Meet the Gruffalo at Haldon Forest Park’s free half-term story event

Families will be able to meet the Gruffalo and take part in themed storytelling activities at Haldon Forest Park during the October half-term holiday.

The free event, taking place on Tuesday, October 27, celebrates the launch of Gruffalo Granny, the latest book from author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, who created The Gruffalo.

Visitors can take part in interactive storytelling sessions, join family activities inspired by the new book and meet the Gruffalo during special appearances throughout the day.

Activity booklets will also be available to help children continue the adventure, while copies of Gruffalo Granny will be on sale at participating events.

There is no need to book, but storytelling sessions and meet-and-greet opportunities will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Families are advised to arrive early as activities may be busy.

The event is being organised by Forestry England in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books.

It comes 22 years after the publication of The Gruffalo’s Child, the sequel to the original story.

"With October half term falling at one of the most colourful times of year, families can also make the most of their forest visit by exploring the changing autumn colours, spotting fallen leaves and enjoying the sights and sounds of the season," A Forestry England spokesperson said.

Forestry England has a long-standing partnership with Magic Light, which has helped bring the Gruffalo and other characters from Donaldson and Scheffler’s books to forest sites across the country.

The event will take place at Haldon Forest Park on October 27.

Forestry England manages and cares for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests, with over 326 million visits in 2025/26.

For more information, visit the Forestry England website.