Ben & Bella Trails
A magical outdoor reading adventure for children – coming to Bedford in 2025!
Artists & Associates
Embark on a magical journey with Julia Jarman’s much-loved Ben & Bella book series through a series of specially designed trails created for young children aged 3 to 7 and their families. Commissioned by Bedford Borough Council as part of Bedford’s Year of Reading 2025, this exciting project encourages little readers and their grown-ups to step beyond the pages of the books and discover stories in the great outdoors. The trails invite families to explore local parks, green spaces, and community areas where familiar Ben & Bella characters are cleverly hidden, waiting to be spotted along the way.
Each trail comes with a beautifully illustrated Spotter’s Guide, designed to engage children’s imaginations and help them follow simple clues to find their favourite characters and moments from titles like Big Blue Train and Big Red Bath. This interactive adventure combines the joy of reading with outdoor exploration, promoting a love of books, nature, and shared family experiences.
Whether it’s a leisurely walk through a leafy park or a fun day out in a community space, these trails offer a unique opportunity to bring stories to life in a playful, hands-on way. Families can enjoy spotting characters, following story-inspired paths, and spending quality time together, all while fostering early literacy skills and a lifelong love of storytelling.
The trails launched over the August bank holiday weekend, across various locations in Bedford: The Big Red Bath Trail at Bedford Park, the Big Blue Train Trail at Russell Park, the Big Bouncy Bed Trail at Bedford Library and the Big Yellow Digger Trail at Mowsbury Park. Local children’s performer Kaye Mahoney (who has produced the trails on behalf of BCA), hosted free storytelling, craft and face-painting activities at each location. Author Julia Jarman also made an appearance, reading her books to eager audiences.
I am THRILLED with the Ben and Bella trails, delighted that they’ll bring active pleasure to young readers.
Julia Jarman, author of the Ben and Bella book series
The trails are available to complete until the end of 2025, with prizes for those who complete all four trails!
Who’s Behind the Project?
This is a commissioned project by Bedford Borough Council, led by Chris Morris, Head of Children & Young People’s Services. We’re also working closely with the Council’s Parks & Open Spaces team, ensuring that all installations are sustainable, low-maintenance and welcoming to all.
We’re also thrilled to be working with freelance producer Kaye Mahoney, who brings a deep understanding of early years engagement. Kaye is an early years practitioner developing her creative producing practice through our Bedford Producer Hub and regularly works with a young age group through playful projects like Puggle Club and Kaye Leidoskope.
We’re proud to support Bedford Borough Council’s mission to make reading joyful, accessible, and part of everyday life – in libraries, parks, and imaginations.
This project is supported by Bedford Borough Council and Arts Council England.
