If your little ones are obsessed with The Gruffalo, Zog, or Room on the Broom, we’ve got some very exciting news for you! The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse in Blackpool is a world-first indoor attraction that brings Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved stories to life in the most spectacular way imaginable. We’re talking six fully immersive, hands-on interactive play zones, a Meet & Greet with The Gruffalo himself, and enough adventure to keep even the most energetic little explorers busy for a full 90 minutes!
TL;DR: The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse on Blackpool Promenade features 6 themed interactive play zones based on classic Julia Donaldson stories. It’s ideal for children aged 0-10, sessions last 90 minutes, and tickets start from £4.50 for adults and £12 for children. Book your tickets here.
Situated right on the famous Blackpool Promenade, this Merlin Entertainments attraction is perfectly placed alongside some of the seaside town’s biggest family draws, including SEA LIFE Blackpool, Madame Tussauds, and The Blackpool Tower. Whether you’re planning a full day on the seafront or looking for the ultimate rainy-day escape, The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse delivers pure storybook magic from the moment you step through the door!
What Is The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse?
The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse is an indoor interactive play attraction based on the iconic children’s books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Opened in 2023 and operated by Merlin Entertainments, it’s a genuine world first: no other attraction like it exists anywhere on the planet!
The experience is designed for children aged 0-10 (though children up to 14 can enter), and every inch of the space has been crafted to put little ones right inside the pages of their favourite stories. We’re not talking about a few cardboard cutouts and some bunting here. Think again! This is a fully immersive, multi-zone play adventure packed with soft play structures, sensory environments, and interactive challenges.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s included with every ticket:
- Entry to all 6 themed interactive play zones
- A 90-minute timed play session
- Meet & Greet with The Gruffalo and friends
- Children under 1 go free
- Accessible facilities throughout (wheelchair and pushchair friendly)
The attraction is located at The Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 5AA, right in the heart of Blackpool’s famous seafront entertainment strip. You really can’t miss it!
All 6 Gruffalo Interactive Play Zones Explained
This is the really exciting bit! The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse is divided into six distinct interactive play zones, each inspired by a different Julia Donaldson story. Every zone has its own unique theme, atmosphere, and play style, so there’s genuinely something for every age and personality. Here’s your complete guide to what awaits inside!
1. Deep, Dark Wood Adventure Play
Get ready for the big one! The Deep, Dark Wood Adventure Play zone is where older, more adventurous children can really let loose. Inspired by The Gruffalo, this woodland-themed structure is packed with:
- Tunnels to crawl through
- Slides to race down
- Secret hideouts to discover
- Woodland-themed climbing structures
It’s the kind of play zone that gets little ones absolutely buzzing with energy, and it perfectly captures the thrill of exploring The Gruffalo’s deep, dark wood. Keep your eyes peeled for some very familiar creatures lurking around the corners!
2. Deep, Dark Wood Soft Play
Just next door, the Deep, Dark Wood Soft Play area takes the Gruffalo theme even deeper with a brilliant multi-tiered soft play structure. This one is perfect for slightly younger children who want all the adventure without quite as much of the big-kid intensity.
Can you conquer all of it? Spinning walls, secret passageways, netted bridges, and forest-themed elevated sections make this a seriously impressive soft play setup. It’s the sort of zone where kids disappear for a good 20 minutes and come back absolutely glowing!
3. Zog’s Dragon School Challenge
Calling all brave little dragons! Inspired by the much-loved Zog books, this medieval-themed soft play zone is all about testing strength, logic, and courage. Children can:
- Crawl through a cladded maze
- Clamber over obstacles
- Take on interactive dragon challenges
- Swing across a netted bridge alongside Zog himself
The theming here is absolutely superb. The medieval castle aesthetic feels completely different to the woodland zones, which means the whole attraction genuinely feels like a journey through multiple story worlds rather than just one big soft play barn.
4. The Snail and the Whale Seaside Play
One of the most visually stunning zones in the entire clubhouse! The Snail and the Whale Seaside Play area is an ocean-themed ball pool that does something genuinely magical: the seaside setting transforms from bright daytime fun into a bioluminescent night-time immersion right before your eyes.
It’s the kind of moment that makes children gasp, and honestly, the adults too! The attention to detail in this zone is incredible, and it’s a beautiful nod to one of Julia Donaldson’s most beloved stories.
