A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood… and after checking for Gruffalos, went in search of the Faraway Tree, before looking for a river to play Pooh sticks, searching for Peter Rabbit’s burrow and making sure no giants had come down any beanstalks. If you have kids who love books, this imaginary world will feel very familiar!
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I’ve written before how books, for me, are a gateway to new worlds and how that’s inspired my love of travel – and I’ve been rediscovering so many old favourites as I introduce my daughter to the stories. It’s fascinating to watch her imagination flourish, mixing the fictional world with our own, adding a helping of magic to the simplest walk in the woods.
But that’s only the start when it comes to days out with kids who love books – there are some fantastic places to explore around England alone, with links to some great children’s authors, to locations from classic tales, and other fun places to visit for kids who love reading. Whether you’re travelling with preschoolers or teens, you’ll find something for every age and reading taste among my top picks.
Spot the Gruffalo
The deep dark woods around England have been filled with a Gruffalo or two for quite a few years now, since the Forestry Commission started creating walks to tie in with Julia Donaldson’s best-loved stories.
And with the Gruffalo celebrating his 25th birthday, there are more events happening throughout 2024. Head out on the Gruffalo Party Trail, where you can search for missing party items and pick the Gruffalo a present, with a trail pack containing accessories to wear, and extra activities.
There are also some giant Gruffalo statues dotted around the country, including at Wendover Woods where we’ve been following the Julia Donaldson trails since before my daughter could read.
For more Gruffalo-themed fun, check out my review of the Gruffalo Clubhouse in Blackpool
Sleep with the Gruffalo at Chessington World of Adventures
If a walk in the woods isn’t enough, mini fans can come face to face with the purple prickled one at Chessington World of Adventures.
As well as the world’s first Gruffalo riverboat ride, you can snuggle down in a Gruffalo-themed bedroom at Chessington’s Azteca Safari Resort hotel, with a special Gruffalo gift, and the chance to use the Reserve & Ride service to get faster access to one attraction at the theme park too.
There’s also a Room on the Broom themed room if you prefer that particular Julia Donaldson story to send you to sleep, along with a chance to see the story come to life in Room on the Broom: A Magical Journey.
Ting from My Travel Monkey tried out the Gruffalo riverboat ride with her five-year-old… And like the mouse, they got away uneaten.
Find Room on the Broom in Yorkshire
The witch had a cat, and a very tall hat – and you can see both, along with the other characters from Room on the Broom at Anglers Country Park in Yorkshire.
The lovely trail around the lake is celebrating 15 years this year – we had a great time when we visited a couple of years ago, one of my favourite days out with young kids who love books.
Check out my review of our Room on the Broom day out at Anglers County Park
The Gloriumptious Roald Dahl museum in Buckinghamshire
When she first discovered Roald Dahl, my daughter requested a visit to Wonka’s Chocolate Factory – and who can blame her? I bet most of us secretly fancy meeting meeting Oompa Loompas and drinking hot chocolate straight from a river…
The closest alternative is the award-winning Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden, which has everything from the author’s original writing hut to a string of hands-on exhibits, activities and story sessions – one of the best days out with kids who love books.
Aimed at six to 12-year-olds, there are also Chiddlers’ Hour sessions for little ones and trails around the village of Great Missenden where it’s set. Keep an eye out for regular events especially during school holidays such as the Terrific Twits Garden and Squiffing Speedy Science.
Check out what we thought on a visit to the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, plus a Dahl-themed trail through the village
Quentin Blake at Moyse’s Hall Museum, Suffolk
Head further north to Suffolk to discover more about the artist behind the pictures accompanying Dahl’s words – Quentin Blake’s famous illustrations have been appearing at WWT sites around the country recently, but there’s now a chance to see some of his less-well known works at Moyse’s Hall Museum.
The Illustrated Hospital puts work on display which Blake created for various hospitals, and which – until now – have only been seen by patients and staff. Discover everything from helpful dragons to treetop adventures along the way.
The exhibition runs to October 6 at the museum in Bury St Edmunds.
Play Poohsticks in the Hundred Acre Wood, Sussex
Ashdown Forest inspired the location of the Winnie the Pooh stories, and Pooh Bridge itself – where Pooh invented Poohsticks – is near Cotchford House, home to AA Milne and Christopher Robin.
Collect plenty of sticks as you walk through the woods and once you’ve had a few games, how about a heffalump hunt, or an expotition to the North Pole, while keeping a wary eye out for woozles and wizzles of course.
Claire from Suitcases and Sandcastles has some great tips on exploring the forest or try one of VisitEngland’s other best places to play Poohsticks, including Morden Hall Park, where we’ve enjoyed more than a few games
Find the door to Narnia in Oxford
You might not discover eternal winter (hopefully) or too many lions in Oxford, but you can see the door which is said to have inspired the entrance to the land of Narnia – CS Lewis studied and taught in the city and would have often passed the intricately carved door opposite the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin.
If you can visit Magdalen College as well, the animals carved on the pillars are also said to have inspired the section where Aslan brings the frozen animals back to life.
