They say there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo but at this wonderland at Twycross Zoo you might be mistaken. The immersive experience, known as The Gruffalo Discovery Land, is devoted to the tales of the best-selling picture book The Gruffalo – plus it is only a two hour drive away from Manchester.
Taking over a four-acre park in Leicestershire, the wonderland has been developed in partnership with brand managers Magic Light Pictures and is inspired by the popular children’s story written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. With real-life animals, animatronics, film clips and much more, visitors to The Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo will encounter Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake and the Gruffalo along their interactive journey.
At The Gruffalo Discovery Land, visitors can interact with the story of The Gruffalo like never before, by following the footsteps of the Mouse on a journey through the deep, dark wood. Not only can children experience well-known elements of the Gruffalo story, but you will even be able to visit the Treetop House play area, wander around Butterfly Paradise, learn with the park’s very own Gruffalo Discoverers and enjoy a feast in the Oh Crumbs! Café.
The immersive and engaging experience opened at the zoo back in April 2022 but has undergone a redevelopment where you can now step into the story of The Gruffalo and join Twycross Zoo to discover three brand new interactive discovery zones. The Gruffalo Discovery Land, which reopened on May 25, now features a new Gruffalo Ranger Training, new live entertainment, improved pathways, refreshed landscaping and an enhanced visitor experience.
Speaking on the opening, Dr Sharon Redrobe OBE, CEO of Twycross Zoo, said: “Much-loved children’s books, such as The Gruffalo, can inspire the imaginations of young children and encourage them to learn more about the natural world around them. The Gruffalo Discovery Land is a real celebration of both children’s love for animals and nature and we’re so excited to bring these wonderful creatures to life here at Twycross Zoo.
“Our aim for this ground-breaking experience is to engage and inspire more young children than ever before about the importance of conservation and the natural world. Recent global reports have highlighted the need for urgent action and we’re committed to educating more young people than ever before about the part they can play in protecting our planet – each one of us can make a real difference.”
The park has been put together in partnership with a conservation organisation that exists to protect wildlife, preserve endangered species and educate the next generation on the importance of protecting our planet. As you journey through the park you can encounter a Gruffalo animatronic over 2m tall and multiple selfie spots with Fox, Owl and Snake, plus visitors will also be able to experience and learn about real-life owls, snakes, butterflies and more as part of The Gruffalo Discovery Land and even meet The Gruffalo too.
Tickets are available to buy online, with entry to the land included in the Zoo’s daily admission price. In addition to The Gruffalo Discovery Land, visitors to Twycross Zoo can enjoy 100 acres of space with over 70 species of animals.
To buy tickets and find out more about The Gruffalo Discovery Land, head to the website here.
📍The Gruffalo Discovery Land, Twycross Zoo, Burton Road, Atherstone, CV9 3PX.