It seems at the moment you can’t move for town trails.
We LOVE town trails. We’ve done the Fish Trail in Hull several times, and the guild heritage trail in Beverley.
Do you have a local town trail?
My children just love them. They relish using their maps and looking for the next item to tick off their list. Doing a town trail is a great way of getting children to interact with their community and environment, and often to learn about the historical significance of place. They may think they’re hunting for items, or doing some brass rubbing, or solving a puzzle, but they’re learning all the time.
As an adult, I also enjoy learning something new I didn’t know before. It’s also a great excuse for some hearty fresh air and exercise for helping little ones on their way to a nice early bedtime!
Here are five trails you can do this summer…
A Moth for Amy – Hull
Celebrating the life of one of the world’s most famous female aviators, the Moth for Amy trail is part of the bigger Amy Johnson festival. It has 50+ decorated moths positioned in Hull, East Yorkshire, and further afield. Maps are free, as are a lot of the numerous festival activities over the summer. Check out their website for more info – http://amyjohnsonfestival.co.uk/
The BFG Dream Jar Trail – London
For fans of the BFG and Roald Dahl, the Dream Jar Trail is a trail of 50 jars (from 22nd July) around London. There are four mini trails to follow, though you can do them all at once if you want. Use #BFGDreamJars on social media for your chance to win a prize.
There is more information at http://www.visitlondon.com/bfg
Go Herdwick sheep trail, the Lake District
Kirsty and family have been doing the Go Herdwick Sheep trail in the Lake District. It is running until the 4th September and features 60 colourful sheep along the 555 bus route which takes in Rydal, Grasmere, Ambleside, Keswick and Windermere.
Learn more about it on the Family Adventure Project
Fairy door trail, Rochester
If elves and fairies are more your thing, then the Kent town of Rochester is worth a visit. The town centre has been blessed by fairies and now lots of them have left little doors so they can live side-by-side with the humans of Rochester. Grab a map from the Guildhall Museum or the library and go and seek the fairy doors in and around the shops and public buildings.
You can learn more at Mari’s World
Oor Wullie’s Bucket Trail – Dundee
Thanks to Alison for the tip off about this one!
Oor Wullie is a Scottish newspaper comic strip character, and he is now 80 years old! Up in Dundee from 27th June to 27th August, there are fifty-five 5′ Oor Wullies sitting on their buckets. Can you find them all?
Visit HQ in the Overgate Centre to collect your map and take part in the biggest art participation event ever to have hit Dundee.
Find out more about the Oor Wullie’s Bucket Trail at http://www.oorwulliebuckettrail.com/the-trail/
Please do let us know about any town trails that are happening near you
We started the GO Herdwick trail when we were in the lakes in May. So much fun for the kids. We need one in Manchester!
Thank you for including my fairy trail post in this fabulous collection. Very useful for the summer holidays