What is the Children's Trail?
The Leighton–Linslade Children’s Trail is a public trail of 22 artworks celebrating children’s stories. The trail launched in 2012 and has become a popular activity for families to do during the school holidays and weekends.
Starting at the Library, the trail takes children on an enjoyable journey through the hidden alleyways of Leighton Buzzard, down the High Street and through the town park on a circular journey to find all the hidden objects on the trail. Children can search for characters such as a Bear climbing the Library wall, the Kitten on the wall in Peacock Mews, Frogs sitting on the bollards in Market Square, a giant Pencil in the park and a Broomstick resting against the wall in Bell Alley. A map with a set of clues helps them to find their way and guide them to each hidden stop.
The trail is designed to inspire curiosity and ignite the imaginations of children, encouraging them to seek the books that inspired the trail. By starting and ending the trail at the Library, families are encouraged to pick up books and begin their reading journey.
Try the Trail today!
When you need to get the kids outdoors and active, the Children’s Trail is the perfect free, local activity. The full trail is accessible during shop and Library opening times, but feel free to do the trail in stages over more than one visit.
A free activity map and pencil is available from these locations:
- The Library on Lake Street, LU7 1RX
- The Town Council Offices at The White House on Hockliffe Street, LU7 1HD
- Download and print your own map at home.
- Download the Buzzard Trails App from the App Store or Google Play
Every child who takes part in the trail can claim their reward goody bag from the Library on Lake Street or from the Leighton-Linslade Town Council Office at The White House of Hockliffe Street. Just pop in with your completed trail map or app to claim your prize!
The Children's Trail History
We are very proud of our Children’s Trail and many stories inspired it. The artist Martin Heron was commissioned to create the series of public artworks for (and by) the community.
A team, including Martin, writer Lucy Banwell and photographer Paula Moss at OrangeDot, worked with schools, community groups and residents in Leighton-Linslade, discussing ideas, making models and writing stories. The Trail was launched in 2012 and includes inspiration drawn from the imaginations of world-famous children’s writers such as Roald Dahl, Philip Pullman, Michael Rosen, and our own Mary Norton, as well as award winning Bedfordshire children’s author Julia Jarman, who attended the launch.
Since then the Children’s Trail has become well loved by our community and has a following of fans.
