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We're Going on a Bear Hunt comes to Anglesey Abbey

The artist is smiling and looking up at her bear to her left. The big blue bear sculpture is smiling too.
10 life-sized bears make their way to Anglesey Abbey | © David Oates Photography

For the first time this winter, 10 beautifully painted bear sculptures will be displayed at the National Trust’s Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill in Cambridgeshire.

In collaboration with Wild in Art and Walker Books, the trail promises an enchanting journey through art and adventure, inspired by the beloved children’s story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.

From 19 November 2024 to 5 January 2025, visitors can pick up a trail map and enjoy spotting the life-sized bears around the gardens at Anglesey Abbey.

Each bear, uniquely designed by ten different national and international artists, artfully captures playful and thought-provoking themes of diversity, sustainability, climate change and community.

Meghan Curteis, Experience and Visitor Programming Manager at Anglesey Abbey, says: “We’re so excited to go on a bear hunt this winter and share the much-loved story with a new generation of children. This timeless classic is wonderful inspiration for an adventure with the whole family at Anglesey Abbey.

“We’re pleased to work with the Wild in Art team and Walker Books to bring this magical story to life in the gardens. This sculpture trail is a first at Anglesey Abbey, and the team cannot wait to see the beautifully painted bears standing big and bold across the estate. It’ll be a winter to remember.”

Along the trail, next to each bear, there will also be interactive stations with bear-related games and challenges for children to have a go at. The Bear Hunt trail will form part of Anglesey Abbey’s new festive programme of events for this year’s Christmas season.

Close up of a female artist adding details to the face of a bright yellow bear
Bear Hunt artist painting | © David Oates Photography

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder Wild in Art, says: “Our events enable thousands of people of all ages to experience art by making it part of everyday life. The bears are a fantastic spectacle and showcase a wonderful wealth of artist talent. It’s a great opportunity for people to enjoy a family-friendly activity outdoors while discovering great art!”

The bears will be making their way from Birmingham to spend the winter in Cambridgeshire at Anglesey Abbey, welcoming visitors from 19 November 2024.

The grounds are open daily from 9.30am – 4pm and the trail is free for National Trust members while normal admission charges apply for non-National Trust members. Please check our website for up-to-date opening days and times before you visit.

Children and adults alike can splish, splosh and tiptoe through the forest, grass, mud and snow this winter at Anglesey Abbey in search of these vibrant and captivating bears.

A finished blue bear decorated with people stands bold in the streets. A building and tree in the background.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt 

Come and spot ten life-sized bear sculptures around the gardens at Anglesey Abbey this winter.