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The Snail and the Whale

A beautiful tale of an unlikely friendship, a tour of the world and a heroic rescue. Based on the picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

Available now

25 minutes

Last on

Christmas Day 2025 09:00
BBC One

Clips

See all clips from The Snail and the Whale (2)

Credits

Narrator Diana Rigg
The Snail (voice) Sally Hawkins
The Whale (voice) Rob Brydon
The Teacher (voice) Cariad Lloyd
Director Max Lang
Director Daniel Snaddon
Producer Michael Rose
Producer Martin Pope
Writer Max Lang
Writer Suzanne Lang
Production Company Magic Light Pictures

Broadcasts

  • Christmas Day 2019 14:30
    BBC One
  • New Year's Day 2020 14:05
    BBC One
  • Christmas Day 2020 11:00
    BBC One
  • Boxing Day 2021 09:15
    BBC One
  • Boxing Day 2022 09:30
    BBC One
  • Wed 27 Dec 2023 13:55
    BBC One
  • Boxing Day 2024 09:00
    BBC One except HD
  • Mon 21 Apr 2025 13:45
    BBC One except Yorks & Lincs, HD & North East & Cumbria
  • Mon 21 Apr 2025 14:00
    BBC One North East & Cumbria HD, Yorks & Lincs HD, North East & Cumbria & Yorks & Lincs only
  • Sun 7 Sep 2025 19:05
    BBC Three
  • Thu 30 Oct 2025 08:30
    CBeebies
  • Sat 6 Dec 2025 14:40
    CBBC
  • Sun 7 Dec 2025 09:40
    CBeebies
  • Wed 10 Dec 2025 18:00
    CBBC
  • Christmas Day 2025 09:00
    BBC One except HD

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Julia Donaldson Adaptations

Julia Donaldson Adaptations

Watch more animated films based on the much-loved children's picture books