Looking for something fun to do with the family outdoors, that doesn’t cost a fortune, have you considered a sculpture trail?
Throughout the UK lots of cities partner with charities to place a number of sculptures throughout the city and surrounding area, with a map to locate them all.
You can find all the information below for the ones that have been announced for 2024, but there are trails added all the time, so don’t forget to keep checking back to find sculpture trails near you.
If you are looking for a fun, free day out for the family, to get you outside in the fresh air, check out these Sculpture Trails coming to somewhere near you.
If you have A Gruffalo Fan in the family, you might want to check out Gruffalo Trails To Explore
Permanent Sculpture Trails Near Me
Herd Of Hope
Location : Spitalfields Market London
Walk amongst the 21 life-sized bronze elephants and get to know the real-life orphans that have inspired this installation. There are 20 orphan elephants in total, each featuring the name of the elephant they symbolise along with a scannable QR code allowing you to watch their rescue videos and directly support their rehabilitation journey.
Check out all the information about the Herd Of Hope Trail
The trail is permanently in Spitalfields Market after relocating from Marble Arch for you to enjoy.
#HerdOfHope
For further information on The Herd of Hope Trail CLICK HERE
Sculpture Trails To Explore in 2024
Doncaster Penguin Parade
Location : Doncaster
Can you find all of Doncaster’s penguins?
Get ready to slide into a new, exciting adventure with your loved ones as the penguin trail comes to Doncaster.
If you’re looking for a free, easy way to spend quality time with your family whilst exploring the city centre, look no further! The Doncaster Penguin Trail promises a fantastic experience for everyone, from the youngest explorers to the young at heart.
The Trail will run from 23th November 23 – 29th January 2024
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook and check out #doncasterpenguintrail
For further information on The Doncaster Penguin Parade CLICK HERE
SmileyWorld® Art Trail, North Tyneside
Location : Across North Tyneside
The Trail will run from 26th January – 2nd April 2024
Check out the 15 sculptures across North Tyneside, debuting the first SmileyWorld® Art Trail, produced in collaboration with globally recognised Smiley® brand The Smiley Company and North Tyneside Council.
Discover giant emotion-inspired sculptures at locations across the borough. The fun lasts until April, so grab the family, and a trail map, and see if you can find them all.
For further information on SmileyWorld® Art Trail CLICK HERE
Cambridge Standing Tall
Location : Cambridge
In spring 2024, Cambridge will be host to 40 ginormous Giraffe sculptures, forming a spectacular free art trail in partnership with Break.
The towering trail will be completely free to discover from March to June in 2024 and will encourage visitors to gaze up at spectacular artwork and explore new places while supporting Break, a charity working in Cambridgeshire to raise the aspirations of the county’s young care leavers.
The trail will run from 21st March – 2nd June 2024
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook and check out #BeMoreGiraffe
For further information on Cambridge Standing Tall CLICK HERE
Paws on the Wharf
Location : Canary Wharf
Paws on the Wharf will bring a collection of larger-than-life guide dog sculptures to Canary Wharf, each individually decorated by talented artists in vibrant designs.
Pick up the scent and follow this outdoor trail of discovery for an accessible and fun celebration of our iconic much-loved guide dogs. Great fun for all the family!
The trail will run from 25th March – 17th May 2024
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook and check out #PawsOnTheWharf
For further information on Paws on the Wharf CLICK HERE
Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool
Location : Blackpool
In Spring 2024 Blackpool will be brought to life by a herd of uniquely decorated, amazingly creative, elephant sculptures.
The uniquely decorated Elmer’s will be positioned around key landmarks, streets, and open spaces in Blackpool for eight weeks.
The trail will run from 13th April – 9th June 2024
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook and check out #ElmerBlackpool
For further information on Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool CLICK HERE
Hairy Highland Coo Trail
Location : Perth and Kinross
For ten weeks in summer 2024, a herd of 30 Highland Coo’s will take over Perth and Kinross, each individually designed and painted by talented artists.
The Coo trail will contribute to the social, cultural and economic growth of Perth and Kinross by attracting visitors to our beautiful area.
The trail will run from 26th June – 22nd September 2024
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook and check out #highlandcoo2024
For further information on Hairy Highland Coo Trail CLICK HERE
Shaun the Sheep in the Heart of Kent
Location : Maidstone
Following the success of Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade in 2021, they are excited to announce they are bringing a second art trail to Maidstone and the surrounding area from 29 June to 30 August 2024.
