The Wind in the Willows Trail at Tinkley Gate
Discover a twist on a classic tale with this sculpture trail around Woodchester Park, celebrating 50 years of the Animal & Plant Health Agency
- Booking not needed
- Free event
We are delighted to welcome the Wind in the Willows sculpture trail to Tinkley Gate, Woodchester Park, from 22 May until 12 July, presented by Wild in Art in collaboration with the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), who are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Wildlife Management Centre this year.
Pick up a free trail map and see if you can spot all of the beautifully designed sculptures as you explore Tinkley Gate at Woodchester Park.
Inspired by Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved classic, this contemporary reimagining brings characters Toad, Mole, Ratty the Water Vole and Badger to life, alongside a cast of new friends. Through art and storytelling, the trail explores how wildlife, farming, people and the environment are all connected, offering a thoughtful and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
Each sculpture has been individually created by artists and thoughtfully positioned along the shortest pink trail at Woodchester Park, encouraging visitors to slow down, explore their surroundings and learn more about the connections between nature and people.
Suitable for all ages; the trail will be open to visitors until 12 July. Suggested donation of £1 for the trail sheet, entry to Woodchester Park is free. Parking charges apply.
The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) are celebrating 50 years of studying wildlife at Woodchester Park, and their experts have teamed up with artists, storytellers and the National Trust to create this trail.
Times
The basics
- Accessibility
The trail mostly follows the shortest pink waymarked trail starting and ending at Tinkley Gate Cafe, it explores some of the Orchard and diverges slightly from the paths onto mown areas. Some of the ground may be uneven and the paths steep in places. For more information on accessibility at Tinkley Gate see the access article: "accessibility at Woodchester Park," available on our webpage.
- Meeting point
Pick up a trail map from the cafe or second hand bookshop for a suggested donation of £1 and set off on your adventure! The main carpark is less than 200m from the cafe entrance.
- Suitability for children
Children and families will enjoy this trail, but everyone is welcome.
- What to bring and wear
Dress for the weather and don't forget wellies or walking shoes - some areas may be a little muddy.
- Other
Parking is free for National Trust members, £4 for non-members. There are accessible carparking spaces in Tinkley Gate carpark, less than 200m from the trail start. Parking is free for blue-badge holders. Entry to Woodchester Park is free. The main carpark is less than 200m from the cafe entrance: Tinkley Gate Carpark Tinkley Lane Nympsfield GL10 3UH The carpark can be found at what3words:///confident.request.certified
Upcoming events
Paint Your Own Wind in the Willows Sculpture
Paint your own Wind in the Willows figurine to take home! Basic tools and paints provided. Each kit costs £15.
Summer Evenings at Tinkley Gate
Join us on Fridays and Saturdays throughout July for evening openings. Play board and lawn games, enjoy walks, have pizza and new sundaes with our "dessert club" offer in a relaxing environment with views over the Stroud valleys. Gates close at 8pm.
Summer Evenings - Jazz with The Bakelite Boys
Head to Tinkley Gate for a summer evening of vintage Swing, Latin and Jazz classic songs, along with tunes from the 1950s, 60s and 70s with The Bakelite Boys - a cocktail of fun, nostalgia and a hint of sophistication. 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Free event.
Storytelling for Under 5s
Spark little imaginations with free storytelling fun every Monday at Tinkley Gate!