Latest news with #Zog
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I took my kids to the Realm of Zog at Warwick Castle and they were delighted'
Zog, Julia Donaldson's well-loved, hard-working dragon is turning 15 and to mark the occasion Warwick Castle have gone Zog-mad, with a playland, two stage shows, a quest for the star and a Zog meet-and-greet all included in the castle ticket price Fans of Julia Donaldson's accident-prone orange dragon Zog may be surprised to hear that the much-loved character turns 15 this year. To celebrate, Warwick Castle invited my husband, my two daughters, and me to explore the magical Realm of Zog, held in the vast and stunning grounds of the 957-year-old fortification. Arriving at the brand new, medieval-themed Warwick Castle Hotel the evening before, we were treated to a buffet meal in the grand hall before revelling in sword fighting lessons for the kids in front of a wonderful wooden play area, with a sea of luxury tents and woodland lodges behind - pick your preference from these or the hotel 'tower suites'. Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@ Two brave knights then proceeded to battle for our entertainment, pausing only to allow a (real-life) marriage proposal to take place! There are a number of interactive events for little cavaliers-in-training in the evening, from princess games to a knighting ceremony and a bedtime story at 8pm. Following a relaxing sleep in our room - the girls in ye olde bunkbeds- and a vast buffet breakfast (book ahead- it's busy), we walked the 10 minutes to the castle. First up was the brand new Zog Playland, where Axel Scheffler's magical illustrations are brought to life and kids can fly like a dragon on the zip line and explore Princess Pearl's Castle. Little dragons will be delighted to follow their own Quest For A Golden Star, with my 5 and 8-year-olds thrilled to stamp their Zog cards at each point, all in front of the stunning backdrop of the castle. After all that star-earning, it was time to settle down and watch the wonderful stage-show, set in the secluded woodland in the castle grounds. Kids can cosy up on beanbags (parents can chill on picnic benches) and watch the thrilling 25-minute long production, with puppetry, laughs and surprise effects that had my daughters spellbound. And there is not one, but two fantastic productions, with the all-new Zog and the Flying Doctors Live Show taking place at multiple times throughout the day as well. My 5-year-old, who just happened to be celebrating her own birthday, was delighted to meet Zog himself later in the meet-and-greet, held near the outrageously beautiful conservatory teahouse and gardens. Both my girls, my husband and I were thrilled to see live peacocks strutting around, a sight that was merely a preamble to the incredible Falconer's Quest, the UK's largest bird of prey show. Sixty stunning birds from all over the globe swoop over the crowds, brushing heads with their wingtips as the narrative about a brave falconer plays out on the river. It is truly an unforgettable experience, and the children were as awestruck as us. With so much more to see and do at the castle, from the Horrible Histories maze, to a very exciting play that showcases the mighty trebuchet, to a princess-themed mystery experience in one of the towers (perfect for little ones), and -of course- the fascinating history to explore, a whole day can easily whizz by. Rounding off our wonderful time at Warwick Castle was a special birthday party for Zog, complete with party games, cake, and a dance with Princess Pearl. Parents of Zog superfans can extend their midweek break with a stay at the Warwick Castle Hotel, including a storytime with Princess Pearl and playtime with Zog himself! Book it
South Wales Argus
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Royal Mint releases new 50p coin to celebrate kids character
The new coin marks 15 years since Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's "enthusiastic" but "accident-prone" dragon first captured readers' imaginations. The design features Zog flying, complete with tiny wings and a determination to earn a golden star at Dragon School. This coin joins the Royal Mint's childhood characters collection, which also includes The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child. The Royal Mint have released a number of cons celebrating kids characters (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire) Royal Mint 'thrilled' by new collectable 50p coin of children's character Zog Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: 'We're thrilled to welcome Zog onto an official UK 50p and as part of our childhood characters coin series. 'As the dragon who tries his very best – despite his mishaps – Zog represents determination and perseverance, qualities we can all admire. 'This coin celebrates a character who has become a firm favourite in households across the UK and continues our tradition of honouring beloved children's literature on our nation's coinage.' Zog is fictional dragon beloved by parents and kids (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire) Recommended Reading: Zog author Ms Donaldson said: 'I'm delighted that Zog is being celebrated on a UK coin. When I wrote his story 15 years ago, I never imagined he would fly so far into people's imaginations. Seeing our determined dragon on a 50p piece would definitely earn him a golden star from Madam Dragon.' Illustrator Mr Scheffler said: 'Drawing Zog with his big friendly face and clumsiness has always been such a joy. To see my illustrations transformed onto a coin is an incredible honour.' Previous children's characters represented include the Snowman, Paddington Bear, and Wallace and Gromit. The Zog 50p coin was created in partnership with Magic Light Pictures, the company behind the animated adaptation of the story. Those wanting the coin for themselves can expect to pay anywhere upwards of £15.
