The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse in Blackpool has been announced by Merlin Entertainments as this brand new £2.3 million attraction will be opening its doors in May 2023.
In a world-first, The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse will bring together six of the best-loved stories to create an indoor play adventure like no other. 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.
Developed in partnership with Magic Light and Blackpool Council, the attraction is set to open next door to Sea Life Blackpool in May 2023. The new experience will join Merlin’s seven other attractions in Blackpool including The Blackpool Tower, 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.
Guests will get to experience first-hand the various stories and step into a magical 3D world to explore. 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.
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. The attraction will include play suitable for children under 10, with a toddler play area specifically for those under 3.
Kate Shane Regional Director of 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.
The Gruffalo and other characters from the world of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler will be amongst brilliant company alongside our already strong cluster of family attractions on the resort, delivered with Merlin’s world-class guest experience. This significant investment further supports Merlin’s strategic growth plans, bringing further jobs and economic benefit to the local community and wider region.”
Leader of Blackpool Council Cllr Lynn Williams said:
“Blackpool already has the biggest portfolio of branded attractions outside London and the addition of this world-class family attraction will strengthen that position. The family audience is key to Blackpool’s tourism growth strategy and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Merlin Entertainments to deliver something that will truly resonate with that audience, as well as providing new jobs for local people and economic growth to our town.”
