May 13th, 2025
The official app for The Great Tail Trail has proved to be a splash hit with visitors to the sculpture art trail which is taking Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) by storm, says event organiser, Julia's House children's hospice.
The app enables visitors to locate and collect the colourful mermaid tail sculptures across the three towns, vote for their favourites, share photos and receive fin-tastic rewards for every sculpture found.
Vital statistics
Since launching on 5 April The Great Tail Trail app has been downloaded more than 5,000 times by adventurous trail goers keen to visit all 45 of the giant, artist-designed sculptures and the 43 smaller 'Tiny Tails' painted by local schools and community groups. It was recently voted ‘App of the Week’ by The Week Junior, a subscription-based current affairs magazine for children.
There have been over 93,000 sculptures collected in total through the app, with the most collected being 'When the Waves Come', located at Bournemouth Pier Approach and designed by Bournemouth artist Lucanart. This stunning sculpture features a wavy sea, the pier, surfers, seagulls and sea creature tentacles coming out of the water. The most voted for sculpture is Tory Allen's 'Eternal' at Alum Chine beach - a beautiful kaleidoscope of multi-coloured acrylic gemstones which create a gloriously bejewelled mermaid tail, while the most photographed is ‘Ice-Cream Dreams’ by Eden-Designs Murals, which can be found In Poole Park and depicts a giant waffle cone piled high with mint choc-chip, raspberry ripple and chocolate ice cream.
Globe trotting trail goers
The Great Tail Trail, which covers a total of 33 miles, encourages everyone to get out in the fresh air and spring sunshine to enjoy some of the most stunning locations BCP has to offer, including beautiful coastline, local landmarks and hidden gems. To date, visitors to the trail have racked up an impressive 22,231 miles between them – almost the circumference of the Earth (approx 24,901 miles). Visitors have taken over 49419152 steps in total and 122 people using the app have now completed the trail in full, locating all 88 mermaid tails.
"We've been overwhelmed and really delighted by how popular the app is!" says Laura, Maidment, Public Fundraising Manager for Julia's House. "It's such a fun way to find your way around the trail and you get to collect some great rewards from our sculpture sponsors, too. The money raised from app downloads goes towards helping Julia's House continue its amazing work caring for some of Dorset's most seriously ill children. That means you can have fun with your family, while helping us care for families who rely on the support of Julia's House just to get through each day.
"Getting out and about on the trail is the perfect weekend adventure for families and friends or a fitness challenge for those who are feeling more sporty! We’ve heard from walking groups have also loved exploring the trail. Whether you live locally or are a visitor to the area, you'll get to visit places that you never knew existed and see some really incredible and unique art in the process. With another Bank Holiday weekend coming up and half term, it’s a great way to get children out and about and doing something fun in the fresh air."
Laura adds, “The Great Tail Trail is open across BCP until 1 June, so if you haven't had a chance to download the app yet, don't get left trailing behind - there's still time to join in and have some mer-mazing fun!!
A social success
The Great Tail Trail has received praise on the Julia’s House social media channels for its innovative fundraising campaign which brings the community together for one big, local art adventure. One trailgoer commented, “I’ve visited parts of the town I’ve not gone to for years! So enjoying your trail,” with another saying “There are some amazing tails with outstanding artwork to find. Had such fun doing this trail.”
“Julia’s House looked after our son all through his life and supported us as a family in difficult times. They are all amazing,” shared one parent with direct experience of the comfort and care provided by the charity.
After the trail
There's one final chance to see all the giant mermaid tails when they are brought together for a Farewell Weekend celebration at the Bournemouth International Centre on 14 and 15 June. You'll be able to grab one final selfie with your favourite tail, meet the artists behind some of the incredible designs, entertain your little ones with children's activities and games, have a go at painting your own mini sculpture and enjoy a drink, snacks and other tasty refreshments. Booking is advisable - visit https://www.juliashouse.org/tail-trail/events/farewell-event
Take a tail home
The stunning collection of giant mermaid tails will then go under the hammer in aid of Julia's House at an unforgettable auction evening held at The Italian Villa, Compton Acres on 20 June. Whether you choose to join the auction in person or bid online, this is your chance to take home a breathtaking piece of original artwork that will be yours forever. Spaces on the night are limited. To register for the auction visit https://www.juliashouse.org/tail-trail/events/great-tail-trail-auction
