Something magical has happened in Leighton-Linslade. Storybook characters and their belongings have escaped from their books and hidden around the town.
Can you spot someone hiding in this photo?
A little, ginger cat is watching us from on top of the wall!
How about the item that’s been lost near this wishing well?
Someone has dropped one of Willy Wonka’s Golden Tickets… I hope it wasn’t Charlie Bucket.
Can You Help? Look Everywhere The Challenge…and Reward Leighton-Linslade It leads you to parts of the town you would never have realised were there. The Play Area and Splash Pad Which Story? Where to Start? If you’d like to see the Children’s Trail in action, check out the video that has been made to celebrate the 5th Birthday of the Childrens’ Trail. There is One Teeny Tiny Street! Access was easy but one of the streets the trail leads you down is called Peacock Mews. This is a charming, tiny street with a narrow alleyway. My double buggy managed to squeak through. If you do get stuck, you can go around onto Hockliffe Street and into Peacock Mews that way. Magical Fun Everyone was so friendly – it is no exaggeration to say that in February we were invited to two events, given several hints, and were spoken to at least another 10 times. Rushmere Country Park 
Luckily, you can help to track down each of these escapees. Pick up a trail map identifying where each is hidden and follow it until you see a blue footprint on the floor. Look around until you spot something out of the ordinary.
It could be anything…you never know what is just around the corner in this town – a magical shadow or hidden animal, secret writing or an overt phrase, a tiny mouse or a huge pencil, a high up cat or a low down rat!
When you have found it, fill in the clue on the back of your map. Once the map challenges are complete (or not!), take your map to the White House on Hockliffe Street to pick up your reward. We were given a badge, bookmark and an art card.
We spent a magical morning following the trail past old buildings, up winding mews and along busy streets.
You arrive at Parson’s Close Recreation Ground towards the end of the trail. 
It is a park with a large playground, a superb splash pad with jets of water and a huge sand pit. We played for hours.
Essentially, this is an art work or sculpture trail with pieces inspired by books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Harry Potter, The Borrowers, Alice in Wonderland and The Gruffalo.
Some of the art works are easy to connect to a particular character or story and others tie more generally into themes commonly found in children’s books – for example, doors to other worlds, making wishes and magical items.
Have a look at the Children’s Trail Reading List before going if you feel in need of inspiration.
Maps and a pencil are available for free from Leighton Buzzard Library or The White House (on Hockliffe Street).
Alternatively, you can download a map from The Leighton-Linslade Children’s Trail website.
We have visited the trail twice now. On both occasions we have had a fantastically magical day.
If you would like to continue the story trail theme then head over to Rushmere Country Park for some fairy tale fun in the forest.
Visit The Leighton-Linslade Children’s Trail website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Leighton-Linslade Opens: Daily Where to Eat: There are cafes along the trail and places to picnic towards the end. How Long We Spent There: 3.5 hours Parking: Hockliffe Street car park (LU7 1HJ), which is at the start and finish of the trail. It is a pay and display car park and was busy when we visited on a week day. Information Written: July 2017
County: Bedfordshire
Nearest Postcode: LU7 1RX (or LU7 1HJ for the nearest car park)
Cost: Free
Facilities: Cafes and shops.
Buggies: Buggy friendly
Cost of Parking: From £1 per hour
Information Checked: August 2023
Ratings
Our visit to the Leighton-Linslade Children’s Trail in Leighton-Linslade is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.
Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.
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