In pictures: Enjoy a bear hunt at Anglesey Abbey this Christmas

Visitors to Anglesey Abbey this Christmas can enjoy a new bear hunt activity, part of the National Trust property’s new festive programme.

Beautifully-painted sculptures are being displayed on a trail through the gardens at the site.

Created in collaboration with Wild in Art and Walker Books, the trail is inspired by the children’s story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.

The attraction opened on Tuesday (19 November) and will run until 5 January 2025.

Visitors can pick up a trail map at the visitor centre and search through the forest, grass, mud and - perhaps - snow in search of the life-sized bears, each of which has been uniquely designed by an artist.

One of the bears is called ‘We are Anglesey Abbey’ and is positioned outside the welcome centre. Other notable locations for the bears include by Lode Mill, along the Winter Walk, on Temple Lawn, Jubilee Avenue, Coronation Avenue and in the den building area.

Meghan Curteis, experience and visitor programming manager at Anglesey Abbey, said: “We’re so excited to go on a bear hunt this winter and share the much-loved story with a new generation of children.

“This timeless classic is wonderful inspiration for an adventure with the whole family at Anglesey Abbey.

“We’re pleased to work with the Wild in Art team and Walker Books to bring this magical story to life in the gardens.

“This sculpture trail is a first at Anglesey Abbey. It’ll be a winter to remember.”

Along the trail, next to each bear, there are interactive stations with bear-related games and challenges for children to try.

Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder of Wild in Art, said: “Our events enable thousands of people of all ages to experience art by making it part of everyday life.

“The bears are a fantastic spectacle and showcase a wonderful wealth of artist talent. It’s a great opportunity for people to enjoy a family-friendly activity outdoors while discovering great art!”

While there is no illuminated trail at the site this year, Anglesey Abbey does plan some dazzling decorations for the house, with festive displays highlighting Lord Fairhaven’s vast and significant collection.

Look out the pineapple decorations in the sitting room, or attend a Grecian banquet in the dining room.

In the wider estate, visitors can enjoy the Winter Garden, Christmassy tunes from local choirs and bands, indulge in some festive shopping and have a Christmas dinner at Redwoods Restaurant.

There will also be a chance for children to meet Father Christmas as he stops off before his busiest day of the year.

Each session lasts for 45 minutes; tickets are £26 per child and an accompanying adult is included in the price.

Children will receive a gift from Father Christmas and will have the opportunity to take photographs together at the end.

Youngsters can also have make and decorate a wish to hang on the Christmas tree with Pepper Mint the Elf.

Father Christmas will be at Anglesey Abbey each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 29 November to Sunday, 22 December, plus Monday, 23 December.

Meanwhile, from 21 to 23 December, visitors can also come and meet some reindeer in the gardens at Anglesey Abbey and learn some fascinating facts about them, chatting to the reindeer handlers and taking pictures.

Meeting the reindeer is free for National Trust members, while normal admission charges to the gardens apply for non-National Trust members.

The grounds are open daily from 9.30am-4pm and the trail is free for National Trust members, while normal admission charges apply for non-members.

To book tickets for the Santa experience, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ angleseyabbey.