Our Suffolk-based campaign has set up five super story trails, supporting families to get out and about and to keep reading during the summer holidays and beyond!
Keep reading to find out more about the story trails in Stowmarket, Debenham, Lowestoft and Haverhill including where you can pick up maps and join the trail.
Spending time outdoors can have a hugely positive impact on the mental health of both adults and children – and taking reading outdoors and into green spaces is a brilliant way to encourage reluctant readers and support literacy development.
Stowmarket
Tinkler’s Story Quest
The Tinkler’s Quest exhibition, featuring storytelling paintings by Lois Cordelia, was commissioned by the Stow Stories research project to celebrate the town.
Nine venues have agreed to display the paintings which together make up this trail: Stowmarket Library, the Food Museum, Red Gables, Bonitas, Café on the Rec, Stowmarket Parish Church, Fox Yard Studios, the John Peel Centre and The Regal.
Use the trail booklet to help spot interesting things in each of the paintings and start conversations about the most inspiring details.
Download or pick up from Stowmarket Library.
Download here
Debenham
Debenham Story Trail
A brand-new story trail for families featuring colourful characters and interesting facts about Debenham village has been created by local author Vibeke Flatman, illustrator Simon Abbott and the community in Debenham.
In the story, the Alvin family (from Flatman’s picture book, At the End of the Rainbow) guide people along the route, encouraging them to spot new stories in familiar places and sharing historical and geographical facts about the village. There are also small challenges for children to complete along the way, all of which will get families chatting and finding details in the world around them.
Download the map here, or pick up at Debenham Library, Hamilton Smith, Ruby and the Angel and the High Street phone box.
Download here
“Being given the opportunity to create the story trail for Get Suffolk Reading has not only encouraged me to study the interesting history of Debenham, but also enabled me to meet lots of local friendly people, who have all been keen to help. I hope this story trail will give people of all ages some fun and educational to do over the next coming months.”
Vibeke Flatman, Author of At the End of the Rainbow
Lowestoft
Kensington Park Trail
To celebrate Love Parks Week, Get Suffolk Reading worked with Lowestoft Town Council to develop a story trail for Kensington Park that can be enjoyed by families throughout the summer holidays.
With space for children to draw their own illustrations – and even make up their own story about what happens next – this is an interactive activity designed to spark imagination and encourage conversation. Children can even share their ideas for what comes next with Get Suffolk Reading and be in with a chance to win a prize! (Terms and conditions apply.)
The story is available:
- On your phone or device: simply scan the six QR codes found around the park, starting at Bee Corner
- By downloading the full booklet below
- In a printed booklet which can be picked up at Garden Tea Rooms in Kensington Park.
Download here
Carlton Marshes Trail
Lenny the Lizard has been introduced to families visiting the Suffolk Wildlife Trust site at Carlton Marshes, with story placards in place around the nature reserve for the duration of the summer holidays.
Families can visit Carlton Marshes for free and take part in activities themed around the wildlife and nature. The trail doesn’t require picking anything up – each part of the story is displayed on signs around the reserve.
"My little boy and I had an amazing time. Lots of fun activities along the way to keep the children and adults entertained. Nothing was too much trouble and they dealt with the number of people very professionally. Looking forward to the next one - thank you Get Suffolk Reading and Carlton Marshes.”
Parent commenting after Lenny the Lizard launch event
Haverhill
East Town Park QR Trail
A new story has been added to the East Town Park digital story trail, first launched in Haverhill in October 2022.
Follow the route and find each of the eight QR codes installed around the park, to share a story about five little hedgehogs enjoying their first visit to the open space. There are also activities to encourage conversation and creativity as families walk to the next stop.
The story can also be downloaded in booklet form here and used at any outdoor space across Suffolk.
Download booklet here
Download park map here