Updated: 30 August 2026
A herd of colourful elephants has taken over Windsor, Eton, Slough and the surrounding area this summer for Trunks Across the Thames, a free public art trail raising awareness and funds for Thames Hospice.
The trail is already underway, so if you want to see the elephants in their outdoor locations, you have until 13 September 2026 to explore them.
Latest Update
Trunks Across the Thames runs from 13 July to 13 September 2026. The Wild in Art trail features 30 large elephant sculptures and 61 smaller elephants, with designs created by artists, schools and community groups.
After the main trail closes, the large elephants will come together for a Final Parade at Royal Windsor Racecourse on 26 September 2026, followed by a charity auction on 15 October 2026 at De Vere Beaumont House.
Trunks Across the Thames at a Glance
- Dates: 13 July–13 September 2026
- Where: Windsor & Eton, Windsor Great Park, Slough Trading Estate, Slough Central and Maidenhead
- Cost: Free to explore
- Sculptures: 30 large elephants and 61 small elephants
- Organised by: Thames Hospice with Wild in Art
- Trail app: £1.99
- Final Parade: 26 September 2026, Royal Windsor Racecourse
What Is Trunks Across the Thames?
Trunks Across the Thames is Thames Hospice’s first public art trail. The elephants turn streets, parks and public spaces into an outdoor gallery while encouraging people to explore different parts of Windsor, Eton, Slough, Maidenhead and Windsor Great Park.
Each of the large elephants has been individually decorated by an artist. The smaller elephants have been created with schools and community groups.
Where Can You Find the Elephants?
The trail covers five main areas:
- Windsor & Eton
- Windsor Great Park
- Slough Trading Estate
- Slough Central
- Maidenhead
You do not need to complete the whole trail in one go. Wild in Art suggests either making a full day of it or exploring the different areas over several visits.
Charlie Mackesy’s Elephant – Amara
One of the most notable sculptures on the trail is Amara, created by Charlie Mackesy, author and illustrator of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. The sculpture was first unveiled at the Royal Windsor Flower Show in June before joining the main trail.
Trunks Across the Thames App
The official trail app costs £1.99 and can be used to locate and collect all 30 large and 61 small elephants. Each sculpture has a four-digit code to unlock as you find it.
The app also includes information about the designs, progress tracking, voting, rewards and offers from local businesses. Proceeds from app purchases support Thames Hospice.
Accessibility & Planning Your Visit
This is a large multi-location trail rather than one enclosed attraction, so accessibility will vary depending on which part of the route you choose. If you are planning around mobility, sensory or other access requirements, it may be easier to select a smaller group of sculptures rather than trying to complete the entire trail in one day.
Check individual locations and transport arrangements before travelling, particularly for sculptures spread across parks and different town centres.
What Happens After the Trail?
The outdoor trail finishes on 13 September, but that is not quite the end of the herd.
The Final Parade
On Saturday 26 September 2026, the large elephant sculptures will be brought together at Royal Windsor Racecourse for the Final Parade.
The event runs from 12:30pm to 5pm, with last entry at 4:30pm. Tickets are currently listed by Thames Hospice at £6 per adult or child, £15 for a family ticket covering two adults and up to three children, and free entry for under-threes.
Charity Auction
The large elephants are then due to be auctioned on 15 October 2026 at De Vere Beaumont House, raising money for Thames Hospice and its specialist care.
Is Trunks Across the Thames Good for Families?
Yes. The main trail is free and designed as a family-friendly outdoor activity, and there is no requirement to find every sculpture. That makes it easy to adapt the day around younger children, travel time and how much walking your group wants to do.
More Art & Sculpture Trails
Trunks Across the Thames is part of a much bigger programme of public art trails taking place around London and the South East. Our main Art & Sculpture Trails hub is currently being prepared and will link all of the current, upcoming and archive trails together when it goes live.
We are also preparing dedicated guides to Dartford Bear Hunt 2026 and The Gruffalo Art Adventure at Knole.
FAQ
When does Trunks Across the Thames finish?
The main outdoor trail finishes on 13 September 2026.
Is Trunks Across the Thames free?
Yes. The main public art trail is free to explore. The optional app costs £1.99, and the later Final Parade is a separate ticketed event.
How many elephants are on the trail?
The current Wild in Art trail information lists 30 large and 61 small elephant sculptures.
Do I have to see all of the elephants?
No. You can explore as much or as little of the trail as you like, or split it across several visits.
When is the Trunks Across the Thames Final Parade?
The Final Parade is on 26 September 2026 at Royal Windsor Racecourse.
Official Information
For the latest route, app and event information, check Wild in Art and Thames Hospice before travelling.
