Chatham Dockyard Trust has announced a new partnership with Steve Backshall MBE to launch a new family experience that will bring the wonders of the ocean to life at The Historic Dockyard Chatham this summer.  

©Steve Backshall

Steve Backshall’s Awesome Oceans Family Trail will take families on an action-packed adventure across the world’s oceans combining adventure, exploration and conservation in one amazing day out with the family.

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.

Historic Dockyard Chatham

Children will 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 himself said “The Awesome Ocean 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: “Steve has inspired so many young people to fall in love with the natural world. We want families to leave having not only enjoyed a memorable day out but also feeling motivated to take action for our oceans.”

Steve Backshall’s Awesome Ocean Family Trial will run from July to September 2026 and this is included with general admission to the Historic Dockyard Chatham.

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