The Story Trail Guide

Brighton & Hove becomes a storybook this autumn...

From 12 September to 8 November 2026, more than 30 beautifully painted BookBench sculptures will appear across our streets, parks and seafront - turning the whole city into a free, family-friendly trail waiting to be discovered.

This autumn, look a little closer at the benches around you. Each one on The Story Trail is a hand-painted work of art, designed by a local artist and inspired by the stories that shape our city. Brought to Brighton & Hove by the charity Amaze in partnership with Wild in Art, the trail runs for eight weeks and is spread across Brighton & Hove making it a brilliant excuse to explore parts of the city you might otherwise walk straight past.

Best of all, it's completely free. Pick up a printed map or follow along on the trail app, then set your own pace: an hour by the sea, a full day criss-crossing the city, or a gentle wander broken up with coffee stops along the way. However you do it, you'll come away having seen Brighton & Hove through fresh eyes. While the trail is free, we do encourage everyone to buy a map, treat yourself to some merchandise or simply show your gratitude by making a donation as all the money raised goes to support the incredible work of Amaze. 

Why visit for The Story Trail?

🎨 A trail for art lovers - Every BookBench is an original design by a local artist, with smaller benches decorated by schools and community groups adding their own chapters to the story. It's Brighton's creative spirit on public display, free to enjoy at any time of day.

🚶‍➡️ A trail for wandering and wellbeing - Because the benches are spread right across the city, following the trail naturally becomes a walking tour; a low-key, no-pressure way to get outdoors, cover some ground, and see neighbourhoods old and new. Take it slow, stop and sit a while, or turn it into a proper walking day out.

🚸 A trail for families - Free, outdoors and genuinely designed for all ages, The Story Trail is a fun day out for families especially over October half-term, when hunting down benches will become a memory to treasure.

Explore by area

Rather than tackle all 30 benches in one go, pair your trail with the best of Brighton & Hove, whether that's pausing at an independent coffee stop in North Laine, traditional fish and chips on the seafront, or a browse round the city's bookshops in a nod to the trail's literary theme. We'll be sharing suggested routes and local recommendations on our blog throughout the trail, so check back regularly for new ideas.

And with so much to explore why not make a break of it? Book a stay and give yourself time to visit all of hte benchies whilst also spending some time in your favourite city-by-the-sea. See below for a link to our itineraries section to help you plan your escape... 

Practical information

→ Event dates: 12 September until 8 November 2026
→ The trail is free to follow; donations to Amaze are welcome.
→ A printed map and trail app will be available to help you find every bench.
→ The trail runs across public streets, parks and open spaces throughout Brighton & Hove.
→ An accessibility guide will be published ahead of the launch.
→ Farewell Weekend: 27–29 November, when all the large BookBenches come together in one place before being auctioned to raise funds for Amaze.