Free Gruffalo Granny events at 15 UK forests this half term: what residents need to know
Families can visit 15 Forestry England sites for free Welcome to Storytime with Gruffalo Granny events from 24 October to 1 November 2026. The programme, created for children and families during October half term, includes storytelling, themed activities, activity booklets and opportunities to meet the Gruffalo.
There is no need to book: sessions and meet-and-greets will run on a first-come, first-served basis. Forestry England advises families to arrive early, as activities may become busy.
The events are being staged by Forestry England with Macmillan Children’s Books to mark the launch of Gruffalo Granny, the new story by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
A forest visit shaped around the newest Gruffalo adventure
The events take the new story beyond the page, with interactive storytelling and family activities based on Gruffalo Granny. Children will also be able to collect activity booklets designed to continue the adventure during their visit.
The Gruffalo is due to make special appearances for meet-and-greet opportunities. Copies of Gruffalo Granny will be available to buy at participating events, although attendance and the listed activities are free.
The new book arrives 22 years after The Gruffalo’s Child. Forestry England already has a long-standing connection with Gruffalo and other Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler characters through its partnership with Magic Light; this October half-term programme is being delivered with Macmillan Children’s Books.
For families making a day of it, the setting is part of the appeal: the events take place during the autumn school break, when Forestry England says visitors can explore changing forest colours, fallen leaves and the sights and sounds of the season alongside the organised activities.
Where the Gruffalo Granny events are taking place
Participating sites include Grizedale Forest and Whinlatter Forest in the Lake District; Wyre Forest in Worcestershire; Alice Holt Forest in Hampshire; Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean; Haldon Forest in Devon; Hamsterley Forest in County Durham; and Sherwood Pines in Nottinghamshire.
Other venues are Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in Gloucestershire; Fineshade Wood in Northamptonshire; Gisburn Forest in Lancashire; Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire; Wendover Woods in Buckinghamshire; Jeskyns Community Woodland in Kent; and Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Kent.
Before setting off
| Detail | Confirmed information |
|---|---|
| Dates | 24 October to 1 November 2026 |
| Venues | 15 Forestry England sites across England |
| Cost | Free |
| Booking | Not required; first-come, first-served |
| For | Families and children |
| Included activities | Storytelling, themed family activities, activity booklets and Gruffalo meet-and-greets |
No individual session times are given in the event information. Families should check Forestry England’s Gruffalo Granny event page for their chosen site’s local details before travelling, particularly because places at storytelling sessions and meet-and-greets are not booked in advance.
Source: Forestry England News
Context & actions About this article
Source check Source check
Dates, participating sites, free entry and first-come access are based on Forestry England’s event announcement.
- Confirmed the event runs from 24 October to 1 November 2026.
- Confirmed that 15 Forestry England sites are participating.
- Confirmed that entry is free and booking is not required.
- Confirmed that sessions and meet-and-greets are first-come, first-served.
- Source
- Forestry England News
- Scope
- United Kingdom
- Updated
- 2026-09-14 10:00
Source check
Report a trust issue
Send a clear signal to community moderation if the source, facts or context need review.
Comments