We're Going On A Bear Hunt
Join the adventure at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst this October
Release date: 17 August 2023
Saturday 21 October – Sunday 29 October at Kew Gardens, London
Saturday 14 October – Sunday 29 October at Wakehurst, Sussex
- New trails at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst for October half-term
- Interactive adventure explores the playful potential of the natural world
- £1 entry to Kew Gardens and Wakehurst for recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and other legacy benefits
This October, the much-loved family adventure We’re Going on a Bear Hunt arrives at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst with two brand-new interactive trails encouraging curious visitors of all ages to explore the wild wonders of nature. Distilling the essence of this 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. The original book, written by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury and published by Walker Books was made even more popular by Lupus Films' adaptation of the story into an award-winning TV Special which is shown on Channel 4 every year.
At Kew Gardens, this sensory adventure will wind across the Lake and into the Arboretum - home to some of Kew’s most magnificent trees and enigmatic wildlife. Emulating the journey undertaken by the family at the heart of the story, the trail celebrates the awe-inspiring wonder of the natural world, exploring different landscapes and showcasing the vibrant beauty of Kew Gardens in autumn. As visitors swish, splash and squelch their way around the Gardens, they can make muddy memories and embrace the elements as part of this unique adventure.
Visitors are also invited to take a break at one of Kew Gardens' many cafes and restaurants, such as the multi-sensory Family Kitchen & Shop where adults and children alike can grab a quick bite from the sandwich bar, tuck into a slice of stone-baked pizza, or enjoying a refreshing drink and sweet treat. Younger visitors can also immerse themselves in the Children’s Garden, exploring everything that a plant needs to grow in this interactive space. No pre-booking is required.
At Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, the We’re Going on a Bear Hunt adventure takes in highlights throughout stunning autumnal woodlands. Families will encounter sensory installations amongst the beautiful 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, an enchanting gallery of woven sculptures, providing even more for young adventurers to discover. Wakehurst’s 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.
Julie Flavell, Head of Visitor Programmes and Exhibitions said: “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.”
At the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, we’re dedicated to harnessing the power of plants and fungi to end the extinction crisis and secure a future for all life on Earth. With Kew’s world-leading research, global partnerships and beloved gardens – home to the world’s most diverse collections of plants and fungi – we’re using our trusted voice to shape policy and practice worldwide. As a charity we rely on the critical support of our visitors, not only to sustain the gardens, but to protect global plant and fungal biodiversity for the benefit of our planet and humanity.
ENDS
For more information and images please contact pr@kew.org
For more information about We’re Going on A Bear Hunt at Wakehurst, please contact Jessica Hayne, Communications & Content Executive (j.hayne@kew.org) or the Wakehurst PR Team (WakehurstPR@kew.org)
For tickets, please visit: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens/tickets
About Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world-famous scientific organisation, internationally respected for its outstanding collections as well as its scientific expertise in plant diversity, conservation and sustainable development in the UK and around the world. Kew Gardens is a major international and a top London visitor attraction. Kew Gardens’ 132 hectares of landscaped gardens, and Wakehurst, Kew’s Wild Botanic Garden, attract over 2.5 million visits every year. Kew Gardens was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2003 and celebrated its 260th anniversary in 2019. Wakehurst is home to Kew's Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild plant seed bank in the world. RBG Kew receives approximately one third of its funding from Government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research councils. Further funding needed to support RBG Kew’s vital work comes from donors, membership and commercial activity including ticket sales. In the first six months since implementing a new accessibility scheme for those in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Legacy Benefits, Kew has welcomed over 30,000 visitors with £1 tickets.
About Wakehurst
Please note that Wakehurst is referred to just as Wakehurst, not Wakehurst Place. It is not a National Trust property.
The National Trust bequeathed the Mansion and grounds of Wakehurst in 1963. It was then entrusted to us here at Kew in 1965, and we now work in partnership with the National Trust to care for our collections and heritage areas.
Wakehurst is Kew’s wild botanic garden in the Sussex High Weald. Its ancient and beautiful landscapes span 535 acres and are a place for escape, exploration, tranquillity, and wonder. Its diverse collection of plants from Britain and around the globe thrive within a tapestry of innovative gardens, temperate woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Wakehurst is a centre for UK biodiversity and global conservation, seed research and ecosystem science. At its heart is Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, the world’s largest store of seeds from wild plant species.
About Walker Books
Home to books for all ages, Walker Books publishes many award-winning authors, illustrators, and literary franchises including Anthony Horowitz, Angie Thomas, Cassandra Clare, Lucy Cousins, Anthony Browne, Patrick Ness, Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, and Where’s Wally? by Martin Handford. Walker Books is part of the vibrant international Walker Books Group that includes Walker Books Australia; Candlewick Press and Walker Books US in America and Walker Productions.
About Lupus Films
Multi award-winning London-based studio Lupus Films was set up by Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding in 2002 and has since grown to become one of the world’s leading film and television production companies.
The company specialises in high quality family entertainment and adaptations of much-loved works of children’s literature, such as BAFTA nominated half-hour specials THE SNOWMAN AND THE SNOWDOG, WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT, and THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA, which won an International Kids Emmy® Award. Lupus Films produced the award-winning animated feature film ETHEL & ERNEST, based on the autobiographical graphic novel by Raymond Briggs.
Their latest production, KENSUKE’S KINGDOM, is a feature film adaptation of the bestselling children’s novel by Michael Morpurgo. www.lupusfilms.com