IMAGES: WARWICK CASTLE
SMART TRAVELLER
FAMILY GETTING INTO CHARACTER
From Zog the Dragon to Harry Potter, some of fi ction’s most beloved characters are taking centre stage for unforgettable family escapes this autumn
Wars of the Roses Live, Warwick Castle
RIGHT: Horrible Histories Maze, Warwick Castle
Harry Potter in Cheshire Fans of the boy wizard should head to Arley Hall & Gardens this autumn for their very own adventure in the Forbidden Forest. Co- developed by Warner Bros, this new nighttime trail is dotted with special eff ects to recreate woodland scenes from the movies. Keep your eyes peeled for a cast of magical creatures and conjure your own Patronus Charm. HOW TO DO IT:Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience starts in October; tickets from £39.
hpforbiddenforestexperience.com
Thomas the Tank Engine in Staff ordshire There are more than 25 rides and attractions in Thomas Land at Drayton Manor, meaning plenty of chances for children to get up close with the tank engine and his pals. A highlight is the Discover Thomas & Friends exhibition, featuring models from the fi rst TV series. HOW TO DO IT: Tickets from £27 for ages four to 11 and from £31 for over-12s. An adult and toddler ticket is available for £25. Under-twos go free.
draytonmanor.co.uk
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nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel
Zog the Dragon and Horrible Histories in Warwick The bumbling dragon Zog shares his skills on a new trail within the grounds of Warwick Castle, teaching kids how to roar, fl y and even capture princesses in exchange for stamps and golden stars. Elsewhere, there’s the Horrible Histories Maze, complete with special eff ects. Zog trail runs until 22 October. HOW TO DO IT:Tickets from £26. Overnight stays from £159, based on a family of four sharing a Woodland Lodge.
warwick-castle.com
Peter Pan in Dumfries Moat Brae, the beautiful house and garden that inspired JM Barrie to create the character Peter Pan, is a great place for children and adults to explore. Among the trees and fl owers, kids can discover hidden crocodiles, a pirate ship and maybe even some mermaids. Moat Brae is also home to The National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling. HOW TO DO IT: Tickets from £5 for children aged fi ve to 16 and from £7 for adults. Under-fours go free.
moatbrae.org
Gruff alo Trails across England Set off on one of the many Gruff alo Trails snaking through England’s forests. At sites such as Thetford, in Norfolk, and Grizedale, in the Lake District, they’re run by Forestry England and feature handcraſt ed sculptures dotted throughout the woodland. The Gruff alo Spotters trails involve an interactive app that brings Julia Donaldson’s characters to life through augmented reality. HOW TO DO IT:The trails are free, though parking fees vary.
forestryengland.uk/gruff alo
A whole cast of characters in London An interactive statue trail in and around Leicester Square celebrates much-loved characters, including Paddington, Mr Bean and Mary Poppins. There’s also a free audio walking tour narrated by TV presenter Alex Zane, with movie clips, interviews and facts. HOW TO DO IT:The statue trail is free, and the audio tour is available to download on Spotify and all podcast platforms.
leicestersquare.london JO FLETCHER-CROSS
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