Embarking on an outdoor family adventure filled with whimsy and nature’s charm is easily achieved through the enchanting experience of Gruffalo trails. Whether adorned with intricately carved wooden figures or embracing the modern allure of virtual Gruffalo spotters, these trails promise joy for all ages, even welcoming your four-legged companions. If you find yourself pondering the existence of a Gruffalo trail nearby, read on to uncover the exact locations from the Forestry Commission that promise delightful escapades for the entire family.
The majority of Gruffalo Trails are situated within Forestry England locations, adding an extra layer of adventure to these scenic settings. Given their widespread popularity, you might even stumble upon additional trails spontaneously emerging across the country. I would suggest each trail is about an hour-long adventure, and they’re usually a short walk organised on level surfaces ideal for little legs and which are suitable for strollers.
Gruffalo Sculpture Trails:
Exploring Gruffalo Sculpture Trails offers a delightful journey into the enchanting world of the beloved characters. As you stroll through the deep, dark woods, encounter various wooden statues of the Gruffalo characters, each striking a unique pose. Consider embarking on a Gruffalo Map adventure during your holidays, aiming to capture photos of these charming sculptures. Sometimes you may be able to collect treasures in an evidence collection bag. While some sculpture trails feature all characters in wooden form, others may incorporate artistic depictions. Gruffalo trail’s are a great day out for the whole family and are particularly engaging for younger children familiar with the story. Grab your Gruffalo activity kit from a visitor welcome point and embark on adventure to find all of your favourite characters.
Gruffalo Orienteering Trail:
Armed with a simple map, your goal is to swiftly locate twelve Gruffalo markers concealed in the deep, dark wood. Engage in this adventure, answer questions along the way, and develop valuable skills in decision-making and map reading. This experience is perhaps more involved and therefore great at keeping older siblings entertained along the route.
Gruffalo Orienteering Haldon Forest
Location : Haldon Forest Park, Bullers Hill, Kennford, Exeter, EX6 7XR
Head off the beaten track with our fun, navigational challenge at Haldon Forest. Use a Gruffalo-themed orienteering map to find twelve markers hidden in the deep, dark wood.
If you’re feeling competitive, choose to run, walk (or skip!) the course against the clock.
Before you begin the trail, pick up a Gruffalo orienteering leaflet with a certificate and map for just £1.50.
What else is at Haldon Forest : Nordic walking, running trails, walking trails, Yurt Hire, cycling trails, discovery trail, forest find, Go Ape Tree Top Adventure, Go ape Treetop Challenge, harcombe horse riding trails, forest segway, picnic areas, toilets, bike wash, cycle hire, bird hide, play area, baby changing facilities, cafe.
Dogs Allowed : YES
Opening Hours : The forest is open every day except Christmas Day 7am – 9pm.
Parking : £4 up to 2hrs, £6 up to 4hrs, £8 All Day (Peak) £3 up to 2hrs, £4 up to 4hrs, £6 All day (Off Peak)
High Lodge Gruffalo Trail Sculptures
Location : High Lodge, Thetford Forest, Brandon, IP27 0AF
Head to the visitor centre for clues to find the Gruffalo. Each wooden sculpture has been carved in a different position – can you find them all on a gentle stroll along the woodland walks?
What else is at High Lode Forest Centre : 4 walking/Running Trails, 3 Cycling Trails, Go Ape, Forest Segway, Play Areas, Picnic Areas, Cafe, Archery, Toilets, Bird Hide, baby changing facilities, bike wash, cycle hire, BBQs.
Opening Hours : Open every day except Christmas Day. Please note that last entry is at 6pm.
Parking : £3 early bird exit before 11am, £2 up to 1hr, £5 up to 2hrs, £8 up to 3hrs, £10 up to 4hrs, £12.50 All Day
Wendover Woods Gruffalo Trail Sculptures
Location : Upper Icknield Way, Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, HP22 5NQ
Head to the information point for a clue about where to find the sculptures! If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo.
Wendover Gruffalo Orienteering
Try our fun, navigational challenge at Wendover Woods using a simple map to find twelve Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood.