South Wales Guardian
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Royal Mint releases new 50p coin to celebrate kids character
The new coin marks 15 years since Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's "enthusiastic" but "accident-prone" dragon first captured readers' imaginations. The design features Zog flying, complete with tiny wings and a determination to earn a golden star at Dragon School. This coin joins the Royal Mint's childhood characters collection, which also includes The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child. The Royal Mint have released a number of cons celebrating kids characters (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire) Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: 'We're thrilled to welcome Zog onto an official UK 50p and as part of our childhood characters coin series. 'As the dragon who tries his very best – despite his mishaps – Zog represents determination and perseverance, qualities we can all admire. 'This coin celebrates a character who has become a firm favourite in households across the UK and continues our tradition of honouring beloved children's literature on our nation's coinage.' Zog is fictional dragon beloved by parents and kids (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire) Zog author Ms Donaldson said: 'I'm delighted that Zog is being celebrated on a UK coin. When I wrote his story 15 years ago, I never imagined he would fly so far into people's imaginations. Seeing our determined dragon on a 50p piece would definitely earn him a golden star from Madam Dragon.' Illustrator Mr Scheffler said: 'Drawing Zog with his big friendly face and clumsiness has always been such a joy. To see my illustrations transformed onto a coin is an incredible honour.' Previous children's characters represented include the Snowman, Paddington Bear, and Wallace and Gromit. The Zog 50p coin was created in partnership with Magic Light Pictures, the company behind the animated adaptation of the story. Those wanting the coin for themselves can expect to pay anywhere upwards of £15.
Western Telegraph
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Royal Mint releases new 50p coin to celebrate kids character
The new coin marks 15 years since Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's "enthusiastic" but "accident-prone" dragon first captured readers' imaginations. The design features Zog flying, complete with tiny wings and a determination to earn a golden star at Dragon School. This coin joins the Royal Mint's childhood characters collection, which also includes The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child. The Royal Mint have released a number of cons celebrating kids characters (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire) Royal Mint 'thrilled' by new collectable 50p coin of children's character Zog Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: 'We're thrilled to welcome Zog onto an official UK 50p and as part of our childhood characters coin series. 'As the dragon who tries his very best – despite his mishaps – Zog represents determination and perseverance, qualities we can all admire. 'This coin celebrates a character who has become a firm favourite in households across the UK and continues our tradition of honouring beloved children's literature on our nation's coinage.' Zog is fictional dragon beloved by parents and kids (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire) Recommended Reading: Zog author Ms Donaldson said: 'I'm delighted that Zog is being celebrated on a UK coin. When I wrote his story 15 years ago, I never imagined he would fly so far into people's imaginations. Seeing our determined dragon on a 50p piece would definitely earn him a golden star from Madam Dragon.' Illustrator Mr Scheffler said: 'Drawing Zog with his big friendly face and clumsiness has always been such a joy. To see my illustrations transformed onto a coin is an incredible honour.' Previous children's characters represented include the Snowman, Paddington Bear, and Wallace and Gromit. The Zog 50p coin was created in partnership with Magic Light Pictures, the company behind the animated adaptation of the story. Those wanting the coin for themselves can expect to pay anywhere upwards of £15.
Glasgow Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Royal Mint releases new 50p coin to celebrate kids character
The new coin marks 15 years since Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's "enthusiastic" but "accident-prone" dragon first captured readers' imaginations. The design features Zog flying, complete with tiny wings and a determination to earn a golden star at Dragon School. This coin joins the Royal Mint's childhood characters collection, which also includes The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child. The Royal Mint have released a number of cons celebrating kids characters (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire) Royal Mint 'thrilled' by new collectable 50p coin of children's character Zog Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: 'We're thrilled to welcome Zog onto an official UK 50p and as part of our childhood characters coin series. 'As the dragon who tries his very best – despite his mishaps – Zog represents determination and perseverance, qualities we can all admire. 'This coin celebrates a character who has become a firm favourite in households across the UK and continues our tradition of honouring beloved children's literature on our nation's coinage.' Zog is fictional dragon beloved by parents and kids (Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire) Recommended Reading: Zog author Ms Donaldson said: 'I'm delighted that Zog is being celebrated on a UK coin. When I wrote his story 15 years ago, I never imagined he would fly so far into people's imaginations. Seeing our determined dragon on a 50p piece would definitely earn him a golden star from Madam Dragon.' Illustrator Mr Scheffler said: 'Drawing Zog with his big friendly face and clumsiness has always been such a joy. To see my illustrations transformed onto a coin is an incredible honour.' Previous children's characters represented include the Snowman, Paddington Bear, and Wallace and Gromit. The Zog 50p coin was created in partnership with Magic Light Pictures, the company behind the animated adaptation of the story. Those wanting the coin for themselves can expect to pay anywhere upwards of £15.
