Updated: 1 September 2026. Dartford Bear Hunt has transformed Dartford and Bluewater into a colourful family art trail inspired by We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Created with Wild in Art, the trail brings together giant bear sculptures, smaller cubs, a special book bench and a charity fundraising campaign for ellenor.
Latest Update
Dartford Bear Hunt runs until Sunday 13 September 2026. The trail began on 17 July and is spread across Dartford town centre and Bluewater Shopping Centre.
Memory Bear: Dedicate a Name to Someone You Love
A special Memory Bear has been created as part of the Dartford Bear Hunt, giving people a meaningful way to remember someone they love while supporting ellenor.
Designed by Dartford artist Becky Shepperson, the sculpture is being displayed at Bluewater during the summer before moving to its permanent home at ellenor. Each dedicated name becomes part of the Bear itself, creating a shared community space for remembrance.
A name can be added for a one-off donation of £35, with funds helping ellenor provide care for local families facing life-limiting illness. Spaces are limited.
Dedicate a name on the Memory Bear via ellenor.
Dartford Bear Hunt at a Glance
- Dates: 17 July–13 September 2026
- Location: Dartford town centre and Bluewater Shopping Centre
- Big Bears: 31
- Bear Cubs: 51
- Special feature: one book bench
- Charity partner: ellenor
- Cost: free public art trail
- Optional trail app: £1.99
What Is Dartford Bear Hunt?
The trail is inspired by the award-winning animated adaptation of Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s much-loved children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. The sculptures have been decorated by artists, schools and community groups, turning the borough into an outdoor gallery that families can explore at their own pace.
The project is a partnership between ellenor, Dartford Borough Council, Wild in Art and Walker Books/Lupus Films.
How Many Bears Are on the Trail?
There are 31 Big Bears, 51 Bear Cubs and one special book bench to discover across Dartford town centre and Bluewater. The smaller cubs were created with schools and community groups, while the large sculptures form the main public trail.
Dartford Bear Hunt Trail App
The official app costs £1.99 and lets you collect sculptures, track your progress and unlock rewards and milestones. Wild in Art says proceeds from app purchases are donated to ellenor. Completing the trail also unlocks the opportunity to receive a Trail Certificate.
Where Is the Trail?
The sculptures are split between Dartford town centre and Bluewater Shopping Centre. Because this is not one compact indoor exhibition, allow time for travel between the two areas if you want to complete the full trail.
Why the Trail Supports ellenor
ellenor provides hospice care and support for children and adults with life-limiting conditions in North Kent and Bexley. The trail raises awareness and funds for the charity, and after the event the large decorated bears are due to be auctioned to raise further money.
Accessibility & Planning
Because the trail covers both Dartford town centre and Bluewater, accessibility will vary from stop to stop. Bluewater has established accessible facilities, while outdoor sections in Dartford should be checked against the official trail information before travelling if you need step-free routes, accessible parking, toilets or shorter sections.
For families who prefer less walking, it may be easier to choose one section of the trail rather than trying to complete every sculpture in one visit.
More Art Trails to Explore
If colourful public art trails are your thing, you can also read our Trunks Across the Thames 2026 guide, another family-friendly Wild in Art trail running into September.
FAQ
When does Dartford Bear Hunt finish?
The trail finishes on 13 September 2026.
How many sculptures are there?
There are 31 Big Bears, 51 Bear Cubs and one special book bench.
Is the Dartford Bear Hunt free?
Yes. The sculptures form a free public art trail. The optional official trail app costs £1.99. Any travel, parking, shopping-centre activities or other attractions are separate.
What happens to the bears afterwards?
The large decorated sculptures are due to be auctioned after the trail to raise funds for ellenor.
What’s Next in Dartford: Children’s Book Festival — 19 September
New for families this Saturday: Dartford Children’s Book Festival takes place on Saturday 19 September 2026, 9am–5pm, at The Meeting Place, opposite Boots inside The Orchards Shopping Centre, Dartford. Tickets cost just £2 per child for children aged 2–11 attending with a parent or guardian.
The day includes crafts, storytelling, interactive characters, roaming dinosaurs and magicians. Each child needs a ticket, including babies. One accompanying adult per child does not need a ticket.
Dartford residents: the pre-booked 25-minute Book Festival Library sessions include the chance for qualifying resident children to browse the library and leave with a free bag of books. The free-books offer is for Dartford residents only. Sessions start at 9am, with the final session at 4.30pm.
Accessibility: event-specific accessibility information has not been confirmed on the official festival listing, so I’m not assuming access arrangements from the shopping centre itself. Check directly before travelling if you need specific provision.
Official Information
Check the official Dartford Bear Hunt page at Wild in Art before travelling for the latest trail information.
