Free Gruffalo Granny forest events across the UK this half term

Name: Gruffalo Granny storytelling events
Start: 2026-10-24
End: 2026-11-01
Location: 15 Forestry England sites

Arts & Entertainment Desk 2026-09-14 10:00 3 min read

A young boy in a patterned jacket kicks mud in a forest with fallen leaves.

Families can head into the woods for free Gruffalo Granny storytelling events at 15 Forestry England sites across the UK from 24 October to 1 November 2026.

The events, created by Forestry England and Macmillan Children’s Books, celebrate the launch of Gruffalo Granny, the new story from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. They are for families and children, with storytelling, themed activities and opportunities to meet the Gruffalo.

There is no charge to attend and no booking is required. Storytelling sessions and meet-and-greets are first come, first served, so Forestry England advises families to arrive early as places may become busy.

Storytelling, activities and a Gruffalo meet-and-greet

The free Welcome to Storytime with Gruffalo Granny events bring the latest adventure into the forest setting long associated with the character. Families can join interactive storytelling sessions, take part in themed activities and collect activity booklets to continue the story after their visit.

The Gruffalo will make special appearances for meet-and-greet opportunities during the day. Copies of Gruffalo Granny by Donaldson and Scheffler will also be available to buy at participating events.

The programme arrives 22 years after the publication of The Gruffalo’s Child. Forestry England has a long-running connection with the Gruffalo and other Donaldson and Scheffler characters through its partnership with Magic Light.

Free Gruffalo Granny forest events across the UK this half term

The 15 Forestry England sites taking part

Events are planned at 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.

Further participating locations 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.

A half-term forest visit with a story at its centre

Alongside the organised activities, the October half-term timing gives families the chance to explore the autumn woodland surroundings, with changing leaves and seasonal forest sights forming part of the setting. The event is not a timed ticketed performance: visitors can expect activities, storytelling and Gruffalo appearances across the day, subject to capacity.

Check your chosen site before travelling

Forestry England has not confirmed start or finish times in the announcement, and local dates may vary by site. Families should check the Forestry England Gruffalo Granny event information for their chosen forest before setting off.

The programme is free and does not require advance booking, but entry to individual storytelling sessions and Gruffalo meet-and-greets is first come, first served. Forestry England says arriving early may help when sessions are busy.

Source: Forestry England News

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Dates, free entry, participating sites and first-come access are based on Forestry England’s event announcement.

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