Last chance to explore: Wednesday 28 October 2026 is the final advertised day of the free Plumstead Scarecrow Trail. Save the organiser’s map before heading out, and check Top Tots Day Care’s latest updates for any changes.
Looking for something fun to do without spending a penny this October half term? There are some rather fabulous new faces popping up around Plumstead Common — and they’re made of straw! 🎃
Local nursery Top Tots Day Care has brought families, residents and businesses together for a free community scarecrow trail, running from 24–28 October 2026. It’s a lovely excuse to get outdoors, explore the neighbourhood and see just how creative Plumstead can be.
What is the Plumstead Scarecrow Trail?
It’s a self-guided scavenger hunt: take a walk around the Plumstead Common area and see how many handmade scarecrows you can find. There’s no ticket to buy and everyone is welcome.
Top Tots told Clarissa’s Corner that the idea came from wanting to bring their community together. They’ve invited nursery families, local businesses and residents to take part, and hope the trail will eventually grow to cover all of Plumstead. I love that ambition!
Save the Plumstead Scarecrow Trail map
The nursery has shared an illustrated area map and a list of places to look. Save the image to your phone before heading out. It’s an illustrated area guide, not a turn-by-turn route or a map drawn to scale.
Where can you find the scarecrows?
The organiser’s original location list includes South Rise Primary School (front and back gates), High Grove, Alabama Street, Timbercroft Lane, Melling Street, The Slade Opticians, The Who’d A Thought It, Top Tots Day Care, Coupland Place, Elmley Street, Brewery Road, Plumstead Common Road, Admaston Road, Garland Road, Plum Lane, Sutcliffe Road, Kirkham Street and Andrew Johnson Funeral.
Further scarecrows have also been announced around Blendon Terrace, Grasdene Road, Dallin Road and Plumstead Manor Nursery. Locations may be added as the trail grows, so use the nursery’s latest updates alongside the map.
Meet some of the scarecrows
From cheerful stitched smiles to some wonderfully quirky outfits, the handmade characters are half the fun. The nursery has shared photos to help families know what they’re hunting for.
And there are even more characters to discover!
What does it cost and when can you go?
It’s completely free and open to everyone. The advertised dates are Saturday 24 to Wednesday 28 October 2026. It’s a self-guided outdoor activity, so you can explore at your own pace.
Children should go with an adult, use safe road crossings and enjoy displays from public paths while respecting residents’ gardens and property.
A little community spirit goes a long way
One of my favourite things about this trail is that it isn’t some huge, expensive attraction. It’s neighbours, families and local businesses doing something lovely together — and hopefully the start of an annual Plumstead tradition.
For more seasonal ideas, take a look at our Halloween 2026 in London and the South East guide.
Information and images supplied by Top Tots Day Care. The trail map is illustrative and locations may change. Please check the organiser’s latest posts for updates.
