Gromit’s shimmering, pearlescent coat, with imagery of the sea and a belt made from shells, pays homage to the folklore of mermaids. These magical sea creatures have inspired countless books and films, and now, this captivating sculpture.
52. Woolly Capers
The only Shaun the Sheep on this year’s trail is outside the Aardman studios.
Ewe won’t believe it! Woolly Capers is a special collaboration celebrating 30 years of the baa-rilliant Shaun the Sheep since the release of award-winning Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave.
Cheddar #50places2025
I made a visit to Cheddar, in the main to grab a photograph of the Gromit sculpture, but also have a walk. Cheddar can be slightly cheesy in places, but the magnificence and natural splendour of the gorge makes all that tack and cheese pale into insignificance.
It was a rather hot day, so made the decision to not walk up the gorge itself, but did drive through it up the road.
17. Jolly Roger
Amongst the boatyards of the Undersell Yard is the piratical Jolly Roger.
This fearless and swashbuckling pirate is ready to delight the crowds before his next big adventure, proving that even the smallest pirate can make the biggest splash! Ahoy, me hearties!
33. Rooster Booster
Outside Hargreaves Lansdown is a Wallace sculpture.
COCK-A-DOODLE DOO!! Watch out, Rocky, this plucky, free-range Wallace, designed by Peter Lord, Director of Chicken Run, is ready for his next starring role. Rooster Booster would make a cracking egg-stra for the next Chicken Run!
2. Astrognome
Hiding away in the foyer of We The Curious is Astrognome.
On his way to the stars, Astrognome, by Nick Park, is inspired by Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out. He leaves a trail of stardust as he explores new worlds – one galaxy at a time. Don’t forget the crackers!
20. Marigold
Hiding out in IKEA is Marigold. I hadn’t actually planned to go to IKEA to photograph the Gromit, so was pleasantly surprised I could tick off another sculpture from the list.
Dressed as Bollywood royalty and wrapped in vibrant reds, greens and marigold yellows, this Gromit is ready to steal the show with every wag and pose. There’s a new four-legged star in the city!
Bristol Balloon Fiesta #50places2025
For the first time in nearly thirty years I was up early enough to head to Ashton Court for the morning ascent of the International Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
Since I moved to the South West in the early 1990s I have visited the Bristol Balloon Fiesta a number of times, but the last time I managed to make the 6am morning ascent was back in the 1990s.
We were lucky and we had green smoke and a lot of hot air balloons ascended and drifted across Bristol.
29. Poppy
Far Away from most of the sculptures, in Puxton Park, near Weston-super-Mare is Poppy.
Boulogne-sur-Mere #50places2025
The last time I was in Boulogne was probably sometime in the early 1980s, or even the late 1970s. It wasn’t really a place we stayed long at, usually it was an overnight stay after crossing the channel in our sailing yacht before we then moved down to Dieppe or Fecamp.
In July I did a driving holiday to France staying outside Calais in Guines. One of the places we did visit whilst we were there was Boulogne.
We arrived and followed the signs for the parking, but we had a little trouble in parking, as there was a market on. We found an underground car park so we parked there.
We walked down to the harbour and then down to the seafront. We walked along the breakwater.
Walked back into town and up to the castle. The castle was really impressive as were the old city walls. I did initially think that the city walls would be like those in York with a narrow walkway, but no these walls were very wide and there was lots of room as we walked.
Inside the walls were some lovely old traditional French buildings.
I did wonder if any of the town would be familiar, it wasn’t. Though I think a lot had changed over the last forty or so years.