for Gruffalos, went in the hunt for the Faraway Tree, earlier than searching for a river to play Pooh sticks, trying to find Peter Rabbitโs 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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Iโve written earlier than how books, for me, are a gateway to new worlds and the way thatโs impressed my love of journey โ and Iโve been rediscovering so many aged favourites as I introduce my daughter to the tales. Itโs 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 thatโs solely the beginning relating to days out with youngsters who love books โ there are some improbable locations to discover round England alone, with hyperlinks to some nice youngstersโs authors, to areas from basic tales, and different enjoyable locations to go to for teenagers who love studying. Whether or not youโre travelling with preschoolers or teenagers, youโll discover one thing for each age and studying style amongst my high picks.
Spot the Gruffalo
The deep darkish woods round England have been full of a Gruffalo or two for fairly a couple of years now, because the Forestry Fee began creating walks to tie in with Julia Donaldsonโs best-loved tales.
And with the Gruffalo celebrating his twenty fifth birthday, there are extra occasions taking place all through 2024. Head out on theย Gruffalo Get together Path, the place you’ll be able to seek for lacking celebration gadgets and decide the Gruffalo a gift, with a path pack containing equipment to put on, and additional actions.
There are additionally some big Gruffalo statues dotted across the nation, together with at Wendover Woods the place weโve been following the Julia Donaldson trails since earlier than my daughter may learn.
For extra Gruffalo-themed enjoyable, try my evaluate of the Gruffalo Clubhouse in Blackpool
Sleep with the Gruffalo at Chessington World of Adventures
If a stroll within the woods isnโt sufficient, mini followers can come head to head with the purple prickled one at Chessington World of Adventures.
In addition to the worldโs first Gruffalo riverboat trip, you’ll be able to snuggle down in a Gruffalo-themed bed room at Chessingtonโs Azteca Safari Resort lodge, 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.
Thereโs additionally a Room on the Broom themed room in case you favor 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-oldโฆ 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 โ and you’ll see each, together with the opposite characters from Room on the Broom at Anglers Nation Park in Yorkshire.
The stunning path across the lake is celebrating 15 years this 12 months โ we had a good time after we visited a few years in the past, one among my favorite days out with younger youngsters who love books.
Try my evaluate 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 Wonkaโs Chocolate Manufacturing unit โ and who can blame her? I wager most of us secretly fancy assembly assembly Oompa Loompas and consuming sizzling chocolate straight from a riverโฆ
The closest various is the award-winning Roald Dahl Museum in Nice Missenden, which has every little thing from the creatorโs authentic writing hut to a string of hands-on reveals, actions and story periods โ the most effective days out with youngsters who love books.
Aimed toward six to 12-year-olds, there are additionally Chiddlersโ Hour periods for little ones and trails across the village of Nice Missenden the place itโs set. Preserve an eye fixed 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 the village
Quentin Blake at Moyseโs Corridor Museum, Suffolk
Head additional north to Suffolk to find extra concerning the artist behind the photographs accompanying Dahlโs phrases โ Quentin Blakeโs well-known illustrations have been showing at WWT websites across the nation lately, however thereโs now an opportunity to see a few of his less-well recognized works at Moyseโs Corridor Museum.
The Illustrated Hospital places work on show which Blake created for numerous hospitals, and which โ till now โ have solely been seen by sufferers and workers. Uncover every little thing 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 โ the place Pooh invented Poohsticks โ is close to Cotchford Home, residence to AA Milne and Christopher Robin.
Acquire loads of sticks as you stroll by the woods and when youโve had a couple of video games, how a few heffalump hunt, or an expotition to the North Pole, whereas protecting a cautious eye out for woozles and wizzles after all.
Claire from Suitcases and Sandcastles has some nice recommendations on exploring the forest or attempt one among VisitEnglandโs different finest locations to play Poohsticks, together with Morden Corridor Park, the place weโve 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’ll be able to see the door which is claimed to have impressed the doorway to the land of Narnia โ 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.
In the event you can go to Magdalen School as properly, the animals carved on the pillars are additionally mentioned to have impressed the part the place Aslan brings the frozen animals again to life.
Donโt 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 Potterโs Oxford
From filming areas like Christ Church school to the cloisters of New School, in addition to historic streets which really feel tailored for wizards, Oxford is a superb place for teenagers 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 happy with, a statue that impressed Almost 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 โ having visited a number of instances, together with when the Hogwarts Specific was first added I’ve fairly actually spent all day exploring there.
Alongside the best way, you’ll be able to step into the Forbidden Forest the place you’ll be able to uncover improbable beasts โ be careful for Aragog although โ in addition to stepping inside Gringottโs Financial institution (watch out for dragons right here), assembly creatures galore from the films, waving your individual wand, driving 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 โ 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.
Thereโs a tour taking you to a number of the filming areas across the grounds as properly, or you could find info as you discover by yourself. Donโt miss the citadelโs personal dragon too.
We had a go at levitating their very own brooms there โ try my evaluate of a day at Alnwick Fort with youngsters
Go to Hobbitonโs inspiration close to Birmingham
With dragons, elves and journey, I cherished studying The Hobbit after I was youthful โ though I didnโt 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 outdoors 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 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, thereโs a Beatrix Potter path across the lakeshore grounds of Brockhole โ 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, youโll additionally discover The World of Beatrix Potter, the place you’ll be able to discover Mrs Tiggy-Winkleโs kitchen, Jemima Puddle-duckโs woodland glade and Peterโs backyard.
