After a strong half term, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ trail at Cliveden which opened in May continues and will run until 29 June 2025. This a captivating trail where visitors can experience one of nature’s greatest transformations is inspired by Eric Carle’s beloved and iconic children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™.
Families can wiggle along the trail, follow the illustrated signs and spot the vibrant, juicy fruits and tasty snacks hidden around the garden before emerging (through the 3D cocoon) as a beautiful butterfly. Discover QR and augmented reality codes, games, activities and brass rubbing stations to learn fun and fascinating facts inspired by this classic children’s tale.
This charming trail brings to life the best-selling story of the tiny caterpillar who hatches from an egg and is very hungry, so he eats through a variety of fruits and snacks each day. The caterpillar then forms a chrysalis around itself and, after some time, emerges as a beautiful butterfly.
Visitors have been enjoying the trail, one visitor said, “The Caterpillar Hunt was great fun. My two grandchildren, 6 and 3, loved doing it.” Another visitor said, “My daughter loved the brass rubbings and discovering the different types of snacks along the way. The giant 3D cocoon was her favourite!”
Enhanced by illustrated trail markers, giant food posts and accompanying QR (and augmented reality) codes, activities and games, children learn about the days of the week, counting, and the life cycle of a butterfly, all within the beautiful setting of the stunning spring gardens at Cliveden.
The trail is presented by the award-winning creator of interactive theatrical events, Bakehouse Factory and forms part of a collaboration with the National Trust in London and the South East. The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ will run at Cliveden until 29 June 2025.
Robynn Finney, National Trust Experiences Curator, said: “Much like our National Trust places, Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ remains a cherished part of childhoods across the UK and beyond.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Bakehouse to bring this beloved story to life with trails that inspire new generations to learn about one of nature’s greatest transformations by following the exciting and delicious journey of the world’s most famous caterpillar.”
The World of Eric Carle nurtures a child’s love of literature and learning, encouraging imaginative play and exploration. Trusted by parents, teachers, and librarians and beloved by children worldwide for generations, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ and other timeless storybooks come to life in colourfully creative books and products, designed to inspire very hungry young minds.
Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for young children.
Carle illustrated more than 70 books, many of which were best sellers. He also wrote most of them, and more than 175 million copies of his books have been sold worldwide.
- See The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ come to life at Cliveden through beautiful, illustrated trail markers, QR codes, augmented reality and giant structures and games.
- Pick up a The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ trail sheet for free from the Information Centre and begin your trail. Alongside each character board is a QR code that, once scanned, provides fun facts for hungry young minds (or try the augmented reality face filters and brass rubbing stations) inspired by the storybook.
Presented by the award-winning creator of interactive theatrical events, Bakehouse Factory. © 2025 Penguin Random House LLC. ERIC CARLE, THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR, THE WORLD OF ERIC CARLE logo, the Caterpillar logo and related designs, logos, and names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is published by Penguin Random House LLC.
