Families to become the authors of their own fairy tale at Stockeld Park this May half term

Designed to spark creativity and encourage outdoor play, Storybook Spring invites families to step into the Enchanted Forest and take part in a one‑of‑a‑kind storytelling adventure where every child becomes the author of their own fairy tale.

Throughout the Enchanted Forest, families will encounter a cast of mysterious storybook characters brought to life by Stockeld’s actors.

Children are invited to decide who these characters really are, shaping the story as they go.

Using a specially designed trail booklet, children can name each character, decide if they are good, bad or somewhere in between, answer questions and sketch their encounters, gathering inspiration for their own story.

At the end of the trail, children can turn their forest adventure into a tale, comic or illustration.

A Story Creation Station will be available in the Stockeld Theatre, where children can write, draw and create book covers for their story, or families can take their booklet home to continue the adventure.

Completed stories can be entered into Stockeld Park’s Spring Competition, with the chance to win prizes and see their story brought to life next spring.

The Storybook Spring experience is brought to life by interactive activities with each character.

Children can help the Wizard brew magical potions, become busy bees to pollinate the forest with the Forest Sprite, explore their imagination through raven‑themed readings with the Raven Witch, and identify animal tracks with the Archer Princess.

A Wandering Bard travels through the forest sharing songs and rhymes that weave all the characters’ stories together, inviting children to join in with sounds, actions and rhythm along the way.

Actors will be in the Enchanted Forest throughout the day, from 10.30am-4.30pm, with a group photo opportunity available on the forecourt from 4.45-5pm.

In addition to the Enchanted Forest trail, families can also explore the Magical Maze, which will feature a storybook‑themed challenge encouraging children to read clues, guess famous characters and find their way through the twisting hedges.

Alongside the half term activities, Stockeld Park’s much‑loved attractions will remain open, including the Enchanted Forest, Magical Maze, Buccaneer Boats, pedal go‑karts, giant inflatables and the award‑winning Playhive, one of Europe’s largest indoor play centre, offering families a full day of adventure whatever the weather.

Peter Grant, owner and Chief Fun Officer at Stockeld Park, said: “Storytelling and imagination are always at the heart of Stockeld Park, and Storybook Spring gives children the chance to truly shape their own adventure.

"By letting them decide who our characters are and how the story unfolds, every visit becomes unique, creative and completely their own.”

Tickets for Storybook Spring are available to book now. Visit www.stockeldpark.co.uk