They have revealed their second art trail will feature another iconic and much-loved character – Shaun the Sheep! Named ‘Shaun in the Heart of Kent,’
The trail will run from 29th June – 30th August 2024
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook and check out #ShaunHeartKent
For further information on Shaun the Sheep in the Heart of Kent CLICK HERE
March Of The Elephants
Location : Lichfield, Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield
For 10 weeks the streets and parks of Lichfield, Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield, will be home to a series of intricately decorated elephant sculptures, each designed by local, regional and national artists, designers and illustrators – both well-known favourites and newly emerging talent.
The Trail will run from 1st July – 1st September 2024
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook and check out #Marchoftheelephants
For further information on The March of The Elephants CLICK HERE
Castles in the Sky
Location : Swansea
Castles in the Sky is a spectacular public art event which intertwines Welsh culture, art and history – something as a nation they are extremely proud of.
From 6 July to 15 September 2024, Swansea will come alive with colour and conversations, as the Castle sculptures take hold of the city.
A dedicated trail map and app will help you navigate your way to discovering each sculpture, where you can unlock a series of rewards and fun facts.
The Trail will run from 6th July – 15th September 2024
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook and check out #CastlesinTheSky
For further information on Castles in the Sky CLICK HERE
The Short Tail Trail
Location : Luton
In summer 2024, 90 hares and tortoises will form the biggest and most unique outdoor public art event Luton’s ever seen.
These stunning sculptures will shine bright along the fun and family-friendly art trail around Luton’s town centre and local parks, bringing together the community for one unforgettable event.
The Trail will run from 6th July- 12th September 2024
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook and check out #shorttailtrail
For further information on The Short Tail Trail CLICK HERE
OxTrail
Location : Oxford
Join them next summer for an art trail unlike anything Oxfordshire has seen before…
Introducing OxTrail, where a herd of life-sized and mini oxen will be grazing across the county waiting for your visit.
The Trail will run from 6th July – 29th August 2024
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook and check out #oxtrail2024
For further information on OxTrail CLICK HERE
Newark BookBench Trail
Location : Newark
This summer, Newark will host a trail of brand new BookBench sculptures which will launch on 11 July to mark the start of the Newark Book Festival.
The Trail will run from 11th July
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest news
For further information on Newark BookBench Trail CLICK HERE
The Big Hoot Chichester
Location : Chichester and Arundel
Get ready for Chichester and Arundel’s first large scale outdoor art trail!
The owls will be swooping into public green spaces, Chichester high street and harbour, and Arundel’s historic town centre during the summer holidays, providing a fun day out for the entire family.
The collection of about 30 owl sculptures will form a free, fun, family-friendly trail of discovery for people of all ages to explore and enjoy. Creating a wonderful reason to come together as a community.
The Trail will run from July 2024 (exact dates TBC)
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook and check out #ChestnutOwls
For further information on The Big Hoot Chichester CLICK HERE
Light the South
Location : Southampton and Cowes
Over the summer of 2024, Southampton Hospitals Charity will be lighting up the South with a large-scale public art event that promises to captivate your senses and ignite your imagination.
There will be 40 8ft magnificent lighthouse sculptures on display through the streets and public spaces of Southampton and Cowes, each one a unique masterpiece designed by artists both local and well renowned.
Plus 40 mini lighthouses designed by local education groups, creating a family-friendly trail of discovery for visitors and residents to enjoy and explore.
The Trail will run from 13th July – 8th September 2024
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook and check out #LightTheSouth
For further information on Light the South CLICK HERE
The Great Waddle of Worcester
Location : Worcester
Summer 2024 will see Worcester transformed into a free, fun art space as a waddle of wonderfully designed penguins slide into residents’ and visitors’ hearts and camera rolls.
Just like their giraffe and ele-friends before them, the St Richard’s Hospice huddle is on a mission to unite the city and create lasting memories along the way.
The Trail will run from 22nd July – 15th September 2024
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook and check out #WaddleofWorcester
For further information on The Great Waddle of Worcester CLICK HERE
Big Fun Art Adventure
Location : London
In the summer of 2024 North London Hospice will bring an exciting and iconic art sculpture trail – Big Fun Art Adventure!
More than 30 giant owl sculptures, alongside a parliament of 30 smaller owlets designed by local schools and community groups, will hide in plain sight on the streets and in the parks of North London in the summer of 2024.
The Trail will run from 17th August – 13th October 2024
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook and check out #BigFunArt
For further information on Big Fun Art Adventure CLICK HERE
