Walker Books will bring the classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt to life later this year – with two new interactive trails planned at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst for October half term.
Encouraging curious visitors of all ages to explore the wild wonders of nature and distilling the essence of the classic story, intrepid adventurers will encounter an array of obstacles on their quest including swishy swashy grass, thick oozy mud, a big dark forest and a swirling whirling snowstorm in search of the mysterious bear.
At Kew Gardens, the sensory adventure will wind across the lake and into the Arboretum – home to some of Kew’s most magnificent trees and wildlife. Looking to emulate the journey undertaken by the family at the heart of the story, the trail aims to celebrate the wonder of the natural world, exploring different landscapes and showcasing the beauty of Kew Gardens in the autumn.
Meanwhile, at Wakehurst – Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex – the We’re Going on a Bear Hunt adventure will see families encounter sensory installations among the birches of Bethlehem Wood, transformed into a tapestry of yellow and gold, to towering Wollemi Pines in Coates Wood.
The trail weaves through natural log trail Tree Trunk Trek and finishes near the entrance to Wild Wood. Young explorers can also take part in the next Nature Heroes mission and gain a branded We’re Going on a Bear Hunt badge by putting their tracking skills to the test.
“We are delighted to be partnering with two of the most beautiful botanic gardens in the UK for our much-beloved family favourite adventure book, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt,” commented Pindy O’Brien, international licensing and market development director at Walker Books. “Both locations are outstanding and fit perfectly for this family favourite story to come to life.”
Julie Flavell, head of visitor programmes and exhibitions, continued: “It’s wonderful to be celebrating the wonder of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt with visitors this autumn. The story has a fantastic enduring appeal and is loved across generations.
“With its vivid depictions of the natural world, it’s the perfect tale to transpose to Kew Gardens and Wakehurst, encouraging intrepid explorers of all ages to soak up the sensory splendour of the natural world, and, crucially, feel inspired to conserve it for years to come.”
The trails will run from Saturday 21 October to Sunday 29 October at Kew Gardens and Saturday 14 October to Sunday 29 October at Wakehurst, with tickets now available.
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