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A Gruffalo Discovery Land is opening just two hours drive from Manchester

It's the first of its kind to open in the UK.

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 8th March 2022

A brand new multi-million-pound wonderland devoted to the tales of the Gruffalo is opening in the UK – and it will only be a two-hour drive away from Manchester.

Taking over a four-acre park, the wonderland s inspired by the best-selling picture book The Gruffalo written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

With real-life animals, animatronics, film clips and much more, visitors to The Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo will encounter Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake and the Gruffalo along their interactive journey through the deep dark wood.

The park has been put together in partnership with a conservation organisation that exists to protect wildlife, preserve endangered species and educate the next generation on the importance of protecting our planet.

It will open at Twycross Zoo on Saturday 9 April 2022.

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Twycross Zoo is one of the UK’s major zoos, caring for around 500 animals from over 125 species. It welcomes around 600,000 visitors a year to its 100-acre site in Leicestershire.

A two-hour drive from Manchester by car, it’s a perfect day out for the little ones – allowing them to meet their favourite characters from the book and to interact with wildllife in a beautiful setting.

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Image: Supplied

Speaking on the new opening, Dr Sharon Redrobe OBE, CEO of Twycross Zoo, said: “Much-loved children’s books, such as The Gruffalo, can inspire the imaginations of young children and encourage them to learn more about the natural world around them.

“The Gruffalo Discovery Land is a real celebration of both children’s love for animals and nature and we’re so excited to bring these wonderful creatures to life here at Twycross Zoo.

“Our aim for this ground-breaking experience is to engage and inspire more young children than ever before about the importance of conservation and the natural world.

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“Recent global reports have highlighted the need for urgent action and we’re committed to educating more young people than ever before about the part they can play in protecting our planet – each one of us can make a real difference.”

The new four-acre land has been developed in partnership with brand managers Magic Light Pictures.

Tickets are now available to buy online for the park’s opening, with entry to the land included in the Zoo’s daily admission price.

To buy tickets online and plan your visit, head to the website here.

Feature image – Supplied