Book characters come alive at theme park

The Gruffalo is to be let loose at United Kingdom theme park Chessington World of Adventures.

As one of the bestloved children’s characters, The Gruffalo has now come to the Wild Wood at the attraction as part of The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure.

The ride — a world first — is based on the book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler and has been created in partnership with Magic Light Pictures.

Tim Harrison-Jones, divisional director at Chessington, said: “The story of The Gruffalo has been at the heart of many childhood memories, and we’re sure Adventurers, young and old, will be eager to experience the first ever Gruffalo ride!”

Families are able to join Mouse on a picturesque riverboat journey through the deep, dark wood when the ride opens on March 18. In addition, there will be many other Gruffalo-themed attractions across the resort, including four brand-new Gruffalo-themed hotel rooms in the Chessington Safari Hotel; a brand-new Gruffalo shop and Gruffalo Bites food outlet, both offering themed goodies; and character meet and greets with the Gruffalo himself.

Chessington has more than 40 rides and attractions in 10 themed lands and a zoo and sea life centre with more than 1,000 animals.