If you’re feeling competitive, choose to run, walk (or skip!) the course against the clock.
Before you begin the trail, pick up a Gruffalo orienteering leaflet with a certificate and map for just £1.50 from the information point.
What else is at Wendover Woods : Toilets, Play Area, Cafe (takeaway only), Walking Trails, Cycling Trails, Go Ape.
Dogs Allowed : YES
Opening Hours : everyday at 8am except Christmas Day. Last entry is at 6.30pm
Closing time : 9 April 2021 to 23 September 2021 – 7pm. 24 September 2021 to 21 October – 6pm. 22 October 2021 to 24 February 2022 – 5pm
Alice Holt Gruffalo Trail Sculptures
Location : Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham, GU10 4LS
Find the Gruffalo sculptures along the Willows Green Trail. Each sculptures has been carved in a different position completely unique to Alice Holt Forest, and they bring this much-loved story to life in the forest.
Can you find our new Gruffalo’s Child and Mouse sculptures? They are enjoying their new homes at Alice Holt Forest.
What else is at Alice Holt : Cafe (takeaway only), Play Trail, Play park Area, Toilets, Changing Places Facilities, Easy access Trail, Dog wash Picnic Area, Visitor Centre, Park Run, Go Ape
Dogs Allowed : YES
Opening Hours : May to September 8am – 9pm, October 8am – 7pm, November 8am – 6pm, December to February 8am – 5pm, March 8am – 6pm, April 8am – 7pm
Parking : £3 up to 1 hr, £5 up to 2hrs, £7 up to 3 hrs, £9 up to 4 hrs, £12 All Day (Peak) £2 up to 1 hr, £3.50 up to 2hrs, £5 up to 3 hrs, £6.50 up to 4 hrs, £8 All Day (Off Peak)
Bedgebury Gruffalo Trail Sculptures
Location : Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ
Visit the visitor centre information office for clues on where to find the sculptures.
Uncover the magic of Bedgebury national pinetum as you search for six large wooden Gruffalo sculptures hidden among the trees. Whether you’re young or old, embark on a 3.5km adventure, navigating bumpy ground and gentle slopes. Rest on benches scattered along the way, and download the explorer’s guide to learn about real-life animals and habitats. It’s an enchanting journey for all!
What else is at Bedgebury Pinetum : Toilets, Cafe (takeaway only), Play areas, Bike Shop,Go Ape, Bike Hire
Dogs Allowed : YES
Opening Hours : everyday at 8am except Christmas Day. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
Parking : £14 (Peak) £10 (Off Peak) £3.50 Early Bird (any day 8am-11am)
Cannock Chase Gruffalo Trail Sculptures
Location : Birches Valley, Rugeley, WS15 2UQ – sat nav
If you venture into the deep dark wood of Cannock Chase Forest you may bump in to Gruffalo and his friends from Julia Donaldson’s classic story. Head to the Ladyhill trail for an excellent starting point and the chance to find them all today. At the end of the trail is a fabulous play area and a chance to grab an ice cream at the Birches Valley Cafe. You must take teh time to explore the picturesque valleys here.
Cannock Chase Gruffalo Orienteering
Try this fun, navigational challenge at Cannock Chase Forest using a simple map to find 12 Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood.
If you’re feeling competitive you could choose to run, walk (or skip!) the course against the clock.
Before you begin, pick up a Gruffalo orienteering leaflet with a certificate and map from the cafe for just £1.50.
What else is at Cannock Chase : 4 walking trails, 4 cycling activity trails, Go Ape, Forest Segway, Orienteering, dog activity trail, play areas, picnic areas, Birches Valley cafe, toilets, baby changing facilities, cycle hire
Dogs Allowed : YES
Opening Hours : Open every day except Christmas Day. January – 7:30am to 5:00pm, February/March – 7:30am to 6:00pm, April – 7:30am to 8:00pm, May-August – 7:30am to 9:00pm, September – 7:30am to 8:00pm, October – 7:30am to 7:00pm, November/December – 7:30am to 5:00pm
Parking : £3 up to 1hr, £5 up to 2hrs, £8 All Day
Gruffalo Sculptures at Cardinham Woods
Location: Cardinham Woods, Bodmin, PL30 4AL
f you venture into the deep, dark wood you may bump into one of six characters from The Gruffalo, the best-selling picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
Follow the Lady Vale Walk to start your adventure.
