1 week Ago
Cliveden, in Taplow, Bucks, will host The Very Hungry Caterpillar trail from May 10 to June 29, 2025. Following the illustrated path, families will search for hidden fruits and snacks around the gardens, before emerging through a 3D cocoon as a butterfly. (Image: © 2025 Penguin Random House LLC) The trail, created by Bakehouse Factory, an interactive theatrical event company, includes QR codes, augmented reality features, games, activities, and brass rubbing stations.
These elements aim to teach visitors fun facts inspired by Eric Carle's story of transformation. The Very Hungry Caterpillar trail will later open at Winkworth Arboretum from July 19 to August 17, 2025, and Osterley Park and House from January 31 to March 3, 2026. The tale of the tiny caterpillar, its varied daily snacks, chrysalis, and eventual transformation into a butterfly will play out in the spring gardens at Cliveden.
Children will have the opportunity to learn about the days of the week, counting, and the butterfly life cycle, all set within this beautiful natural backdrop. Robynn Finney, National Trust Experiences Curator, expressed her delight at the collaboration with Bakehouse Factory. She said: "Much like our National Trust places, Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar remains a cherished part of childhoods across the UK and beyond.
"We are delighted to collaborate with Bakehouse to bring this beloved story to life with trails that inspire new generations to learn about one of nature’s greatest transformations by following the exciting and delicious journey of the world’s most famous caterpillar." The World of Eric Carle, renowned for nurturing children's love of literature and learning, encourages imaginative play and exploration. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, along with other time-honoured storybooks, comes to life in creatively designed books and products, aimed at inspiring young minds.
Eric Carle, an acclaimed and beloved children's book illustrator, has over 70 books to his name. Many of these became bestsellers, with over 175 million copies sold worldwide. At National Trust locations, The Very Hungry Caterpillar will spring to life through illustrated trail markers, QR codes, augmented reality features, and large structures and games.
Visitors can collect a free trail sheet and win a small prize upon completion. Each character board features a QR code that, when scanned, provides fun facts inspired by the storybook, catering to the curiosity of young minds. The Very Hungry Caterpillar trail offers a unique opportunity for families to engage with a cherished children's book in an outdoor setting, blending literature with nature and learning.
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