Tag Archives: Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle welcomes back Julia Donaldson’s Zog

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Zog superfans at Warwick Castle will be able to slide into new adventures when the iconic venue becomes the ‘Realm of Zog’ with the launch of the world’s first Zog Playland on 9 April, and the return of the Zog and the Quest for the Golden Star interactive trail.

Following Zog’s roaring 2021 success at Warwick Castle, a Merlin Entertainments attraction, the new Zog Playland has been developed with the multiple award-winning production and brand-building company Magic Light Pictures.

The new land is inspired by the picture book Zog and the Flying Doctors by author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, which also aired in 202o as an animated special  produced by Magic Light Pictures, and combines sensory and physical play elements for children up to the age of 10, as well as accessible activities.

The brand-new Playland will feature colourful dragons, dragon wing zip wires, crawl tunnels, rope swings, Princess Pearl’s Tower, and dragon slides. From interactive sand play and building pretend fires, to keeping the Lion’s cave warm and shopping at the imaginative play market stall for young budding doctors, Zog Playland will offer plenty of opportunities for children to immerse themselves into the imaginative world they know and love from the popular book and film.

The popular Zog and the Quest for the Golden Star trail will also return with some updates for the new season, and will offer children the chance to actually meet some of the key characters from the story, including Zog, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout.

Ultimate Zog fans can extend their magical adventure to the evening with the returning Zog Stay and Play package from 27 February. Guests can choose from cosy Woodland Lodges to Medieval Glamping Tents where they will find special Zog goodies and then enjoy an exclusive storytime with one of Warwick Castle’s brave Knights or enchanting Princesses, and even spend time with Zog himself before bedtime

The new Zog Playland, as well as the Zog trail and other popular Castle attractions will be accessible with Warwick Castle’s annual Gold pass (£65pp) and Silver pass (off-peak only, £45pp).

Jamie Turner, Head of Marketing, says: “I am delighted we are able to continue to develop our product for younger children, which means the Castle has something to offer all the family, from preschool kids to grandparents. Zog has proven to be incredibly popular with our younger guests and is the perfect fit for Warwick Castle. We’re incredibly proud to become the realm of Zog for 2022 and beyond.”

Alex Sanson, Brand Manager, Magic Light Pictures, says: “Warwick Castle feels like the perfect setting for Zog, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout. Rolling grounds for him to run about in, turrets for him to soar between, not to mention all the creatures that Princess Pearl’s assistants will be able to heal – we can’t wait for families to explore the new Playland and be fully immersed in Zog’s Realm.”

After a magical and action-packed day, retiring to The Knight’s Village for an overnight stay will offer guests a unique way to finish an unforgettable experience. Zog Stay and Play packages cost £149 for a family of four and include bed, breakfast and one-day park tickets on selected stay dates.

This latest announcement demonstrates the continued growth of Magic Light properties in location-based activations and follows on from this year’s announcement of the forthcoming The Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo, the launch of Superworm trails at Forestry England and the Room on the Broom trail at Ushaw historic house and gardens in County Durham.

For more information head to www.warwick-castle.com.

 

Magic Light Pictures and Merlin Entertainments are bringing Zog to Warwick Castle

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Magic Light Pictures has teamed up with Merlin Entertainments to bring a new 3D interactive Zog trail to Warwick Castle.

Due to launch at the historic venue this Easter, the trail brings to life the world of Zog the lovable dragon – first created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler – with a host of activities for kids that mirror Zog’s own lessons at dragon school.

From soaring over the top of the Castle mound without actually leaving the ground, to testing out the Roar-o-meter at Bear Tower and helping kids to capture a princess, children will collect a stamp at every task. A final challenge will see them join in with Sir Gadabout’s school for ambitious knights and will be followed with a meet-and-greet with Zog himself.

Based on the million-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Zog premiered on BBC One on Christmas Day 2018. It follows the tale of a keen but accident-prone dragon who gets into all sorts of mischief while at Dragon School, and was the fourth-highest rated programme on the day, achieving 8.8m viewers (including repeat).

The sequel, Zog and the Flying Doctors, has recently been announced as the Christmas 2020 collaboration between Magic Light and BBC One.

Daryl Shute, brand director, Magic Light Pictures, said: “We are delighted to partner with Merlin Entertainment to bring Zog to their fantastic venue. Warwick Castle is the perfect setting for dragons, princesses and heroic deeds. Our close collaboration is creating a truly special experience for kids that allows them to step into the magical world of Zog and live the story for themselves.”

Liam Bartlett, operations director for Warwick Castle, added: “We’re thrilled that Zog is flying in to Warwick Castle – it’s going to be roar-some. The interactive trail is great for kids of all ages, and supports the key messaging from the storybook itself around tenacity, persistence and rising to the challenge.

“It’s a fantastic addition to the Warwick Castle experience and shows once again why we’re a leading attraction for families from across the UK and beyond.”