Our places on the Isle of Wight have teamed up with Visit Isle of Wight and Walker Books to offer young families keen for an adventure, the chance to experience their very own Bear Hunt. At beautiful countryside locations inspired by the famous book and film illustrations, we’re hosting Bear Hunt weekends on special dates from April to October.
At each adventure weekend, little ones can discover local wildlife through nature-themed activities, as they hunt for the hidden bear across meadows, woods and sandy beaches. Along the way they can try hunting for creepy-crawly bugs or going on a tickly barefoot walk at our activity spots. By the end, they'll meet a life-size bear, and each young bear hunter will receive a small reward too.
'We’re Going on a Bear Hunt' is the best-selling and much-loved picture book classic written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, with over nine million copies sold worldwide. The stunning animated film of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, produced by Lupus Films and Walker Productions, made its C4 debut on Christmas Eve 2016, attracting 8 million viewers and making it Channel 4’s highest rating programme.
The sandy dunes at St Helens Duver and wooded creeks of Newtown National Nature Reserve have been recognised by Walker Books as the perfect backdrops to bring the delightful Bear Hunt illustrations to life. And whether you choose to go under, over or through it, when you hunt for the bear at our places, you're helping us look after these special landscapes for future explorers to enjoy.
Hunt through the long wavy grass on a Bear Hunt at Newtown
National Trust Images
Hunt through the long wavy grass on a Bear Hunt at Newtown
On 14 & 15 April, 2 & 3 June and 8 & 9 September, families can explore the creeks, estuary, meadows and woods of the Island’s only National Nature Reserve as they immerse themselves in a real-life Bear Hunt.
At St Helens on 12 & 13 May and 14 & 15 July little explorers can hunt through the ‘swishy swashy’ grassy dunes and ‘splash splosh’ along the beach as they search for the bear hidden in the landscape.
And to celebrate the final weekend, the Bear Hunt will coincide with the Isle of Wight Literary Festival held at Northwood House (20 & 21 Oct).
There's no charge for the weekend, but if you would like to support our work and help us continue to protect wildlife, then we would be very grateful for donations.
If you need any further information, please call 01983 741020 or email isleofwight@nationaltrust.org.uk for more details.
We’re Going On A Bear Hunt (c) Bear Hunt Films Ltd 2016. Licensed by Walker Productions Ltd. on behalf of Bear Hunt Films Ltd.
‘A Lupus Films production in association with Bear Hunt Films and Walker Productions for Channel 4, Universal Pictures and Herrick Entertainment with the support of Creative Europe – MEDIA programme of the European Union.’