Can you find The Gruffalo himself?
What else is at Cardinham Woods : 5 walking trails, cycling trails, A zog trail , visitor centre, shop, Forest School, Woods Cafe, self service dog wash, accessible toilet and baby change, picnic area, play area, rangers office, mobility scooter hire.
Dogs Allowed : YES
Opening Hours : Open every day dawn to dusk except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day Rangers Hut open 9.30 – 3.30 weekends and bank holidays, and 9.30-11.30 on weekdays.
Parking : £3 for up to 2 hours, £4 for up to 4 hours, £6 all day.
Dalby Forest Gruffalo Trail Sculptures
Location : Dalby Visitor Centre, Low Dalby, Thornton-Le-Dale, Pickering
If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s Child from Julia Donaldson’s fantastic story. There is an easy to find starting point at this trail
Each wooden sculpture has been carved in a different position – can you find them all?
Dalby Forest Gruffalo Orienteering
Try our fun, navigational challenge at Dalby Forest using a simple map to find twelve Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood.
If you’re feeling competitive, choose to run, walk (or skip!) the course against the clock.
Trail certificate and maps are available to purchase from the Visitor Centre during opening times and cost £1.50. You will need to drive to the trail start at the World Cup Car Park near Adderstone Field.
What else is at Dalby Forest : 13 walking trails, 6 cycling trails, 4 running trails, visitor centre, shop, 2 play areas, Go Ape, Cafe, bike shop and hire, activity centre, toilets, bike wash, baby changing, picnic area
Dogs Allowed : YES
Opening Hours : Open every day 8am-8pm except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day
Parking : £9 until 4pm, £5 after 4pm (Peak) £5 All Day (Off Peak)
Delamere Gruffalo Trail Sculptures
Location : Delamere, Northwich, CW8 2HZ
Our Gruffalo sculpture at Delamere Forest has been enjoying cuddles and photo opportunities for many years. It is a much-loved feature of our forest but as it is made of natural materials and has been outside for so long it has now been removed.
We know how much our visitors love him and he will be back, in the meantime we have decided to install some of his friends to keep you company. Head to the walking trails from the visitor centre and have fun hunting for them all.
What else is at Delamere : 3 walking trails, 2 cycling trails, Orienteering, Go Ape, Segway, Nordic Walking, bike hire, cafe, picnic area, toilets, changing places facilities, baby changing.
Dogs Welcome : YES
Opening Hours : Summer opening times: 8:00am to 8:00pm. Winter opening times: 8:00am to 5:00pm. Times change the Monday after the clocks change.
Parking : There are various car parks to use. Forest Centre – £3 1hr, £5 up to 2hrs, £8 All Day. Treetops – £3 1hr, £5 up to 2hrs, £8 All Day. Whitefield – £2 1hr, £4 up to 2hrs, £6 All Day.
Fineshade Wood Gruffalo Trail Sculptures
Location : Top Lodge, Fineshade, Near Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 3BB
If you venture into the deep dark wood, you may bump into Gruffalo and his friends from Julia Donaldson’s classic story.
His friends have only just joined us here at Fineshade Wood and we are really excited to have them. Head to the trail start at the top of the main car park to find them all today.
What else is at Fineshade Wood : 3 walking trails, family cycling trail, 1 horse riding trail, play areas, picnic area, cafe, cycle hire, toilets, bird hide, baby changing facilities, wildlife hide.
Dogs Allowed : YES
Opening Hours : Open every day from 8am except Christmas Day.
Parking : £2 Up to 1hr, £4 up to 2hrs, £6 All Day
Hamsterley Forest Gruffalo Trail Sculptures
Location : Bedburn, Hamsterley, DL13 3NL
If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s Child plus other characters from Julia Donaldson’s fantastic story.
