George, the Polar Bear cub, wants you to follow the Polar Bear Explorer trail this winter. The event has been created by the National Marine Aquarium and What’s on Plymouth. And the polar bear cub sculptures can be discovered in Sutton Harbour, The Barbican and Hoe, Millbay and Royal William Yard. Follow the trail, and along the way, you will learn about how climate change is affecting George’s environment – and what you can do to help.

As a Polar Explorer, your task is to find each of the Polar Bear Cubs with their facts. Each cub will have a Bear Fact with them, telling us about the Arctic and the Oceans, how plastic affects their homes, and how we can all help. 

How to take part

There are 20 Polar Bear cubs, just like George, for you to find, hidden in Plymouth. Each bear cub has a number that matches a section of the comic strip in the Polar Bear brochure – when you find it, you will also find the missing words in the story. 

Enter the competition by finding the bears and posting your completed trail form in the Artic Post Boxes at the Tourist Information Centre, Bistro Pierre or National Marine Aquarium, or submit it online. You can also share all of your Polar Bear Explorer photos using #PolarBearExplorer.

How much does it cost?

The trail maps in stores and online are entirely FREE to ensure all can take part. 

How long does it take to complete?

The trail covers the city centre, Barbican, The Hoe, Millbay, Royal William Yard and the surrounding streets. There are a lot of picnic spots, cafes and restaurants along the way so you can take breaks and rest your feet.

Why a Polar Bear Trail?

Polar Bears are fascinating creatures, and we can learn so much from them. There is plenty to learn on the Polar Bear Explorer Trail, but to give you a taste of what is to come here are some facts:

• Polar bears are the largest land carnivores in the world. Male polar bears are 2.5-3 metres long which makes them much bigger than females. They can weight 300-650 kilograms which is about as heavy as twenty-five eight-year-old children.
• Polar bears have black skin under their glistening coat. Their fur is transparent with a hollow core that reflects light from the sun and snow, which makes them look white.
• Mother polar bears usually give birth to two cubs born in snow dens on land and in the wild, they can live to 25 years or more.
• Unfortunately, polar bears are classed as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List. This means they could go extinct if we don’t look after their home. The biggest threat to them is climate change, but by getting involved and making a difference to your lifestyle, you can save theirs.

Golden Polar Bear Pledge

Keep an eye out for the extra special Golden Polar Bear at Kaya Gallery in Southside Street, the Barbican. When you find him, take a selfie and make a pledge to do at least one thing to help the environment. Then share it on social media using #GoldenPolarPledge for your chance to win 1 of 3 WWF Polar Bear Adoption packs.

Pledge examples:

· Turn off the lights when you don’t need them

· Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth

· Walk or cycle instead of using a car

· Buy organic and local when possible

Can I win any other prizes?

There are prizes for those who complete the trail and submit their answers. You could win:

Find 5-9 bears for your chance to win one of seven Eco-Kids starter kits. These cool sets include a lunch bag made from recycled bottles, BPA-free kids water bottle and a bamboo toothbrush.

Find 10-19 bears for your chance to win one of five VIP Behind-the-Scenes Tours at the National Marine Aquarium for one adult and one child and a £20 voucher for the NMA Waves Cafe or gift shop.

Find all 20 bears to be entered into our draw to win our top prize - a 20-inch Hybrid Theory BMX Bike along with a black Micro Deluxe Helmet, rechargeable front bike light and knee, elbow and wrist pads!

How long is the event running?

So, get your snowshoes ready to find all 20 cubs along the Plymouth Waterfront! The event runs from now to Sunday the 3rd of March 2020.  Good luck!

Family-friendly hotel in Plymouth

Future Inn Plymouth is an ideal base for the family for the night offering various sized rooms including ones that can sleep up to four adults or a family. Perks include free car parking, free WiFi and a complimentary robe and slippers. Book direct for the best available rates on our website or by contacting the Reservations Team on 01752 701000 or reservations.plymouth@futureinns.co.uk. Plymouth City Centre is a 15-minute drive from Future Inn Plymouth. Alternatively, it would take around 30-minutes on public transport. You can also bring your bikes, as we are a cycle-friendly hotel, and it takes about 25-minutes to cycle. 

Family places to eat in Plymouth

Fishbone Restaurant is our family-friendly restaurant, and it is perfect for fuelling up before or after exploring. Every day the team serve breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, evening a-la-carte or traditional roasts on Sunday. There is a wide range of beer, lager and wine on offer and a refreshing selection of soft drinks and juices too.

Kids Eat Free

Under 5's always eat for free with us with a paying adult. During the school holidays, this is extended to under 12's. Children can enjoy an Omelette, Chicken Nuggets, Fish Fingers, Mini Burgers, Roast chicken and more! Plus, lots of delicious desserts and refreshments too. We welcome walk-in's, or you can book on 01752 701000, by emailing fishbone@futureinns.co.uk, or online: