Bears, Books & Best days out inspired by Children’s Classics
Gather your little cubs because bears, books and best days out inspired by Children’s Classics await! We’re going on an great bookish hunt to find the top 5 much-loved tales about teddy-bears…
These sweet stories are still cherished today, and some have been charming children for centuries! I’ve written this blog to bring much-loved picture-books to modern family life, through cute and cuddly fairy-tale days out! You may even meet grrrizzly REAL BEARS along the way!
Let’s begin this journey to our top 5 picks with an inspiring timeline from oldest original publication, to the newest. (Each reviewed and approved also by my own tale-loving little one!) First up is Goldilocks and The Three Bears, originally by Robert Southey, and still popular since 1837!
Then, follow me to discover more best-loved children’s authors, including A. A. Milne and the bear who wins over hearts around the world – happy, honey-loving Winnie the Pooh, of course! Our final fictional tale takes us to 1989, with We’re Going On A Bear Hunt, by Michael Rosen.
So, discover my fun family adventures that cast happy endings only a scroll, or page-turn away!
1. Be mesmerised by the charming and cheeky Three Bears at the Live Ballet of Goldilocks
Inspired by Children’s Book: GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS, by Robert Southey.
One of Literature’s Classics Since: 1837.
This family-friendly performance by Let’s All Dance Ballet Company is full of entertainment, grace and wonder to keep curious minds content.
Bookish Details:
- Alluring adaptation of the story with a 1940’s vibe, where you’ll find Goldilocks has a jar of magical honey!
- 31 May 2024, Stanley Hall, London, at 1pm for 45 minutes running time. Other dates, venues and times available.
- £10 – £12 a ticket.
The Perfect Page-turner For: Theatre lovers and little dazzling dancers in the making! It’s a fabulous way to introduce a first ballet experience, to see the magic of a stage performance by professionals, live!
2. Forget about your worries and your strife, and see a classic children’s story brought tropically to life in the spotlight, with a fun Theatre Production of The Jungle Book.
Inspired by Children’s Book: THE JUNGLE BOOK, by Rudyard Kipling.
One of Literature’s Classics Since: 1894.
Be immersed with the thrills of theatre, and follow the wonders of Mowgli the Man-cub as he wanders the jungle in a new musical adaptation. It wouldn’t be complete without happy-go-lucky Baloo the Bear, too!
Bookish Details:
- Retelling of the classic story, highlighting Tolerance, Friendship and Humanity.
- Directed by world-famous Robert Wilson and has entertained audiences in Paris, Florence and Antwerp.
- Perfect for school-aged children; recommended for ages 6+
- 27 – 31 March 2024, Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International, Manchester, at 7pm with a couple of matinee times of 2.30pm.
- Family-friendly running time of 1 hour 15 mins, with no interval.
- Various booking options, including £10 tickets for those on limited incomes with an Affordable Ticket.
The Perfect Page-turner For: A first introduction to the theatre, to encourage an ongoing love of the arts.
3. Enter the enchanting Five Hundred Acre Wood in East Sussex, and let your kids’ curiosities run wild with a Winnie the Pooh inspired woodland visit
Inspired by Children’s Book: WINNIE-THE-POOH stories by A.A. Milne, and illustrated by E. H. Shepard.
One of Literature’s Classics Since: 1925, first appearing by name on Christmas Eve in London’s newspaper, Evening News, and found immediate success in 1926.
Turn over a new leaf on our next teddy-bear trail of a tale! Surround your sweet cubs in the beauty of nature, that first captivated the mind of author A. A. Milne.
Bookish details:
- Find the memorial plaque of Milne and Shepard at Ashdown Forest, which overlooks Five Hundred Acre Wood, the inspiration behind the setting of Pooh Bear’s home at Hundred Acre Wood.
- Visit Pooh Corner shop for gifts, sweets and books.
- Parking fee applies, but great value for return visitors or locals with an annual pass, equating to £1.50 per week.
The Perfect Page-turner For: Outdoor adventure-seekers.
4. Have the best bookish ride on the Paddington Bear Afternoon Tea London Sightseeing Tour by Brigit’s Bakery
Inspired by Children’s Book: PADDINGTON BEAR stories by Michael Bond, and illustrated by Peggy Fortnum.
One of Literature’s Classics Since: 1958.
A memorable marmalade-mad adventure awaits next! Through special built-in animation tablets, the adorable Paddington Bear and Mrs Bird will guide you and your taste-buds through bear-inspired delights, as iconic London landmarks whiz by the window…
Bookish Details:
- Various dates and times available, departing from Trafalgar Square, London.
- 1 hr 45 mins duration, and with no toilets onboard, suggested best for ages 5+
- Adult £45, Child £35.
- Spot Big Ben, Hyde Park, Nelson’s Column, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, Piccadilly Circus, and much more!
The Perfect Page-turner For: A ‘My First Afternoon Tea’ experience to please your sweet-toothed little bear-cubs. Also great for culture-seekers, eager to learn more about historical and vibrant London.
5. Brave your way through the fun family trail: We’re Going On A Bear Hunt at Bristol Zoo Project
Inspired by Children’s Book: WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT by Michael Rosen, and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.
One of Literature’s Classics Since: 1989.
You can’t go over it. You can’t go under it. You’ve got to go through it! Yep, pack for a suitcase-full of surprises as you swish, swirl and squelch your way along a super sensory trail to REAL BEARS!
Bookish Details:
- 23 March – 14 April 2024 with last entry to Bristol Zoo and Bear Wood at 3pm.
- Trail is included in admission.
- Also meet giraffes, cheetahs and lemurs, with no barriers between you and the animals!
The Perfect Page-turner For: Junior zoo-keepers, animal lovers or avid little explorers.
We’ve been on an enlightening literary bear hunt… Now, you’ve FOUND bears, books and best days out inspired by Children’s Classics! And, what better way is there to feel freshly inspired with the excitement of reading, and getting ready for tomorrow’s big bookish event? Have a very Happy World Book Day everyone! Continue the celebrations, discover these future adventures, and carry on the fun…
Perhaps you will inspire the next generation of the world’s greatest book writers? Your children may be cuddling their own classic story, one day, alongside their beloved teddy-bear!
Please note: All event details and prices are correct at time of publishing, however check online to stay up-to-date prior to booking/visiting.