Popular children’s book character comes to the forest to celebrate her 25th birthday

FAMILIES have the chance to meet a much-loved children’s book character and take part in a range of low-cost activities at Delamere Forest this summer.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Julia Donaldson’s popular book The Gruffalo, Forestry England has invited the character himself to Delamere to greet his enthusiastic fans.

On Wednesday 7 August there will be a free fun day for all the family in the forest from 10am-4pm, where visitors can see The Gruffalo at various locations throughout the day.

A Forestry England spokesman said: “The summer holidays are just around the corner and it’s time to start planning activities to keep children entertained over the next six weeks.

“Forestry England offers many fun, affordable and exciting activities for families at Delamere Forest and this summer the focus is on The Gruffalo.

“The best part is that many of these activities are inexpensive or even free, so the whole family can have fun.”

Celebrate 25 years of The Gruffalo at Delamere Forest (Image: Forestry England)

As part of the celebrations, visitors this summer are encouraged to follow The Gruffalo’s 25th Anniversary Trail through the woods.

Children (and big kids alike) can enjoy interactive boards and activities on their journey with The Gruffalo and other characters.

The spokesperson added: “Families can search together for missing party items while enjoying fun games along the way and learning how plants and animals care for each other.”

“This trail is a beautiful and educational experience for Gruffalo fans of all ages.”

Find the wooden sculptures hidden in the forest (Image: Forestry England)

This summer, visitors can enjoy the Olympic excitement even before the Games in Paris.

Families can go on a free search for hidden signs featuring the Gruffalo characters and face Olympic challenges along the way.

All that Gruffalo fun takes energy, and Delamere Forest has plenty of stunning spots to settle down for a delicious picnic.

For even more fun, visitors can download the free Gruffalo Picnic Party Pack, which is full of party invitations, food ideas and party games.

Enjoy a picnic in the forest (Image: Forestry England)

If picnics aren’t your thing, you can purchase food and drinks at the Delamere Forest Cafe.

Finally, visitors can search for life-size wooden sculptures of the Gruffalo and other characters from the book – the mouse, owl, fox and snake – to capture the perfect photo.

Gruffalo walking packages cost £4 each. Parking charges apply for non-members.