5 Brilliant We're Going On A Bear Hunt Activities In The UK

With things being a little uncertain at the moment, spending time as a family is incredibly important. Spring is here, the weather is only getting better, and it’s the perfect time to head outside together and soak up some vitamin D during those much needed self-isolation exercise breaks.

Michael Rosen’s much-loved book ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ is a great storytelling inspiration during these times to let your kids' adventurous spirits run free and to let off some steam. Like the five children in the story who splash through puddles, rivers and woods on their bear hunting journey, you all can have just as much fun by visiting many ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ inspired and imaginative things to do around the UK. Have a read below to discover the best places we recommend visiting for your little explorers to create their own adventures.

Fairytale Fun With Sally’s Adventure Club, Highgate Wood

Perfect for: kids aged 2-10 years who love fantasy and adventures.

Fresh air, fairy tales and magical woodland trails are an amazing way to spend a day at the ancient Highgate Wood. Exploring nature with the excitement of ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ inspired puppets, songs and stories is a perfect activity for all little adventurers. Led by forest teacher Sally Bailey, you and your children can learn and play in the great outdoors, using the imagination on a sensory journey of treasure hunting, map reading and mini beast finding. Sally's message of encouragement to explore and use the imagination is something she's now spreading through her live-streamed immersive storytelling events, taking place at 10.30am Monday - Saturday and 4pm on Sundays. All the fun can now be brought to your living room or garden.  

Where is it? Highgate Wood, Muswell Hill Rd, Highgate, London N10 3JN

How much to budget for: Prices usually start from £6 per session. However, Sally is now taking optional donations for her new online live-streamed events.

Nearest station: Highgate (Northern Line)

Don’t miss: Picking up your map and searching for the magical Wishing Tree.

Oxhey Woods Sculpture Trail

Perfect for: kids aged 4-15 years who are full of creativity.

Head out and visit Oxhey Wood’s Sculpture Trail, full of hidden surprises to discover. It's a great way to keep active and for your little ones to have their own bear hunt adventure as you see how many sculptures you can find along the trail. Wander through the carved wooden archway that marks the start of your search, and be sure to look closely through deep foliage so as not to miss the many woodland creatures waiting to be found.

Where is it? Oxhey Woods, Northwood, HA6 3FX

How much to budget for: Free admission.

Nearest station: The closest train station is Norwood, but it is a twenty-minute walk away from the woods.

Don’t miss: Wildlife-spotting as you head along the trail.

Westonbirt Arboretum

Perfect for: all ages and those who love the great outdoors.

Spring is here and new adventures are to be had at the stunning Westonbirt Arboretum. Discover the spring walking trail to engage your little explorer’s senses as they see if they can spot all the different kinds of wildlife. Travel through the deep forests and long grass like the children in 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt', and make sure to see if you can find some familiar friends in the Gruffalo Wood along the way. An exciting adventure through the trees promises the perfect outing for all nature-loving families.

Where is it? Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, GL8 8QS

How much to budget for: Prices start from £4 per child, under 5’s go free .

Nearest station: Most easily accessible by car. There is plenty of free parking and additional parking when needed.

Don’t miss: The Gruffalo Wood.

Epping Forest

Perfect for: all ages and those who love big adventures.

For something a little closer to the city, Epping Forest is one of the largest green spaces in London. Despite being nearer home, it promises no less of an adventure for any keen explorer. Muddy puddles ready to be jumped in, tree climbing and den building are just a few things that make this one of the best ways to spend time together and let off some steam. Full of amazing picnic spots too, there’s plenty of time to relax in the sun after a busy day of bear hunting and outdoor adventuring.

Where is it? Epping Forest, 8 Ranger's Rd, Chingford, London E4 7QH

How much to budget for: Free admission.

Nearest Station: Chigwell, Roding Valley, Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, Debden, Theydon Bois and Epping all offer convenient access to points along the forest (Central Line).

Don’t miss: Heading to The View, where you can learn all about the forest’s vast history.

Hampstead Heath

Perfect for: all ages and those who love dogs.

With expansive open spaces and beautiful woodland, there’s plenty of things to allow your little ones' imaginations to run wild on the Heath. Let them create their own bear hunt adventure, following trails, splashing through rivers and even swimming in the ponds during the upcoming summer months. There are also many adventure play parks scattered across the heath for all little climbers to enjoy. Hampstead itself is a great place to relax and unwind away from the crowds of central London, with many family-friendly cafes and restaurants to grab a bite to eat after a day of exploring.  

Where is it? Hampstead Heath, Hampstead, London, NW3 1BN

How much to budget for: Free admission.

Nearest station: Hampstead Heath (Overground).

Don’t miss: Spotting the many dogs that enjoy a walk on the Heath!