Twycross' Gruffalo Discovery Land that's where.
Who doesn't love a trip to the Zoo? Backpack packed, Gruffalo book fresh in our minds from a read en-route, myself and my two children were excited at the prospect of exploring the new four-acre Gruffalo Discovery land at Twycross Zoo.
Located in the heart of England, the land - which opens this Saturday - brings together the much-loved characters, from best-selling children’s book The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
The aim for this ground-breaking experience, developed in partnership with Magic Light Pictures, is to inspire more children than ever before about the importance of conservation and the natural world.
With real-life animals, animatronics, film clips and much more, we were thrilled to encounter Fox, Owl, Snake, Mouse and the Gruffalo along a unique interactive journey through the deep, dark wood. It was a fantastic journey which featured interactive games through caves and screenings of the Gruffalo film.
The interactive experience started straight away, taking us on a journey through the story of one of my own children's best loved books. Stopping off at the amphitheatre, we got to see the Gruffalo himself who was entertaining the delighted crowds.
Then, a trip to the cafe called as my youngest spotted the Oh Crumbs! Cafe in sight. We tucked into sandwiches, crisps, cake and costa coffee and hot chocolates - it had been snowing in April again, after all!
We all loved the experience - there really is something to take from it for all ages.
Rose, 11, says: "I think it is done very well. I remember the book from when I was little and it was nice to have that trip down memory lane, oh and the cafe was yummy!"
Edie, 7, says: "I really loved it! it was so cool to play the games all along the walk and that we saw Gruffalo himself. Then that we got to see all the animals on the same day - it was so, so fun."
Full access to the zoo is all part of the experience and we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon following Gruffalo Land with all the animals at the zoo! The Gruffalo experience opens to the public tomorrow on April 9.
Written by Emily Miller
Emily is a Senior Journalist for Niche Magazine with over a decade of journalism experience. She enjoys going to gigs, visiting galleries and walking in all weathers.
