The tales of Peter Rabbit™ have been a fixture on children’s bookshelves for over 100 years. The adventures of the mischievous titular rabbit, and his friends Tom Kitten, Mrs Tiggy-winkle, and Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-tail, have captured the imagination of children and adults alike, with younger generations charmed by the many new iterations since Beatrix Potter’s initial creation. Now, this summer, you and your family will be able to star in your own Peter Rabbit tale: The Peter Rabbit™ Garden Adventure – a live immersive experience.
The captivating adventure will open to the public on July 6 – just in time for the summer holidays – and will take place at the glorious walled gardens of Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, which sits a couple of hours’ drive from London. Kids and kids at heart will be able to explore some previously unseen areas of the palace, transformed into the garden of old Mr. McGregor, as you set out on a quest to save Peter Rabbit from becoming rabbit pie…
Lose yourself in a world of imagination for just under an hour, as a magical mix of storytelling, live performances and puppetry bring Beatrix Potter’s words to life. The stakes are high: a young Beatrix will enlist your help in finding Peter, guiding you through greenhouses, vegetable gardens and potting sheds, where you’ll encounter a few of your favourite characters – such as Jemima Puddle-Duck and Benjamin Bunny – plus a few surprises along the way.
2022 marks the 120th anniversary year of Peter Rabbit; the first edition was published in December 1901. However, fun fact, the story of Peter Rabbit originated from a series of letters sent by Beatrix to her governess’ ill son as early as 1893, where the author wrote short stories starring her real-life pet rabbit (also called Peter).
The setting for The Peter Rabbit™ Garden Adventure, Blenheim Palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with over 300 years of history. The palace was the birthplace of former prime minister Winston Churchill, whose family have owned the property since it was built in the late 1700s (passed down through Duke of Marlborough titles). These days, while still technically owned and lived in by the current Duke of Marlborough, the palace and its sprawling gardens host various events throughout the year, including fun runs, Christmas markets, flower shows, and musical performances. Your Peter Rabbit™ Garden Adventure ticket will include a 50% discount to the rest of the palace and gardens, if you wish to explore in greater detail after the immersive experience.
The Peter Rabbit™ Garden Adventure will be open to guests between Tuesday and Sunday each week until early September, with various slots throughout the day to suit each families’ schedule. The adventure is a must for any child or big kid with a love of the great outdoors and an interest in nature – or for those who simply love the most mischievous rabbit in children’s literature!