Don’t miss The Story Museum as well, with its Enchanted Library rooms bringing favourite tales to life, including a chance to step inside Narnia.
Discover Harry Potter’s Oxford
From filming locations like Christ Church college to the cloisters of New College, as well as historic streets which feel tailor-made for wizards, Oxford is a great place for kids who are fans of Harry Potter.
We took a Harry Potter walking tour of Oxford, taking us inside the Bodleian library where some more scenes were filmed, as well as mixing trivia quizzes with tales of pranks that the Weasley twins would have been proud of, a statue that inspired Nearly Headless Nick and more behind-the-scenes stories.
For more Harry Potter days out in the UK, and Harry Potter locations in London, check out these posts
Venture into the Forbidden Forest in London
For Harry Potter fans, there is nothing quite as magical as the Warner Bros Studio Tour – having visited multiple times, including when the Hogwarts Express was first added I have quite literally spent all day exploring there.
Along the way, you can step into the Forbidden Forest where you can discover fantastic beasts – watch out for Aragog though – as well as stepping inside Gringott’s Bank (beware of dragons here), meeting creatures galore from the movies, waving your own wand, riding a broomstick and a lot more.
Fly a broomstick over Hogwarts in Northumberland
Alnwick Castle in Northumberland is famously one of the main filming locations for Harry Potter, not to mention a magical place to explore in its own right – but the enchanting icing on the cake is the chance to fly a broomstick there, on the spot where Harry had his own first flying lesson in the film.
There’s a tour taking you to some of the filming locations around the grounds as well, or you can find information as you explore on your own. Don’t miss the castle’s own dragon too.
We had a go at levitating their own brooms there – check out my review of a day at Alnwick Castle with kids
Visit Hobbiton’s inspiration near Birmingham
With dragons, elves and adventure, I loved reading The Hobbit when I was younger – although I didn’t get more than a few pages in to The Lord of the Rings for quite a few more years.
And while JRR Tolkein wrote his famous novels in Oxford, some of the locations were inspired by his early years living in Birmingham.
Head outside the city to Sarehole Mill where the Tolkein boys used to play, and whose miller used to chase Tolkein and his brother away, just as the hobbits were from the Great Mill. The countryside and the growing industrialisation of the area all went on to play a part when Tolkein was creating Middle Earth.
There are also walking tours in Oxford which include JRR Tolkein as well as CS Lewis
Chase Peter Rabbit in Cumbria
Home to Beatrix Potter, who wrote her tales in 17th century farmhouse Hill Top, there’s a Beatrix Potter trail around the lakeshore grounds of Brockhole – itself home to some of the creatures which appear in her books.
But best of all for fans of her fluffy creations, just along the lake shore, you’ll also find The World of Beatrix Potter, where you can explore Mrs Tiggy-Winkle’s kitchen, Jemima Puddle-duck’s woodland glade and Peter’s garden.
Find Mr McGregor in Hertfordshire
For even more Peter Rabbit, there’s a chance to meet him at Willows Activity Farm not far from St Albans – and play in his adventure playground.
Not to mention raiding the giant radishes in Mr McGregor’s garden. Despite the Christmas attractions on during our visit, that was still easily one of my daughter’s favourite parts.
It’s expanded since we visited, with the Lily Bobtail Nature Discovery Area, the kitchen and laundry of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and the state of the art Great Invention Sensory game, created by Mr Bouncer. You can step into Mr Tod’s Lair if you’re brave enough, while the Peter Rabbit Secret Treehouse is the perfect place to spot Old Brown!
Watership Down on the Downs
For a different tale of bunnies, head to the North Wessex Downs in Hampshire. Here sits a hill at Ecchinswell, named Watership Down – giving its name to the story of rabbits finding a new home.
I remember being in absolute floods of tears at the end of the film, and thinking of Hazel, Bigwig, Bluebell, Fiver et al still brings a slight lump to my throat (so I haven’t read it to my daughter just yet) but it’s a beautiful place for a walk regardless.
There are various walking trails, including one which passes Nuthanger Farm – keep your eyes out for wild rabbits hopping around if you’e quiet.
Follow the Famous Five and go wild in Dorset
You can follow in the Famous Five’s footsteps in Dorset where Corfe Castle was the inspiration for Kirrin Castle, which appears along with Kirrin Island in several books.
The ruin which Enid Blyton visited in 1941 is still there, along with a painting of the five in Corfe Station – steam trains still puff along the route from Swanage too, and you can even combine it with a boat trip to Poole for a proper old-fashioned journey.
Nearby Brownsea Island, with its red squirrels and timeless air, also helped inspire Kirrin Island – only accessible by boat, it makes a great day out with kids in Dorset.
Read what we thought of a day out on Brownsea Island, Dorset
Spot Paddington in London
Alongside Platform 1 at Paddington Station, there’s a metal statue of a very famous bear – sitting on a bench, waiting for someone to look after him. And it’s hard to beat Paddington when it comes to younger kids who love books.
