Historic Dockyard Chatham announces summer family experience with Steve Backshall
A new family attraction that will bring the wonders of the ocean to life
Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust has announced a new partnership with award-winning naturalist Steve Backshall to launch a new family experience that will bring the wonders of the ocean to life this summer.
Launching in July 2026, Steve Backshall’s Awesome Oceans Family Trail will take families on an action-packed journey across the world’s oceans combining adventure, exploration and conservation in one unforgettable day out.
Designed to inspire the next generation of “Ocean Guardians”, the self-led trail will feature hands-on activities, storytelling and conservation challenges alongside the internationally acclaimed Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition, presented in the UK for the first time by the publishers of Oceanographic Magazine.
Travel through six different ocean zones, encountering incredible marine creatures along the way, from stealthy Bobtail Squid hiding in the English Channel to giant Dwarf Minke Whales in the Atlantic and Emperor Penguins battling the frozen extremes of Antarctica.
Families will uncover the biggest threats facing our oceans today, while discovering simple everyday actions that can make a real difference.
Visitors will also collect exclusive cards inspired by the trail’s marine stars, turning the experience into a giant ocean rescue mission.
Throughout the adventure, Steve Backshall’s voice, storytelling and passion for wildlife conservation will guide families as they complete their mission to become official “Ocean Guardians”.
Steve Backshall said: “The Awesome Oceans Family Trail covers a lot of things that are very dear to my heart. The grandeur and nostalgia of maritime history, the vast potential of ocean exploration, and the magical marine marvels that inhabit our seas. Finding a way of getting kids excited and invested in all of this has been a challenge we’ve all relished, and I can’t wait to see the results!”
Lynnette Crisp, Director of Public Engagement, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust said: “This partnership feels incredibly special because it allows us to connect Chatham’s extraordinary maritime heritage with one of the biggest environmental conversations of our time. For centuries, ships built at the Dockyard sailed across the world’s oceans and now, through Steve Backshall’s Awesome Oceans Family Trail, we have an opportunity to inspire future generations to help protect those same oceans.
“Steve has inspired so many young people to fall in love with the natural world, and we’re thrilled to be working with him this summer. With photography from Ocean Photographer of the Year, hands-on activities and powerful conservation stories, we want families to leave having not only having enjoyed a memorable day out but also feeling motivated to take action for our oceans.”
The experience culminates in a giant “Ocean of Hope” pledge wall where children can add their names and commit to protecting the ocean they care about most.
Steve Backshall’s Awesome Oceans Family Trail will run from July to September 2026 and is included with general admission to The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
For more information, visit https://thedockyard.co.uk/events/steve-backshalls-awesome-oceans-family-trail/
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