A Trail of Discovery is a question sheet that guides children and accompanying adults around a church or place of worship, a town or historic building, and encourages them to engage with the architecture, history and furnishings. The Arts Society members voluntarily give their time to research and write the questions and corresponding answer sheets. The aim is to encourage 8-12 year olds and their families to learn about the building and inspire them to visit and enjoy other places of worship.

Trails of Discovery are researched, written and designed in a child friendly format. They are produced on two-sided A4 sheets to keep the cost of reproduction to a minimum.

Members also design Memory Trails for use by groups working with those who live with Dementia. A Memory Trail guides people living with  dementia around a church with wording to prompt memories and discussion

Once a trail has been tested, The Arts Society members provide a CD and hard copy of the questions and answers to the place of interest. The local Arts Society bears the small cost of making the trail and setting it up in the place of worship. The receiving organisation then funds the maintenance of supplies of the trail.

An Arts Society trail for a place of interest
If you think a Trail of Discovery would help visitors engage with your church or town, or historic building contact your local Arts Society and invite them to produce one. For details of your nearest Society visit the Societies Section of this website.

Information for Arts Societies considering compiling a Trail of Discovery

Further information about The Arts Society Trails of Discovery for places of worship and Schools

Trails of Discovery in Hampshire and Isle of Wight

The Arts Society Alresford  - St Mary, Avington (See attached Photograph); St Mary, Easton 

The Arts Society Alton - St Andrew, Medstead; St Mary, Selborne; St Lawrence, Alton

The Arts Society Basingstoke - St Swithun, Nately Scures, St Leonard's Church, Sherfield-on-Loddon; St Nicholas, Newnham; St Mary, Hartley Wespall

The Arts Society Grayshott - St Albans, Hindhead

The Arts Society Portsdown - St Peter, Hayling Island

The Arts Society Isle of Wight  - Holy Cross, Binstead

The Arts Society Sarisbury Green - St Mary, Hook with Warsash

The Arts Society Solent - Holy Trinity, Fareham; St Peter, Titchfield; St Nicholas, Wickham

The Arts Society Test Valley - St Mary, Monxton