Watch out Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch families, mermaid tails are coming your way this spring!

The Great Tail Trail is an exciting community art adventure in aid of Julia’s House children’s hospice and delivered in partnership with Wild in Art.  There will be over 40 giant mermaid tail sculptures making a splash in the BCP area.  You’ll find mermaid tail sculptures along the coast and in the towns and parks, shining a light on the landmarks and culture that are at the heart of our beautiful area.

Mermaid tails have been specially chosen as the sculpture for the trail as they represent the Mermaid Suite at the Julia’s House Hospice in Corfe Mullen, where families can spend time when their child is at the end of their life.  And once the trail is finished, the sculptures will be auctioned to raise vital funds to support the life changing care provided by Julia’s House across Dorset.

Find all the mermaid tail sculptures in this FREE family trail from Saturday 5th April to Sunday 1st June 2025.

For more information, please visit Julia’s House.

A unique and exciting adventure awaits families this spring with the launch of the Stampede By The Sea, a free and interactive way to explore the stunning landscapes of west Dorset while supporting the incredible work of Weldmar Hospicecare.

This engaging trail brings together creativity, community, and a celebration of the region, with eye-catching sculptures positioned across some of West Dorset’s most beautiful locations.  The trail promises to delight visitors of all ages while shining a spotlight on Weldmar Hospicecare’s vital role in providing compassionate end-of-life care to local people.

Explore the Trail

Stampede By The Sea features stunning sculptures inspired by local wildlife and crafted by talented artists, each sponsored by generous local businesses.  These sculptures are placed along a scenic route through west Dorset, taking in coastal vistas, historic towns, and family-friendly attractions.  It’s a fantastic way for families to get outdoors, connect with nature, and discover the best of what the area has to offer - especially over the upcoming Easter break.

Each elephant will have scannable QR codes with offers, activities and competitions for attendees to participate in - everything from guessing the number of plankton on an elephant to winning a family pass to Mapperton House!

Supporting Weldmar Hospicecare

While the trail is free to enjoy, visitors are encouraged to donate to Weldmar Hospicecare, whose work ensures that individuals and families across Dorset receive compassionate care and support during life’s most challenging times.  Every pound raised helps Weldmar continue to provide these essential services.

Why visit the Stampede By The Sea?

• Free Family Fun: A cost-free way to enjoy the great outdoors and spend quality time together.

• Art and Adventure: Discover incredible sculptures and learn about west Dorset as you explore.

• Support a Worthy Cause: Every donation makes a difference to Weldmar Hospicecare’s life-changing work.

The trail is open from Friday 28th March - Sunday 25th May 2025.  For more information, please visit Stampede By The Sea.