Storytelling and Winnie the Pooh magic at Hillsborough Castle this summer
Meet children’s authors in Owl’s Book Corner
From 28 June to 31 August, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens welcomes families to a magical summer of stories. The Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Hunt trail brings the Hundred Acre Wood to life, with weekly storytelling sessions led by top UK and Irish children’s authors. Hosted in Owl’s Book Corner, each session features classic Winnie the Pooh tales and readings from the authors’ own works.
The line-up includes Jane Riordan, author of Winnie the Pooh Meets The King, along with celebrated names from the Royal Literary Fund such as Sheena Wilkinson, Sophie Kirtley, Jasbinder Bilan, Amanda Swift, Jim Beckett, Anna Wilson, Teresa Heapy, Maisie Chan, and Michael Mann. Each will enchant families with original stories and much-loved Pooh favourites.
Explore the Winnie the Pooh Hunny Hunt trail
The immersive trail starts at the garden entrance where families receive a map, pencil and Pooh stick. Children can hunt for ten hidden ‘hunny’ pots scattered through 100 acres of glorious gardens. Each stop along the way celebrates Pooh and friends, with themed locations like Piglet’s Cosy Burrow and Rabbit’s Garden.
After completing the trail, families can visit the gift shop for Winnie the Pooh-themed treasures. Options include books, cuddly toys and comforting English teas. These timeless mementoes bring the warmth and whimsy of the Hundred Acre Wood home.
Kids go free all summer
With Kids Go Free to the gardens all summer long, there’s even more reason to visit. Alongside author-led sessions, daily storytelling from the Castle’s Public Engagement Assistants will continue throughout the summer. These relaxed readings create the perfect chance to unwind, explore and enjoy time together.
This event is presented by Historic Royal Palaces in collaboration with Disney and the Royal Literary Fund, blending classic storytelling with outdoor fun in a beautiful historical setting. Hillsborough Castle and Gardens offers the perfect family day out, full of discovery and imagination.
For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk