Visitors to Cliveden will be able to step into the world of Eric Carle’s beloved children’s book as The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ trail opens from 10 May to 29 June 2025.
Organisers have announced that families will be able to follow the illustrated signs, discover vibrant fruits and tasty snacks hidden around the gardens, and pass through a 3D cocoon before emerging as a beautiful butterfly.
The trail is set to feature QR and augmented reality codes, interactive games, activities, and brass rubbing stations, all designed to offer fun and educational insights inspired by the classic tale. Cliveden representatives have expressed their excitement about hosting the event, describing it as an enchanting journey through one of nature’s most fascinating transformations.
Inspired by the well-loved story, the trail will bring to life the journey of a tiny caterpillar that hatches from an egg and consumes a variety of fruits and snacks each day before forming a chrysalis.
Eventually, the caterpillar will emerge as a butterfly, mirroring the natural life cycle. The event will be enhanced with illustrated trail markers, large-scale food displays, and engaging activities, helping children learn about the days of the week, counting, and the butterfly’s metamorphosis while enjoying Cliveden’s stunning spring gardens.
The trail has been created by the award-winning interactive theatrical event producers at Bakehouse Factory and is part of a collaboration with the National Trust in London and the South East. Following its launch at Cliveden, the trail will continue at Winkworth Arboretum from 19 July to 17 August 2025 and at Osterley Park and House from 31 January to 03 March 2026.
Robynn Finney, National Trust Experiences Curator, has highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating that Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ remains a cherished part of childhoods in the UK and beyond.
He noted that the National Trust is delighted to work alongside Bakehouse Factory to bring the story to life through trails that inspire young generations to explore one of nature’s most remarkable transformations.
The World of Eric Carle has long been dedicated to fostering children’s love of literature and learning, encouraging creative play and discovery. Recognised and trusted by parents, teachers, and librarians worldwide, Carle’s stories continue to engage young minds through innovative and colourfully illustrated books and products.
The author and illustrator, who created more than 70 books, remains celebrated for his artistic storytelling, with over 175 million copies of his works sold globally.
Visitors to National Trust locations will be able to experience The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ through beautifully illustrated trail markers, QR codes, augmented reality features, and large-scale interactive structures.
Attendees will be able to collect a free trail sheet and win a small prize upon completing the trail. Each character board along the way will include QR codes offering fascinating facts, as well as augmented reality face filters and brass rubbing stations to further engage participants with the magical world of The Very Hungry Caterpillar™.