5. Room on the Broom Toddler Play
Tiny tots are absolutely not forgotten here! The Room on the Broom Toddler Play area is a dedicated, age-appropriate soft play space designed especially for the youngest visitors. Little ones can:
- Climb over soft play shapes
- Wriggle through padded pieces
- Gaze at the magical bubbling cauldron
- Help Witch find her lost belongings alongside Cat, Dog, Bird, and Frog
Bear with us here! This zone is genuinely one of the sweetest things we’ve seen in a family attraction. The interactive storytelling element, where toddlers actively help the characters, is brilliant for early development and makes even very small children feel like proper little adventurers.
6. Gruffalo’s Child Sensory Room
For families who need a quieter moment (and let’s be honest, we all do eventually!), the Gruffalo’s Child Sensory Room is an absolute haven. This night-time sensory experience is set in a magical winter-themed land and features:
- Liquid lamps and LED curtains
- Boulder-shaped soft seating and tree stump seats
- A snowcapped cave
- Woodland surroundings with a calm, immersive atmosphere
This zone is specifically designed for children who find busy environments overwhelming, making the whole attraction genuinely inclusive for families with sensory-sensitive little ones. It’s a thoughtful touch that really sets The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse apart.
Meet The Gruffalo: The Most Magical Moment of Your Visit!
Beyond the six interactive play zones, every visit to The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse includes a very special Meet & Greet with The Gruffalo and his friends. This is the moment that little ones absolutely lose their minds over, and we totally get it!
Coming face to face with the terrifying (but secretly very lovable) Gruffalo is one of those unforgettable childhood memories that families treasure for years. Make sure you have your camera ready, because the photos from this moment are absolutely priceless. It’s easily one of the highlights of the whole experience!
Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse Tickets and Prices 2026
One of the best things about The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse is how flexible the ticketing options are. Whether you’re visiting solo or making a full day of Blackpool, there’s a ticket option to suit every family and budget.
| Ticket Type | Adult (15+) | Child (3-14) | Infant (1-2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Ticket | From £4.50 | From £12.00 | From £4.50 |
| Clubhouse + 1 Attraction | From £16.00 | From £21.50 | From £4.50 |
| Pick ‘n’ Mix Pass (3 attractions) | From £35.00 | From £31.00 | From £15.00 |
Children under 1 go free! Sessions run daily from 9:30am, with timed entry to keep things nice and manageable inside.
Our Top Ticketing Tips
- Pre-book online for the best prices and maximum flexibility. You can make up to three fee-free date changes, which is perfect for unpredictable British weather!
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in smoothly and make the most of your full 90 minutes.
- Don’t forget socks! Shoes off in the play zones, so pack a pair for every member of the family.
- Combine with SEA LIFE Blackpool for a brilliant full-day seafront adventure at a great combined price.
Ready to book? Grab your Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse tickets here and secure the best available prices!
Opening Times and Getting There
The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse is open throughout the week, with extended hours at weekends. Here’s what to expect:
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 10:00am – 2:30pm |
| Friday and Saturday | 9:30am – 6:15pm |
| Sunday | 9:30am – 4:30pm |
Address: The Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 5AA
How to Get There
By tram: Take any Promenade tram to the Central Pier stop. Trams run roughly every 10-15 minutes from Starr Gate all the way through to Fleetwood, with level boarding and designated pushchair and wheelchair areas on all modern trams.
By car: Blackpool is well connected by road, and there is nearby parking available close to the Promenade. We’d recommend arriving early on busy weekend days to nab a good spot!
On foot: If you’re already staying in central Blackpool, the attraction is an easy and enjoyable walk along the seafront. The Promenade is one of the most iconic stretches of coastline in the UK, so the walk itself is all part of the fun!
Is The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse Worth It?
Absolutely, 100%, without a shadow of a doubt: yes! The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse is one of the most imaginative and lovingly crafted children’s attractions we’ve seen in the UK. The fact that it’s a genuine world first tells you everything about the level of ambition behind it.
What makes it stand out from a standard soft play centre is the sheer depth of theming across all six interactive play zones. Each zone feels like a completely different world, and the transition from the woodland adventure of the Deep, Dark Wood to the bioluminescent ocean of the Snail and the Whale to the cosy calm of the Gruffalo’s Child Sensory Room is genuinely impressive. There’s real thought behind every corner.
It’s also brilliantly inclusive. With dedicated toddler zones, a sensory room for children who need a quieter space, and full wheelchair and pushchair accessibility throughout, the attraction works for a genuinely wide range of families and needs.
The 90-minute session might sound short, but in practice it’s perfectly pitched for young children. Most families find it’s just the right amount of time to explore everything without little ones getting overtired or overwhelmed.
If you’re planning a Blackpool trip in 2026, this absolutely needs to be on your list. You can view the full attraction listing and check availability here, and don’t forget to explore all the other brilliant things to do in Blackpool while you’re at it. The Promenade has never had so much to offer families!