Last Updated on 29 January 2026 by Colette
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This May, an exciting new Gruffalo attraction is due to open in Blackpool. Merlin Entertainments and Magic Light Pictures have joined forces to create the world’s first “The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse”! The £2.3 million investment has been 18 months in the making and is part of Merlin’s aim to bring the very best stories and brands to life in their family friendly attractions.
What is The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse?
For the first time, The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse will bring together six of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best loved stories to create an indoor play adventure like no other.
In the new Blackpool experience, guests will burst through the pages of some of their favourite stories and into a magical 3D world. From The Gruffalo’s deep dark wood, to Princess Pearl’s castle in Zog, guests will embark on an adventure of imagination, discovery and play as they join their favourite characters.
Six distinct play zones are inspired by The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Zog, The Snail and the Whale, Room on the Broom and The Highway Rat.
- Deep, Dark Wood Adventure Play
- Deep, Dark Wood Soft Play
- Room on the Broom Toddler Play
- Gruffalo’s Child Sensory Room
- Zog’s Dragon School Challenge
- The Snail and the Whale Seaside Play
As well six themed play zones, you’ll find The Woodland Cafe and, perhaps most excitingly the Meet & Greet Area where you’ll help the Clubhouse Crew wake the Gruffalo for a celebratory end of show party and meet the terrible creature himself as you pose for the best and most important photo of the day!
When does The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse open?
This exciting new Gruffalo themed attraction is due to open in Blackpool on Friday 19th May 2023 – perfectly timed for half term!
Where is The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse?
The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse will open on Blackpool’s seafront next to SEA LIFE Blackpool.
What age is The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse for?
The attraction will include play suitable for children under 10, with a toddler play area specifically for those under 3. Each of the zones is height restricted rather than age limited. The height restrictions are as follows:
Room on the Broom Toddler Play and Gruffalo’s Child Sensory Room: Under 110cm
Deep, Dark Wood Adventure Play: 110cm to 148cm
Zog’s Dragon School Challenge and The Snail and the Whale Seaside Play: 80cm to 148cm
How much does entry cost?
Tickets for The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse are priced at £13.50 for children (aged 1 – 14 years) and from £4.50 for adults. If you are visiting other Merlin attractions in Blackpool, you can buy a two venue pass and save up to 25% or a three venue pass with a discount of up to 35%. Your second attraction must be visited within 90 days. Merlin Passholders are entitled to discounted rates.
Can you pre-book tickets for the Gruffalo themed indoor play?
You are now able to pre-book tickets for The Gruffalo Clubhouse – pre-booking means you are guaranteed entry and your booking can be rescheduled for free up to 1 day before.
How long can you spend at The Gruffalo attraction in Blackpool?
It’s not yet clear if there is a time limit on how long you can spend at the Clubhouse – I’ll update as soon as we know.
What other Merlin attractions are there to visit in Blackpool?
The new Gruffalo themed experience will join Merlin’s seven other attractions in Blackpool including The Blackpool Tower, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Blackpool and Peter RabbitTM: Explore and Play, making it a key destination for families of all ages from both the UK and abroad.
Kate Shane, Regional Director for Merlin Entertainments, said: “We are incredibly excited to bring some of the UK’s best loved children’s characters to Blackpool. Blackpool is the UK’s number one family seaside resort and this latest partnership with a globally recognised brand will provide compelling new reasons for visitors to come to Blackpool.
Keep checking back and I’ll make sure to keep this post update with all the latest news one the new Gruffalo experience in Blackpool!
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