Discover The Gruffalo Trail at Thorndon Country Park

Nestled in the 'deep dark woods' at Thorndon Country Park lies The Gruffalo trail, the very first and original sculpture trail bringing the much-loved book to life in the heart of Essex.

Explore the original gruffalo trail in Essex

Meet the gruffalo's child at Thorndon Country Park — Meet The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's child at Thorndon Country Park

Essex Country Parks is proud to be home to the very first and original The Gruffalo sculpture trail.

We invite families and furry friends to our 'deep dark wood' at Thorndon Country Park to discover The Gruffalo and Friends for themselves through a self-led trail. The perfect day out for young children.

Who will you spot through the trees?

Spark imaginations and bring the much-loved stories by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler to life.

Pick up a map, enjoy refreshments and maybe a quick stop at the shop at the Countryside Visitor Centre, run by our friends at Essex Wildlife Trust.

Enjoy the magic of The Gruffalo at Thorndon near Brentwood, Essex.

Plan your visit here.

You might also like the Stick Man at Weald Country Park.

(Both trails are officially licensed by Magic Light Pictures.)

The Gruffalo at Thorndon Country Park

The Trail: Good to know

* Accessible paths

* Series of hand carved, fully licensed, wooden sculptures

* Self-led trail through woodland

* Toilets

* Cafe and shop

* Free entry

* Car parking charges apply

Find us at:

Thorndon Country Park, Brentwood,

Warley, Essex, England, CM13 3RZ
Get directions

Plan your visit to Thorndon Country Park

Essex Country Parks and Libraries Storytelling Competition

Essex Libraries storyteller Tony Lee reads to The Gruffalo — Essex Libraries storyteller Tony Lee reads to 'The Gruffalo' to launch our storytelling competition

Inspired by ‘Gruffalo Granny’ we're inviting children to share tales. Enter to win 'The Gruffalo' and Friends themed prizes.

Celebrate tales handed down the generations, a book at bedtime, and the importance of imagination with the Essex Country Parks and libraries storytelling competition for children.

Inspired by the publication of the new Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book in the series 'Gruffalo’s Granny'.

‘The Gruffalo’ announced the competition at Thorndon on Thursday 15 October 2026 - home to the original and licensed trail - and invited children to share their creative tales and pass on generational stories.