During the February half-term we bunny-hoped down to Blackpool to join Peter Rabbit and friends at their brand new attraction and it was great for the whole family. The Merlin attraction opened last month and my family and I were invited to check it out.
Visitors are being invited to hop into the oversized world of Peter Rabbit and friends to discover lots of fun adventures, challenges, games and even meet Peter Rabbit himself.
Located next to the famous Madame Tussaud’s, the new Peter Rabbit, Explore and Play is perfect for any little Peter Rabbit fan. My 5 year old twins really had fun, I would say it’s aimed at children aged 6 and under.
We were greeted by a very friendly member of staff who gave the kids a sticker and activity sheet, where they needed to collect stamps as they move around the attraction. We moved through a series of themed zones, play games, solve challenges and collect their stamps.
The attraction takes visitors through a series of themed zones, to see if they really have what it takes to join the Secret Treehouse Club! Visitors get to experience life as Jeremy Fisher, where they can “splash” in a sensory pond, play lily pad drums and even strum musical reeds; then it is time to go on an adventure through Mr McGregor’s Garden with its giant carrots and mud slides. Next, intrepid explorers will venture into Mr Bouncer’s Invention Workshop and prepare dinner for Peter Rabbit and his bunny friends in The Burrow!
Each zone was brightly decorated and all offered something different. The sensory pond where Jeremy Fisher live was fantastic and a firm favourite with all the children. Isla especially loved it. They were fascinated how they could ‘splash’ and make ‘ripples’ and started to chase the fish. There was also some lovely musical instruments in this zone which we really enjoyed.
The kids really enjoyed Mr McGregor’s garden with the giant spinning carrots and of course the slide and tunnels. We also had lots of fun cooking with Mrs Rabbit and working out her recipes. Oscar really loved this room as there was plenty to see and do, buttons to press and lots to touch. Everything was shiny and new which was certainly a bonus.
There is some large touchable screens where the children can colouring in their favourite Peter Rabbit and friends character. This was a hit with all the kids. I liked how the screens were all different heights, perfect for really young children too.
At the end of our adventure, we came to the Secret Treehouse Club where the kids got to meet Peter himself! There’s a photo opportunity and they each get a badge. This was a lovely experience, little fans of Peter Rabbit will certainly love meeting him.
The adventure ends in the gift shop which is full of lovely Peter Rabbit merchandise. The attraction takes about an hour.
Stuart Jarman, General Manager, said: “Guests will need to think like a rabbit, move like a rabbit and deploy rabbit-like senses with a whole burrow-full of creativity in order to complete challenges and earn special badges to gain entry to a secret treehouse club. Visitors will even be able to meet Peter Rabbit himself and give him a ‘high paw’ – making the experience a bumper bunny day out!
Peter Rabbit™: EXPLORE & PLAY Blackpool, which has created more than 20 new jobs, has been developed in partnership with Silvergate Media, Penguin Ventures (on behalf of Peter Rabbit™ brand owners Frederick Warne & Co.) and Blackpool Council.
It joins Merlin’s six other attractions in Blackpool, including The Blackpool Tower and SEA LIFE Blackpool. Whilst we were visiting the Peter Rabbit attraction, we also visited Madame Tussaud’s and SEA LIFE.
Further details on the attraction and ticket bookings are available from https://www.peterrabbitexploreandplay.co.uk/blackpool/
Out and about mummy 