Put that marmalade sandwich down (or just stick it under your hat for safekeeping), slip on your shoes and get ready to step into the world of Paddington on your very own outdoor adventure at Blenheim Palace. A perfect family day out, Paddington™ Lo-Commotion invites you to soak up the idyllic nature of Oxfordshire whilst hunting for buried treasure with the help of a certain Peruvian bear. The experience is open now – located just under a 90-minutes drive from Birmingham – and will be sticking (blame the marmalade) around until September 3. Get ready for a fun-filled adventure with puppetry, theatrical live performances, creative activities and even a ride on a miniature train called Winston.
What can you expect at Paddington™ Lo-Commotion?
Paddington first made his way into the nation’s hearts, clutching his shabby suitcase and wearing his iconic rumpled red hat, in 1958 when Michael Bond wrote ‘A Bear Called Paddington’. His polite manners, clumsy nature and devout love of marmalade endeared readers and he has since become a classic character in the world of literature. Now, his adventures have made their way into reality and you can join the beloved bear and his friends in the sprawling grounds of Blenheim Palace.
A centuries-old country house found in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace is drenched in history and home to acres of woodland, fields and gardens that make it an ideal spot for a day of exploration. Paddington™ Lo-Commotion will take place on the Palace parkland, with a 0.75km trail suitable for all ages – just be sure to bring pushchairs for the little ones so you can rest your arms. There are a variety of activities to get stuck into along the way for those who have wandering minds (and feet) – why not take a second to write a letter to Aunt Lucy or unwind in the reading corner? For an extra charge, kids can also hop behind the wheel in a mini ROVER or take a photo with Paddington as a special memento.
The adventure lasts just under an hour and once you’re done channelling your inner treasure hunter, the fun doesn’t have to stop there. You can swing by the Paddington™ merchandise shop to get your hands on Paddington goodies and then grab a bite to eat from one of the many restaurants or cafes that can be found at Blenheim Palace. Plus, there’s even an Adventure Play park if there’s (inexplicably) still some energy to burn, just be aware tickets are sold separately.