Discover Mr McGregor in Hertfordshire
For much more Peter Rabbit, thereโs an opportunity to satisfy him at Willows Exercise Farmย not removed from St Albans โ and play in his journey playground.
To not point out raiding the large radishes in Mr McGregorโs backyard. Regardless of the Christmas sights on throughout our go to, that was nonetheless simply one among my daughterโs favorite elements.
Itโs 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’ll be able to step into Mr Todโs Lair in case youโre courageous sufficient, whereas the Peter Rabbit Secret Treehouse is the right 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 โ 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 havenโt learn it to my daughter simply but) however itโs a phenomenal place for a stroll regardless.
There are numerous strolling trails, together with oneย which passes Nuthanger Farm โ maintain your eyes out for wild rabbits hopping round in case youโe quiet.
Comply with the Well-known 5 and go wild in Dorset
You’ll be able to comply with within the Well-known 5โs 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 smash which Enid Blyton visited in 1941 continues to be there, together with a portray of the 5 in Corfe Station โ 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 pink squirrels and timeless air, additionally helped encourage Kirrin Island โ solely accessible by boat, it makes a fantastic time out with youngsters in Dorset.
Learn what we considered a time out on Brownsea Island, Dorset
Spot Paddington in London
Alongside Platform 1 at Paddington Station, thereโs a steel statue of a really well-known bear โ sitting on a bench, ready for somebody to take care of him. And itโs laborious to beat Paddington relating to youthful youngsters who love books.
With a adorned bench not far-off, reward store and loads of locations to get a sticky bun (marmalade sandwiches are a bit trickier), itโs a enjoyable go to by itself for mini Paddington followers โ together with my daughter.
Itโs 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 would theme a whole London journey round Paddington Bear.
For extra locations to search out Paddington in London, try this put up for inspiration
The Wind within the Willows at Henley
At Henleyโs River and Rowing Museum, thereโs a nook devoted to the Wind within the Willows, with the tales recreated byย fashions โ itโs a beautiful place for youthful youngsters particularly to lose themselves on the earth of Kenneth Grahameโs tales.
We even bought to satisfy Mr Toad on our go to, though the actions and family-friendly reveals change all year long.
Spot ghosts in Salisbury
A fantastic choice for older major college age youngsters, Cornelia Funkeโs Ghost Knight guide was impressed by a go to to Salisbury Cathedral and its college โ you’ll be able to nonetheless see the effigy of William Longspee, who makes an look within the novels.
Whereas there was a path to take you to varied areas with hyperlinks to the story, this now not appears to exist, however followers receivedโt wrestle to determine locations they recognise from the guide. Donโt miss Magna Carta when youโre there.
Swallows and Amazons adventures, Cumbria
If Peter Rabbit doesnโt tempt your youngsters to the Lakes any extra, Swallows and Amazons is the right journey for older major age youngsters. There are areas galore from the movie โ one of many authentic stars,ย Sophie Neville, revisited a number of together with many from the current film film too.
And you may have your individual lake journey on Coniston โ attempt 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’ll be able to cruise aboard Steam Yacht Gondola too, which impressed Captain Flintโs houseboat.
For extra concepts of the perfect issues to do within the Lake District with youngsters, try my high picks
Path Dracula in Whitby
In case your youngsters have moved on from youngstersโs 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 Maryโs 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 price a go to everytime youโre in Whitby. Or for one thing distinctly extra kitsch, enjoy all issues vampire on theย Dracula Expertise. Aimed toward 13+, the attraction mixes animation and particular results with dwell actors to introduce guests to Draculaโs connection to Whitby, plus the possibility to see Christopher Leeโs cloak.
For concepts of extra issues to do in Whitby with youngsters, try my high 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 Youngstersโs Books โ the free museum is devoted to gathering, preserving and celebrating youngstersโs books.
Whereas there are sometimes altering exhibitions, thereโs a fantastic show asking โThe place do Tales come fromโ, trying on the approach comparable plots seem in numerous instances and cultures world wide โ and the concept that there are solely seven sorts of story.
Elsewhere, you’ll be able to step into Judith Kerrโs kitchen (the place the Tiger famously got here to tea) and meet Mog the forgetful cat. However thatโs solely the startโฆ 2024โs touring exhibitions embody Elmer and Associates, in addition to common storytime and craft periods.
Uncover Youngstersโs Story Centre
You donโt have to have the ability to learn to get misplaced in tales atย Uncover: Youngstersโs Story Centreย in Londonโs Stratford, geared toward youngsters aged from 0 to 11.
This improbable multi-sensory play area in east London is ideal for younger youngsters, full with two flooring of magical Story Worlds and a Story Backyard, that includes every little thing from a pirate ship to a spacecraft and loads of different enjoyable imaginary lands for teenagers to discover.
There are numerous timed actions and you’ll 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, thereโs at all times one thing to find at The Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh, with additional occasions in the course of the Edinburgh Competition however lots to entertain youngsters 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.
In case you are visiting Edinburgh with youngsters who love Harry Potter, there are hyperlinks galore to the tales which JK Rowling wrote within the metropolis โ discover one inspiration for Diagon Alley, take a Potter-themed strolling tour and extra.
Be careful forโฆ
Charlie & Lola
There are commonly exhibitions on Lauren Childsโ work across the UK โ and whereas thereโs nothing at the moment lined up for Charlie & Lola followers, itโs price 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 โ any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions on the perfect days out for teenagers who love books are my very own (and my daughterโs)
Fundamental picture courtesy Depositphotos; all others copyright MummyTravels