Meet the Gruffalo and his friends at Moors Valley

This year sees Moors Valley Country Park celebrate its 30th birthday and to mark this momentous occasion, the park will be inviting the public to join its celebrations through a host of events and activities.

Last month saw the launch of the Highway Rat trail which saw the kids follow in the footsteps of a mischievous rodent, finding out about the animals that live in the forest and finding clues to the location of the rat.

On that visit to Moors Valley, we discovered a delightful new addition to the park, which we were not expecting.

Owl - Moors Valley

We are big fans of The Gruffalo and the kids always zoom off to say “hello” to him and the Gruffalo’s Child wooden sculptures on our visits to Moors Valley, but they were delighted to find new story book editions on this visit.

Snake - Moors Valley

Wooden sculptures of Squirrel, Snake, Fox, Owl and the Mouse have all joined the Gruffalo and his child and are perfect for any fans of the story…….in fact the kids recited it as they met each character.

Fox - Moors Valley

To celebrate the arrival of these new storybook characters, The Gruffalo himself will be making special appearances at the park between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, February 24th and Sunday, February 25th.

Moors Valley - Fox

We also noticed that there have been some major improvements to the play trail, including a brand new snake, with added climbing walls as well as a giant new play sculpture, called the Hawkhouse, which measures five metres tall and with wings that extend to more than 18 metres wide!!

Squirrel - Moors Valley

Also coming up at Moors Valley, to coincide with ‘Dippy on Tour’ at Dorset County Museum, the Ranger Den will be taking on a dinosaur twist with visitors able to try their hand at fossil hunting between 2nd – 6th April and again from 9th to 13th April.

Mouse - Moors Valley

We really enjoyed Moors Valley Railway’s Steam Gala last year and are excited to find out they will be holding another which will take place on 9th and 10th June, ahead of the park’s ‘Big Birthday Bash’ 30th anniversary celebration on 15th July.

Gruffalo's Child - Moors Valley

With the weather expected to be sunny and dry, it is recommended that you get there early to see the Gruffalo to avoid disappointment.

Will you be going to see the Gruffalo this weekend?

Country Kids

23 thoughts on “Meet the Gruffalo and his friends at Moors Valley”

  1. My daughter loved the Gruffalo when she was little so I love that it’s still so popular now. Moors Valley looks a great place for outdoor family fun and it sounds like there’s going to be lots going on there for everyone over the coming months.

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  2. My kids loved the Gruffalo when they were little, we’ve not read the Highway Rat but I’m sure it’s just as good. We’ve been on similar trails and I love the thought that goes into the sculptures. It looked like you had a great day out. #CountryKids

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  3. It sounds like they have a wonderful range of activities they have going on over the next couple of weeks. I bet the kids loved finding all the Gruffalo’s friends on your walk, it’s always a nice surprise when you discover new things at an old favourite destination isn’t it? I look forward to reading about all the fun activities you guys make it to over the next couple of months.

    Thanks for linking up with me at #CountryKids.

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  4. Oh I love a Gruffalo walk and the models in this one are beautiful. I love how they are painted. We are planning trip to Dorset in the Summer holidays so I will have to see how close this is to our accommodation. #CountryKids

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  5. The Gruffalo is a firm favourite in our house – we found him in Delamere Forest last Autumn. The kids were so excited going on the Gruffalo trail, and it was such a great way to get them running around outside. Hoping to return this Easter – have heard there might be an Easter Egg Hunt too!

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