CHILDREN’S favourite the Gruffalo is coming to a deep dark wood in Sussex.

Wakehurst, near Haywards Heath, will become home to the much-loved characters from Steyning author Julia Donaldson’s acclaimed book.

Throughout the Easter holidays from April 4 to 19 families are invited to play the role of the ‘little brown mouse’, following a specially curated trail through Wakehurst’s wild woodlands in pursuit of The Gruffalo

Young visitors can don a lab coat and find out what Owl had for supper by dissecting real owl pellets in the Millennium Seed Bank.

The Gruffalo Crumble Easter Egg Hunt will see children searching for ingredients for a Gruffalo Crumble.

While searching for the elusive Gruffalo, visitors will get the chance to explore Wakehurst’s extensive woodland while enjoying its unique landscape as it blooms in spring - magnolias will be out in the Water Gardens and swathes of daffodils will be found on the Mansion Lawn.

All the activities except the Easter Egg Hunt and Owl Pellet Dissection in the Millennium Seed Bank are free with entry to the gardens. Activities are priced at £4 each.