The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse

The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse sits just outside Blackpool and offers a dose of storybook magic for the under-eights crowd. It's built around Julia Donaldson's beloved characters - think the Gruffalo himself, along with bits from the wider cast - so if your kids have worn out their copies of these books, they'll recognise the place immediately.

What you actually get is an indoor play space with character theming rather than a full-blown attraction. There are soft play areas, interactive bits, and photo opportunities with the characters themselves. It's the sort of thing that works brilliantly on a wet Lancashire afternoon when the beach isn't an option, or as a break during a longer holiday stay. Most families spend between one and two hours here before the novelty wears off.

Worth knowing: opening hours and admission prices aren't published online, so ring ahead before you go. That said, it's genuinely convenient if you're staying at Haven Marton Mere or Newton Hall just down the road - both are within easy reach. The clubhouse suits younger children best. Once kids hit seven or eight they'll likely lose interest fairly quickly, so time your visit accordingly.

As part of a Blackpool holiday park stay, it fills a gap nicely - not a full day out, but a solid two-hour activity that breaks up the routine. Stick it in the morning when the kids are fresh, then head into town for fish and chips afterwards.