Embark on a woodland adventure with The Gruffalo’s Child at Hillsborough Castle this Christmas
This winter, follow a series of mysterious tracks into the deep dark wood as Historic Royal Palaces welcomes The Gruffalo’s Child to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for a magical Christmas adventure.
From November 28 to January 3, families will step into the playful world of Dame Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Gruffalo’s Child, first published in 2004 and now a firm favourite to a generation of young readers, as they embark on an enchanting trail through Hillsborough Castle’s spectacular 100-acre gardens.
Curious little explorers can follow in the footsteps of this iconic character as she embarks on a woodland adventure, with familiar moments from the much-loved tale waiting to be discovered along the way.
Follow the peculiar tracks, take part in interactive games and see where the adventure leads, with plenty of playful surprises to uncover amongst the gardens.
After exploring the trail, visitors can warm up with festive food and drink, including a range of The Gruffalo’s Child-themed food options, featured alongside a wider Christmas menu.
Families can also catch a screening of the film, before visiting the shop to discover books, toys and gifts.
Meet Santa in his hideaway on selected dates in the lead up to Christmas where little ones can share their seasonal wishes, capture a festive family photo and receive a gift of reindeer food to save for Santa’s special reindeer.
After Christmas, another beloved character will emerge from his cave as The Gruffalo himself comes to Hillsborough Castle.
From December 27 to January 3, visitors can book a meet-and-greet with the famous creature and take a photo together.
Access to The Gruffalo’s Child trail is included with admission to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, with under-fives able to enjoy the experience completely free.
Visitors can book a general admission ticket for their chosen date between November 28 and January 3, with no separate trail ticket required.
For those looking to make their visit extra special, an upgraded Castle ticket provides access to the beautifully decorated State Rooms, glowing with seasonal sparkle. Inside, visitors can explore the famous Throne Room and discover fascinating stories from the Castle’s past.
Stuart Campbell, Public Engagement Manager at Historic Royal Palaces, said: “The Gruffalo’s Child is a wonderful story to bring to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens at Christmas, with its sense of adventure and curiosity perfectly suited to exploring our 100-acre gardens.
"Visitors can follow the trail through the atmospheric winter landscape, spotting familiar moments from the tale and taking part in playful activities along the way, from cosy film screenings to indulging in festive treats.
"We’re looking forward to welcoming families to the estate and seeing little explorers set off to discover where those mysterious tracks lead.”
Set against a beautiful winter landscape, Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens will bring to life the enchanting woodland world of The Gruffalo’s Child.
With mysterious tracks to follow, familiar characters to meet and festive treats to enjoy, curious explorers can venture into the deep, dark wood and see where the adventure leads this Christmas.