With a decorated bench not far away, gift shop and plenty of places to get a sticky bun (marmalade sandwiches are a bit trickier), it’s a fun visit on its own for mini Paddington fans – including my daughter.
It’s far from the only statue of the lovable bear from darkest Peru, with another one in Leicester Square, as well as two on the banks of the nearby canal. Add in a Paddington afternoon tea bus tour, the new immersive Paddington Experience on the South Bank, Paddington walking tours and a whole lot more, and you could theme an entire London trip around Paddington Bear.
For more places to find Paddington in London, check out this post for inspiration
The Wind in the Willows at Henley
At Henley’s River and Rowing Museum, there’s a corner dedicated to the Wind in the Willows, with the stories recreated by models – it’s a lovely place for younger kids especially to lose themselves in the world of Kenneth Grahame’s stories.
We even got to meet Mr Toad on our visit, although the activities and family-friendly exhibits change throughout the year.
Spot ghosts in Salisbury
A great option for older primary school age kids, Cornelia Funke’s Ghost Knight book was inspired by a visit to Salisbury Cathedral and its school – you can still see the effigy of William Longspee, who makes an appearance in the novels.
While there used to be a trail to take you to various locations with links to the story, this no longer seems to exist, but fans won’t struggle to identify places they recognise from the book. Don’t miss Magna Carta while you’re there.
Swallows and Amazons adventures, Cumbria
If Peter Rabbit doesn’t tempt your kids to the Lakes any more, Swallows and Amazons is the perfect adventure for older primary age children. There are locations galore from the film – one of the original stars, Sophie Neville, revisited several including many from the recent movie movie too.
And you can have your own lake adventure on Coniston – try Stand Up Paddle Boarding at the Coniston Boating Centre. On nearby Ullswater, Glenridding Sailing Centre has Swallows and Amazons day adventures for aged 6+ too.
For a more relaxed version, you can cruise aboard Steam Yacht Gondola too, which inspired Captain Flint’s houseboat.
For more ideas of the best things to do in the Lake District with kids, check out my top picks
Trail Dracula in Whitby
If your kids have moved on from children’s stories to classic literature, there are few more evocative places to bring a story to life than Whitby, where Dracula famously came shore in the shape of a dog.
Climb the 199 steps from the Old Town to St Mary’s Church, and look out for the grave of Mr Swales, another character in Dracula, in the graveyard (along with real-life Arctic explorer William Scoresby).
There are often performances of Dracula at Whitby Abbey nearby, although the atmospheric ruins are worth a visit whenever you’re in Whitby. Or for something distinctly more kitsch, revel in all things vampire at the Dracula Experience. Aimed at 13+, the attraction mixes animation and special effects with live actors to introduce visitors to Dracula’s connection to Whitby, plus the chance to see Christopher Lee’s cloak.
For ideas of more things to do in Whitby with kids, check out my top picks
Visit Seven Stories in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Keep heading north east to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, for a visit to Seven Stories: The National Centre for Children’s Books – the free museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating children’s books.
While there are often changing exhibitions, there’s a great display asking ‘Where do Stories come from’, looking at the way similar plots appear in different times and cultures around the world – and looking at the idea that there are only seven types of story.
Elsewhere, you can step into Judith Kerr’s kitchen (where the Tiger famously came to tea) and meet Mog the forgetful cat. But that’s only the beginning… 2024’s touring exhibitions include Elmer and Friends, as well as regular storytime and craft sessions.
Discover Children’s Story Centre
You don’t have to be able to read to get lost in stories at Discover: Children’s Story Centre in London’s Stratford, aimed at kids aged from 0 to 11.
This fantastic multi-sensory play space in east London is perfect for young children, complete with two floors of magical Story Worlds and a Story Garden, featuring everything from a pirate ship to a spacecraft and plenty of other fun imaginary lands for kids to explore.
There are various timed activities and you can build your own session, including any special exhibitions and storytelling, plus the play spaces across the two main floors.
The Scottish Storytelling Centre
Dedicated to preserving and recounting stories, there’s always something to discover at The Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh, with extra events during the Edinburgh Festival but plenty to entertain kids year-round.
Expect live storytelling, as well as workshops and exhibitions, not to mention theatre, dance and music performances for all ages at the site in the heart of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile.
If you are visiting Edinburgh with kids who love Harry Potter, there are links galore to the stories which JK Rowling wrote in the city – find one inspiration for Diagon Alley, take a Potter-themed walking tour and more.
Watch out for…
Charlie & Lola
There are regularly exhibitions on Lauren Childs’ work around the UK – and while there’s nothing currently lined up for Charlie & Lola fans, it’s worth keeping an eye out.
We went to an exhibition at Mottisfont when my daughter was young, while there was another exhibition at Newby Hall a few years ago, among others.
*First published 2017, last updated 2024*
PIN FOR LATER: UK DAYS OUT FOR KIDS WHO LOVE BOOKS
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. All opinions on the best days out for kids who love books are my own (and my daughter’s)
Main image courtesy Depositphotos; all others copyright MummyTravels
