World Book Day & beyond: magical literary days out for kids
The best bookish things to do with kids are the places where favourite stories come to life: Roald Dahl's village, Beatrix Potter's Lake District, Harry Potter's castles and the woods of the Gruffalo and Winnie-the-Pooh. World Book Day on 2 March 2023 may be over, but the costumes are still in the cupboard and the excitement about books is fresh. Here are seven literary days out across the UK, sorted by age, with tips for prams, parking and lunch.
What's on: World Book Day and literary family events
World Book Day 2023 fell on Thursday 2 March, and its spirit carries on through spring with story events at museums, libraries and bookshops. Children got a book token to swap for a special book or put towards another one. The World Book Day website has free activities, reading lists and author videos for home.
Many of the places below run family events in the Easter holidays, from storytelling sessions to craft workshops. Check opening hours and prices on the official website before you go, as some sites need booking.
| Place | Story | Area | Best ages | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre | Roald Dahl | Buckinghamshire | 6–12 | ££ |
| The Story Museum | many classics | Oxford | 3–11 | ££ |
| Seven Stories | British children's books | Newcastle | 0–11 | ££ |
| The World of Beatrix Potter | Peter Rabbit | Lake District | 2–8 | ££ |
| Warner Bros. Studio Tour London | Harry Potter | Hertfordshire | 7+ | £££ |
| Alnwick Castle | Harry Potter | Northumberland | 5+ | ££ |
| Ashdown Forest | Winnie-the-Pooh | East Sussex | 2+ | free |
| Gruffalo trails | The Gruffalo | forests across England | 2–7 | free |
Price per person: £ = under about £10, ££ = about £10–£25, £££ = over £25. Rough guide only, prices change.
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What's in it for kids by age
Toddlers love simple, outdoor story worlds; school-age children get the most out of museums, castles and film sets.
- Under fives: Gruffalo trails, The World of Beatrix Potter and Poohsticks are short, sensory and easy to pace.
- Ages five to eight: The Story Museum, Seven Stories and Alnwick Castle mix dressing up, play and stories.
- Ages eight and up: the Roald Dahl Museum and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour reward children who have read the books.
Top literary things to do with kids in the UK
These seven places are the classics of a bookish family day out, and they spread nicely across England.
Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden is in the village where Dahl lived and wrote. Children can see his writing hut and try out their own stories. In Oxford, The Story Museum is full of immersive rooms where children step into famous tales.
Seven Stories in Newcastle is the national centre for children's books, with exhibitions, a dressing-up area and a lovely book corner under the roof. In the Lake District, The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness brings Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck to life in miniature scenes.
Harry Potter fans can explore the real sets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London near Watford, or take a broomstick lesson at Alnwick Castle, which appeared in the early films. For the youngest readers, Ashdown Forest in Sussex is the original Hundred Acre Wood, and the Poohsticks Bridge is a short walk from the car park.
Gruffalo trails in woods run by Forestry England let little ones hunt for the mouse, the fox and the owl.
Practical tips: parking, prams and baby change
Most of these places have on-site or nearby parking, but woodland paths and old buildings can be tricky with a pushchair.
- Prams: museums such as Seven Stories and The Story Museum have lifts. Castles and forests are easier with a baby carrier.
- Parking: Ashdown Forest and Gruffalo trails have pay-and-display or free car parks, and they fill up on sunny weekends.
- Baby change: available at all the museums and big attractions, but not in the forest, so pack a travel mat.
- Booking: the studio tour and the Roald Dahl Museum need timed tickets.
Where to eat nearby
Museums and castles have family cafés, while woodland trails are perfect for a picnic. The Roald Dahl Museum café is a handy lunch stop in Great Missenden, and Bowness has plenty of tea rooms by the lake. In Oxford and Newcastle, you will find kid-friendly cafés within a few minutes' walk.
Look up cafés with high chairs and play corners on the Kid.ooo map. For more food and family travel inspiration, take a look at @abbyteh on Instagram.
Alternatives if it's busy
If a popular spot is fully booked, your local library or a nearby city museum can be just as magical. Libraries run free story times and craft sessions, and many have themed displays after World Book Day.
For a weekend away, our guide to family city breaks by train includes York, Edinburgh and Bath, all great for curious readers. If the weather turns, our list of the best soft play centres in the UK will help.
More kids attractions on the Kid.ooo map
Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents share the places their children love. Search for things to do with kids near me, from story museums and castles to playgrounds and cafés, and save your favourites for the next school holiday.
Explore family attractions on the Kid.ooo map
Missing a magical place for young readers? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other parents find their next story-filled day out.
Frequently asked questions
When was World Book Day 2023?
World Book Day 2023 was on Thursday 2 March in the UK and Ireland. Children received a book token, and many schools held dress-up days and reading events around that date.
What are the best literary days out for young children?
For under-sixes, Gruffalo trails in Forestry England woods, The World of Beatrix Potter in the Lake District and Poohsticks in Ashdown Forest are gentle and short. Seven Stories in Newcastle and The Story Museum in Oxford also have spaces for little ones.
Is the Harry Potter studio tour suitable for children?
It works best for children who have read the books or seen the films, usually from around seven. Tickets must be booked in advance, and a visit takes most of a day.
Are there free literary things to do with kids?
Yes. Gruffalo trails in many Forestry England woods are free to walk, as is Ashdown Forest. Your local library also runs free story times and holiday reading challenges.
Find family places near you
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