What's On

We're Going on a Bear Hunt: An Art Trail Adventure

Children's Walking Trail
4 October 2025 — 4 January 2026

Follow the Art Trail from the Harley Gallery to Creswell Crags and discover what lurks within the caves…

As part of Helen Oxenbury’s illustration exhibition at the Harley Gallery, we’re inviting families to go on their very own Bear Hunt! Begin your adventure at the gallery by picking up a trail sheet packed with fun interactive activities, and set off on a journey towards Creswell Crags.

Along the way you will listen out for the sounds of swishy swashy grass, stumble through a dark gloomy forest, and imagine the chill of an Ice Age snowstorm. Stop at our interactive storybook pages and make rubbings with your crayon to fill in your trail sheet – each hidden picture will help you bring the story to life.

When you reach Creswell Crags, keep your eyes peeled… there might be a surprise waiting for you inside Boat House cave!

Once you’ve tracked down the bear and completed your trail sheet, hurry back to the Harley Gallery to claim your Bear Hunt sticker.

Illustrations © 1989 Helen Oxenbury. All rights reserved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visitor Information

Start your walk at the Harley Gallery.

Trail sheets cost £1.50.

The full route is 3.5km. For little legs, we suggest giving yourself an hour to complete the trail.

The trail is mostly flat and consists of a mixture of stone paths and public footpath / tarmac surface. Please note that there are some stretches of the trail which have uneven surfaces.

As you get closer to Creswell Crags there is a moderate descent through the woods.

There are toilets at the Harley Gallery, and the Creswell Crags visitor centre.

The Art Trail is mostly on quiet footpaths, but grown ups – please take care, and keep dogs and children close by at all times.

The trail crosses a main road, passes through a car park and goes past open water. There may also be brambles and nettles along the path.

Please pick up a trail sheet for a full map which shows the main hazards along your walk.

For £1.50 you will get a fun, interactive trail sheet which includes activities, a map of the route, and a crayon to take your rubbings with. At the end of your Bear Hunt, participating children can also claim their Bear Hunt sticker at the Harley Gallery or Creswell Crags visitor centre.

Although we recommend you start your adventure at the Harley Gallery, you can also pick up a trail sheet at Creswell Crags visitor centre. Please note, that by starting the trail at Creswell Crags – the storypages will be backwards so it might be a little trickier to follow the story!

From 8 November, Creswell Crags is only open on weekends. You will still be able to follow the trail route from the Harley Gallery when Creswell Crags is closed.

Harley Foundation
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