Essex's NEW Gruffalo Party Trail

Essex has a brand new Gruffalo Trail, based on the Julia Donaldson classic tale!

The trail celebrates the Gruffalo's 25th Birthday! The trail consists of several games and activities to teach you about the forest. Search for party favourites to celebrate the Gruffalo's birthday! The trail consists of several interactive boards with tasks to complete. This is not a sculpture trail. Unlike the previous Zog trail, there is no associated App.

You can find the newest Essex Gruffalo Party Trail at Thames Chase Forest Centre. You can find Gruffalo Party trails at Forestry England sites all over the UK, including Thetford Forest, Jeskyns Community Woodland in Kent and Delamere Forest. The new Forestry England trail replaces the previous Zog Trail. Here is what you need to know about the Essex Gruffalo Party Trail...

Where is the Gruffalo Party Trail?

Thames Chase Forest Centre, Pike Lane, Upminster, RM14 3NS

Opening hours: 10am-5pm weekdays and weekend (10-4pm in the winter)

Google Maps link 

How much is Parking at the Gruffalo Party Trail?

Parking costs £2 all day. Payment machine takes cash, or you can pay on card at the visitor centre.

SHOP GRUFFALO FAVOURITES

What facilities are at the Gruffalo Party?

The Forest Centre has a staffed visitor centre, toilets (including accessible and baby change facilities), a small shop and inside seating area. There is also a tearoom at the Thames Chase Forest Centre. The cafe is open fro 10am to 4pm (3pm in the winter season).

Is there a playground at the Gruffalo Party Trail?

There is a small playground located close the Forest Centre. There is a large climbing frame with slide, a separate climbing frame, baby swings and a nest swing. There is also a climbing structure with seats underneath. The playground is suitable for children up to junior age.

How much does the Gruffalo Party Trail cost?

You do not have to pay to complete the Trail. However Gruffalo Activity packs are available, which increases the experience. Activity packs cost £4 from the Forest Centre. The packs contain a kraft bag to colour in, party headband to wear, party trail activity leaflet, stickers, pencil and crayon and keepsake sew-on Gruffalo Party patch

Is the Gruffalo Party Trail accessible and is the Gruffalo Party Trail buggy friendly?

The trail is well sign posted and the trail grounding is a mix of predominantly gravel pathways. The trail is mainly flat and therefore passable for wheelchair users or with a sturdy buggy.

What age is it the Gruffalo Party Trail suitable for?

Gruffalo lovers of all ages but the Forestry England state the trail is aimed at children aged 3 - 9 years old.

How long does the Gruffalo Party Trail take to complete?

The trail is 1/2 a mile long. The trail takes 30 to 45 minute to complete.

More Trails

If you love a Julia Donaldson character trail, you can check out the Essex Stick Man Trail!  

There is also an Essex Peter Rabbit Trail and a Wind in the Willows Trail, both at Essex Wildlife Trust sites.

Don't forget to check the Park Directory for more park inspiration - A-Z of over 100 Parks in Essex