Why not set off to find Julia Donaldson’s & Axel Scheffler’s famous spined monster.
The Gruffalo Spotters Trails are available at various Forestry Commission parks over the UK. They consist of an interactive walk which begins by downloading the Gruffalo Spotters App at home – we can’t recommend that enough, as phone signals are patchy enough in the forest without having to rely on some serious 4G power. You can still do the trail without the app.
Simply follow clues throughout the forest, tracking down signs of the characters from The Gruffalo At each spot where you find one of the characters, there’s a round marker which you point your camera at and the app brings the characters to life as well as large clues and info boards. There’s plenty of other interactive things to do along the way too.
Aside from the stunning views across Exeter, the track, which is suitable for cyclists too, has various spots where you can hide out in fun woodland dens, make your own dens, photo spots and a large wooden xylophone. The kids were so engrossed with getting stuck into all the little extras along the way that we had to keep reminding them to search for the Gruffalo clues!
There’s a whole Julia Donaldson thing going on at Haldon Forest Park and you’ll also get to see Stick Man at the beginning of the trail!
It should take around 2 hours walking around, stopping for clues, joining in with the extra interactive children’s activities, picnicking and having a spot of fun in the park. Although on a warmer, less windy day, we’re sure you’d get a good 3-4 hours at least.
You can also purchase activity packs from the cafe as well to enhance your Gruffalo spotting fun. But if you’re looking for a day out on a shoestring they’re not essential. It’s just as much fun going home and re reading the book to remind you of the day though!