Each wooden sculpture has been carved in a different position – can you find them all?
What else is at Hamsterley Forest : 4 walking trails, 4 cycling trails, 2 horse riding trails, Play areas, Cafe, Visitor Information Point, Descend Bike Park, baby changing, toilets, picnic area.
Opening Hours : dawn to dusk
Parking : £2 up to 1 hr, £6 All day (Off Peak) £10 All Day (Peak)
Kielder Castle Gruffalo Trail Sculptures
Location : Kielder Castle, Kielder, NE48 1ER
If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s Child plus other characters from Julia Donaldson’s fantastic story.
Each wooden sculpture has been carved in a different position – can you find them all?
What else is at Kielder Castle : Part of Kielder Water and Forest Park, 5 walking trails, 7 cycling trails, cafe (takeaway only), Cycle hire, Picnic areas, toilets, baby changing facilities.
Opening Hours : visitor centre is currently closed for refurbishment.
Parking : Main Car Park £1.50 1hr, £5 All Day. Forest Drive (Toll road) £3 All Day. Forest Drive Toll and Car Park £7 All Day.
Moors Valley Gruffalo Trail Sculptures
Location : Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Nr Ringwood, BH24 2ET
If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s Child plus other characters from Julia Donaldson’s fantastic story.
Each wooden sculpture has been carved in a different position – can you find them all?
What else is at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest : 2 walking trails, 5 cycling trails, children’s play trail, play areas, Toilets, Restaurant, visitor centre, bike hire, steam railway, picnic areas.
Opening Hours : From 8am daily (except Christmas Day)
Parking : £4 1hr, £8 up to 2hrs, £11 up to 4hrs, £12 up to 5hrs, £15 All Day (Peak)
£2.80 1 hr, £5.50 up to 2hrs, £7.98 up to 4hrs, £9.50 up to 5hrs, £10.50 All Day (Off Peak)
Sherwood Pines Gruffalo Trail Sculptures
Location : Kings Clipstone, Nottingham, NG21 9JL
If you venture into the deep dark wood, you may bump in to Gruffalo and his friends from Julia Donaldson’s classic story.
His friends have only recently joined us here at Sherwood Pines and we are really excited to have them. Head to the Dragonfly trail to find them all today.
Sherwood Pines Gruffalo Orienteering
Enjoy the fun, navigational challenge at Sherwood Pines by following the easy to read map and finding twelve Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood.
Before you begin, head to the Visitor Centre to pick up a Gruffalo orienteering leaflet with a certificate and map for just £1.50.
What else is at Sherwood Pines : 3 walking trails, 3 cycling trails, 2 running trails, disc golf, bushcraft activities, bike park and skills loop, Go Ape, Forest Segway, Nordic walking, play areas, orienteering, cafe, bike hire, picnic areas, toilets, baby changing facilities.
Dogs Allowed : YES
Opening Hours : Open every day except Christmas Day. Winter opening hours are 8:00am until 6:00pm. Spring/Summer opening hours are 8:00am until 10:00pm.
Parking : £3 up to 1hr, £5 up to 2hrs, £8 All Day.
To enhance your exploration, certain trails provide clues at information centers to locate the sculptures, while others offer precise locations using What3Words. Additionally, for those seeking an extra layer of excitement, there’s Gruffalo Orienteering—a navigational challenge set in forests nationwide.
Gruffalo Orienteering Mallards Pike
Location : Mallards Pike, Parkend, Gloucestershire, GL15 4HD
Try our fun, navigational challenge at Mallards Pike using a simple map to find twelve Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood.
If you’re feeling competitive, choose to run, walk (or skip!) the course against the clock.
Before you begin the trail, pick up a Gruffalo orienteering leaflet with a certificate and map for just £1.50. These are available from the following:
From the cafe at Mallards Pike
Call into our offices in Bank House, Coleford, GL16 8BA and buy from our reception
Or you can call 0300 067 4800 and pay over the phone. We will post the pack out to you first class in the next post. An additional charge of £1.08 will be added to cover postage and packaging.
