The Wombles Take a Holiday…at the Heights of Abraham!

The Wombles Take a Holiday…at the Heights of Abraham!

If you sang “Underground, overground, wombling free…”, chances are many could join in and finish this much-loved tune. The Wombles of Wimbledon first captured hearts as a series of charming children’s books written by Elisabeth Beresford for her young son, Marcus, in the late 1960s. Inspired by a family walk on Wimbledon Common, and a child’s mispronunciation of the name! The stories introduced readers to a group of eco-conscious, pointy nosed creatures who lived underground and “made good use of the things that they find.”

The Wombles became a cultural phenomenon in the 1970s, thanks to a hugely popular stop-motion TV series and a string of catchy pop songs that brought their recycling message to life long before sustainability became mainstream. With beloved characters like Great Uncle Bulgaria, Orinoco, and Madame Cholet, the Wombles blended gentle humour, environmental awareness, and storytelling in a way that still resonates with families today.

And now, this summer, something wonderfully Womble is happening just a short journey from Nottinghamshire, because the Wombles are going on holiday! Their destination? The spectacular Heights of Abraham in the Peak District.

“Now listen here, young Wombles,” said Great Uncle Bulgaria,
“Wimbledon is all very fine, but I think it’s time we had a holiday.”
“A holiday!” cried Orinoco. “What’s one of those?”
“You’ll love it,” replied Great Uncle Bulgaria. “You’ll meet new people…and I think we’ll start our holiday in a cable car!”

Running every weekend and daily throughout the school holidays, visitors will have the chance to meet Orinoco, Bungo, Tobermory, and Great Uncle Bulgaria as they enjoy their summer holiday at the Heights of Abraham. These much loved Wombles are always excited to make new friends and are never shy about joining in a holiday selfie or two! Keep your cameras ready, you never know where one might pop up next!

The brand new immersive Wombles experience opens on Saturday 26^th July and invites families to step inside the world of these iconic characters. Discover how the Wombles came to be, and the humans who helped along the way. Children (and their adults!) can take the Womble Pledge to be kind, curious, to reuse, recycle, and keep their own “burrows” tidy, just like the Wombles would want!

And for added fun, don’t miss the Wombles Trail, a family-friendly treasure hunt around the Heights of Abraham estate. Six Wombles are hiding, each with a special message to share. Can you find them all and learn how to “Be More Womble”?

Whether you’re introducing little ones to the Wombles for the first time or rekindling fond memories, this delightful summer attraction promises fun, nostalgia, and inspiration for all ages.

We journeyed from Nottingham Train Station to Matlock Bath station in just over an hour for only £13 return. Our journey through Nottinghamshire and over the border into Derbyshire was scenic and relaxing, a lovely start to any day trip! 

Click here for more information on The Wombles Immersive Experience

Blog written by Anna Scott – Business Development Executive