Gruffalo Statue

There's a bronze Gruffalo lurking in the woods near Tring, and it's become rather a pilgrimage for families with picture books tucked under their arms. Julia Donaldson's creation - all tusks and terrible claws - sits in a clearing as a tribute to the author's connection to the Chilterns, and honestly, it's the sort of thing that makes kids absolutely lose their minds the moment they spot it.

You'll find it on a proper walk through decent woodland, which means it's not a quick five-minute job. Allow a good hour or so if you're taking younger children, longer if you want to actually explore the area properly. It's free, obviously - it's just sat there in the landscape - but the walk itself requires decent boots and a bit of stamina, especially after rain when the ground gets boggy.

Family groups will get the most out of this. Teenagers might find it a bit underwhelming unless they're genuinely into the books, but for under-eights it's magic - suddenly the Gruffalo is real. History buffs won't find much here beyond the statue itself, but walkers absolutely should include it in a longer Chilterns ramble.

If you're staying at Hill Farm Camping just half a mile away, you're perfectly placed for this. Chiltern Yurts, four miles down the road, also makes a solid base. The statue works well as a morning excursion before heading into Tring town itself for lunch.