So far, ten books by Julia and Axel (published by Macmillan Children’s Books and Scholastic) have been adapted by Magic Light to become Oscar nominated and BAFTA winning animated specials for BBC One. Donaldson was the Children’s Laureate between 20 and honoured with a CBE in 2018 for services to literature. Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are the picture book partnership behind bestselling books such as The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and Zog. The attraction will include play suitable for children under 10, with a toddler play area specifically for those under 3. From The Gruffalo’s deep dark wood, to Princess Pearl’s castle in Zog, guests will embark on an adventure of imagination, discovery and play as they join their favourite characters.ĭistinct play zones are inspired by The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Zog, The Snail and the Whale, Room on the Broom and The Highway Rat. In the new Blackpool experience, guests will get to burst through the pages of some of their favourite stories and into a magical 3D world.

There will be a host of rooms themed after characters like Gruffalo and Zog (Image: Merlin) The new experience will join Merlin’s seven other attractions in Blackpool including The Blackpool Tower, SEA LIFE Blackpool and Peter RabbitTM: Explore and Play, making it a key tourist destination for families here in the UK and from abroad. The attraction is set to open next door to Sea Life Blackpool right on the Promenade. Read more: The adorable miniature railway through fairy woods that kids love It has been 18 months in the making and Merlin say its part of their aim to bring the 'very best stories and brands to life in their family friendly attractions'. In what is billed as a 'world first', The Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse will bring together six of the best loved stories to create an 'indoor play adventure' like no other. The attraction is set to open in May, although the exact date of launch has yet to be confirmed. The first images of the play park have been unveiled today by the partnership behind the venture - Blackpool Council, operator Merlin Entertainments and Magic Light. £2.3mn has been spent to create the new Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse which celebrates the colourful characters from popular author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler. A huge new family attraction celebrating much-loved children's book characters The Gruffalo, Zog, The Highway Rat and more is to open next to the seaside in Blackpool this summer.

Room on the broom and the highway rat