Today we spent the day at Trentham Gardens and it was absolutely beautiful in the spring sunshine. We went mainly for the Shaun the Sheep: Find the Flock trail, but ended up doing so much more than we planned. From fairy hunting to barefoot walks and lakeside daisy chains, it turned into the kind of family day out that makes your cheeks ache from smiling. If you’re looking for more ideas now the sunshine has appeared then we have lots of guides, from cheap days out to farms and splash pads. We’ve got you covered!
Trentham in Spring: Sunshine, Space and Happy Families
It was really busy when we arrived and we did have to queue to get in, but once we got through the main entrance it felt like everyone disappeared. The place is so big that families naturally spread out and it never felt crowded. There were people picnicking, kids running around with trail maps in hand, and others just relaxing by the lake with a coffee or slice of cake. It was one of those days where everyone seemed a bit lighter and happier, just because the sun was out.
Shaun the Sheep: Find the Flock Trail
This new trail is running from 5 April to 18 May and features twelve huge Shaun the Sheep sculptures, each painted by a local or regional artist. They’re all so different and full of personality. The best part is how well they’ve been placed around the gardens. Some are tucked into quiet corners, others are near the lake and play areas. One of our favourites was the Shaun near the Japanese garden. It just worked so well with the surroundings.
We ended the trail by finding the original Shaun sculpture near the children’s play area and the sheep fields. That was a lovely touch, especially with live lambing starting next weekend.
All the Little Extras We Loved
Of course, we didn’t just do the Shaun trail. We added a few more fairies to our collection, which we’ve been slowly building over a few visits. Some of the fairy sculptures we hadn’t seen before, and others looked completely different now the light had changed with the season.
We also came across the tulip and bulb trail. There are little boards dotted around the gardens with characters and flower facts. It’s fun for kids and grown-ups alike and it encouraged us to slow down and really take in the planting.
We made daisy chains by the lake, had a go at the barefoot walk (pack spare socks), and Arlo loved the swings and zip line in the play area. We had a late lunch in the café, which overlooks the lake. The setting was lovely and the kids’ meals were actually quite well priced.
What the Trail Like for Kids?
It’s really easy to follow. There’s a brightly coloured Shaun sculpture right by the entrance so you’re straight into it from the start. Each sculpture has a little joke printed alongside it, which Arlo took great joy in reading out to make everyone nearby laugh. The names are all different too, which makes it even more fun to tick them off.
If you take your time, you can really appreciate how detailed they are. One had a jellyfish-style hat, another had a snail climbing up its leg. It’s worth walking slowly around each one and pointing out all the little hidden details. The artists have done such a brilliant job.
Tips for Visiting Trentham Gardens and the Trail
Here are a few practical bits to help you plan:
- The Shaun the Sheep trail is free with garden entry and included if you’re a member.
- Blue Peter badge entry isn’t valid during the trail dates, so we had to pay full price.
- The sculptures are mostly on or close to the main footpaths so it’s all accessible. It’s well spaced out but not too far between sheep.
- There’s a barefoot walk and a giant sandpit so you might want to bring a change of clothes and spare socks.
- Toilets are at the entrance and by the play area and café. Worth knowing if you’ve got little ones.
- You can bring a picnic or eat at the café or in the shopping village. It’s very easy to spend a full day here without meaning to.
- You can also take a boat across the lake for £3.
- The Fairy Quest is £4 and includes stickers, a postcard trail, and a collectable pin badge. There are 21 fairies to find, all made by the amazing Robin Wight.
- There are also regular bookable events and activities throughout the year so it’s worth checking the website before you go.
Final Thoughts
Trentham Gardens is always a lovely place to visit but it really shines in spring. The Shaun the Sheep trail gives kids a real sense of purpose as they explore, and the mix of art, nature, and play makes it perfect for a family day out. We came for the sculptures and ended up staying for the fairies, the daisy chains, and the sunshine. We’ll definitely be back again soon.