The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse Blackpool Is NOW OPEN!!
The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse Blackpool – Merlin Entertainments latest NEW immersive attraction to open in their Flyde Coast seaside hub is NOW OPEN!
The £2.3 million attraction based on the popular Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler’s much loved children’s stories officially opened to the public today (19th May 2023).
The brand new family attraction is located next door to SEALIFE Blackpool and is the latest new Merlin Entertainment’s attraction to open in Blackpool since Peter Rabbit Explore and Play.
The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse is described as “a one-of-a-kind magical indoor play adventure featuring six of Julia Donaldson’s and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved children’s stories”.
The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Zog, The Snail and the Whale, Room on the Broom and The Highway Rat are all brought to life in imaginative and interactive new ways for families to enjoy.
I’m a Celebrity South Africa’s Helen Flanagan, and her son Charlie (2), were the first to experience the enchanting 3D world
“My children and I are huge fans of Julia Donaldson and have read many of her books. The Gruffalo is a particular favourite – my son Charlie even has a Gruffalo bedroom! We have been so excited to visit The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse. It is incredible and really brings the books to life. Charlie and I have both had a wonderful time and we are already planning our next trip to Blackpool and The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse.”
The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse boasts six different zones dedicated to each book: The Gruffalo’s Deep Dark Wood Adventure Play and Soft Play, Room on the Broom Toddler Play, The Gruffalo’s Child Sensory Room, Zog’s Dragon School Challenge and The Snail and the Whale Seaside Play, as well as a Gruffalo Meet and Greet Experience.
The Gruffalo Deep Dark Wood Adventure Play is the main attraction where young explorers can climb, crawl and slide their way through the ‘deep dark wood’.
The Room on the Broom Toddler Play is a story-led soft play area specifically for children aged three and under.
The Gruffalo’s Child Sensory Room is specifically for children with specific and sensory-sensitive needs, including autism, and provides a quiet, mini magical winter themed physical and digital sensory experience.
In Zog’s Dragon School Challenge, young dragons can meet Zog and have a go at Madam Dragon’s challenges. In The Snail and the Whale Seaside Play, adventurers can plunge into the water inspired ball pool, which transforms into a bio-luminescent environment.
The attraction has been meticulously designed to bring to life the beloved Gruffalo, Mouse, Fox, Snake, Owl, Zog, Snail and The Highway Rat characters, from the popular films produced by Magic Light Pictures.
The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse is the first attraction of it’s kind anywhere worldwide and brings together all 6 iconic Julia Donaldson stories under one roof.
It is also said Merlin’s latest new Blackpool attraction has taken 18 months to develop from concept to opening.
Speaking about the new attraction, Kate Shane – regional director for Merlin Entertainments has said;
“The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse attraction provides young explorers and families with a magical day out. Just like little brown mouse, guests will brave the ‘deep dark wood’ and climb, crawl and slide their way to the life-sized Gruffalo.
“The unique and immersive experience is ideal for families with children aged ten and under, neurodivergent children and toddlers too. Visitors can even meet the Gruffalo himself and check out his terrible-teeth in his terrible jaws, knobbly knees and turned-out toes.
“We firmly support Blackpool’s ambition to be the UK’s number one family seaside resort and with such an adored family brand joining our plethora of attractions we are very excited to finally open the doors!”
The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse joins Merlin Entertainments 7 other Blackpool based attractions on the seaside resort’s iconic promenade.
Click Here to visit the attraction’s official website now and in the meantime here’s a little look at some official photos shared by Merlin Entertainments themselves showcasing what visitors can expect when visiting The Gruffalo & his Friends.