Please note that our reception and phone lines are open 9am – 3pm, Monday – Friday and all payments must be made by card.
What else is at Mallards Pike : 3 Walking trails, 2 Running trails, Go Ape Treetop Challenge, Forest Segway, Picnic area, Lakeside café, toilets, baby changing facilities.
Dogs Welcome : YES
Opening Hours : Open every day except Christmas Day. The site opens at 8.00 every day and the closing times are November to February – 5pm, March – 6:30pm, April – 8pm, May to August – 9pm, September – 7:30pm, October – 6:30pm.
Parking : £3 up to 2hrs, £5 up to 4hrs, £7 All Day, £2 Early bird – exit before 10.30am and After 5pm (Peak) £2 up to 2hrs, £4 Up to 4hrs, £5 All Day, £1 Early bird – exit before 10.30am and After 5pm (Off Peak)
Salcey Forest Gruffalo Orienteering
Location : Wooton Road, Northamptonshire, NN7 2HX
Try our fun, navigational challenge at Salcey Forest using a simple map to find twelve Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood.
If you’re feeling competitive, choose to run, walk (or skip!) the course against the clock.
Before you begin the trail, pick up a Gruffalo orienteering leaflet with a certificate and map for just £1.50.
What else is at Salcey Forest : 3 walking trails, 1 cycle trail, 1 horse riding trail, archery and axe throwing, play areas, picnic area, cafe, cycle hire, toilets, baby changing facilities.
Opening Hours : Open every day except Christmas Day.
Nov – Mar 8am – 5pm, Apr – Oct 8am – 9pm
Parking : £2 Up to 1hr and Saturday early bird 8am-11am, £4.00 up to 2hrs, £6 All Day
Whinlatter Forest Gruffalo Trail Sculptures
Location : Whinlatter Pass, Keswick, CA12 5TW
What else is at Whinlatter Forest : 9 walking trails, 3 cycling trails, 2 Running trails – 5k & 10, play areas, Visitor Information & Forest Shop, Go Ape, Segway, Cafe, Bike hire, Tramper/mobility scooter hire, picnic area, cafe.
Opening Hours : Main car park and toilets open 8.30am to 8.30pm. Revelin Moss car park open 24 hours.
Parking : £2.20 up to 1hr, each additional 20 minutes 50p, £8 All Day
Wyre Forest Gruffalo Trail Sculptures
Location : Wyre Forest, Callow Hill, Bewdley, DY14 9XQ
If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo or the Gruffalo’s Child.
Each sculpture has been carved in a different position – be careful not wake the sleeping Gruffalo!
Wyre Forest Gruffalo Orienteering
Try our fun, navigational challenge at Wyre Forest using a simple map to find twelve Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood.
If you’re feeling competitive, choose to run, walk (or skip!) the course against the clock.
Before you begin the trail, pick up a Gruffalo orienteering leaflet with a certificate and map for just £1.50.
Available from our information Pod on weekends 10am – 4pm or by pressing the blue call button located at side of café wall Monday – Friday.
What else is at Wyre Forest : 3 walking trails, 1 cycling trail, 5 running trails, Horse trails, Play area, Picnic areas, Bike hire, Café, Go Ape Treetop Challenge, Go Ape Treetop Adventure, Baby and Toddler Forest School Sessions, toilets, cycle hire.
Dogs Allowed : YES
Opening Hours : Open every day (except Christmas Day) from 8am to 9pm.
Parking : £4 up to 2hrs, £5 up to 4hrs, £7 All Day (Peak) £3 up to 2hrs, £4 up to 4hrs, £5 All Day (Off Peak)
Before embarking on the orienteering trail, acquire a Gruffalo activity pack, inclusive of a certificate and map, or a gruffalo orienteering leaflet available for just £1.50. With 12 locations scattered across the UK offering Gruffalo Orienteering, this activity proves to be a fantastic and enjoyable experience for the entire family. It also serves as an ideal setting to teach children the art of map reading in a playful and engaging manner.
Last Updated on 3 weeks by Lavania Oluban
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