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Family Activity
Steve Backshall’s Awesome Oceans Family Trail
11 Jul - 31 Aug 2026
Included in ticket
Dive into the ultimate summer adventure and become an Ocean Guardian with Steve Backshall
Calling all explorers! This summer, we’ve teamed up with legendary wildlife expert and adventurer, Steve Backshall, for an extraordinary journey beneath the waves.
Explore the planet’s coolest underwater habitats and discover the secrets of its most fascinating creatures with Steve Backshall’s Awesome Oceans Family Trail. As you explore the Historic Dockyard, you’ll tackle an action-packed trail loaded with hands-on challenges, mind-blowing stories, and interactive missions, all inspired by Steve’s adventures.
Explore six epic Ocean Zones
Step aboard for a self-led expedition. Come face-to-face with amazing marine life, from the tiny but mighty Bobtail Squid of the English Channel to the giant Dwarf Minke Whales of the Atlantic and the Emperor Penguins surviving the brutal Antarctic freeze.
Along the way, you’ll track down the real-world dangers facing our oceans and take on challenges to find out how you can help protect the incredible creatures that call them home.
Collect exclusive cards
Every young explorer will score a set of exclusive Awesome Oceans collectable cards. Use them to complete your quest and unlock your official Ocean Guardian status, then take them home to continue your mission to save our seas.
With Steve’s passion for wildlife guiding your way, you’ll experience the ocean like never before.
Be wowed by the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition
Kick off your expedition with the spectacular Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition. Prepare to be amazed by jaw-dropping images that capture the breathtaking beauty, raw power and fragility of life beneath the waves.
Make your ocean promise
Every great explorer leaves a mark. End your ultimate summer day out by making your official Ocean Pledge on our giant Ocean of Hope wall and join Steve’s team of Ocean Guardians.
Steve Backshall says:
“The Awesome Oceans Family Trail covers a lot of things that are very dear to my heart. The grandeur and nostalgia of maritime history, the vast potential of ocean exploration, and the magical marine marvels that inhabit our seas. Finding a way of getting kids excited and invested in all of this has been a challenge we’ve all relished, and I can’t wait to see the results!”
Book your summer adventure now (included with general admission to The Historic Dockyard Chatham).
Steve Backshall’s Awesome Oceans Family Trail is an interactive family experience at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. As you explore the Dockyard, you’ll journey through six Ocean Zones, complete hands-on challenges and discover fascinating marine wildlife inspired by Steve Backshall’s adventures.
The trail runs from 11 July to 31 August 2026, making it a great activity to enjoy during the summer holidays.
Yes. The trail is included with a general admission ticket to The Historic Dockyard Chatham, so there’s no need to purchase a separate ticket.
Yes. The trail has been designed for families to enjoy together, with interactive challenges, collectable cards and hands-on activities that encourage children to explore, learn and have fun throughout their visit.
The trail takes place across The Historic Dockyard Chatham as you explore each of the six Ocean Zones. Each of the Ocean Zones are either indoors or in sheltered outdoor areas, but you would need to walk outdoors to get to each location. We recommend wearing comfortable footwear and dressing appropriately for the weather so you can make the most of your visit.
As well as Steve Backshall’s Awesome Oceans Family Trail, your admission also includes the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition, where you can see 116 award-winning photographs celebrating the beauty and diversity of our oceans. If you’re looking for things to do in Kent during the summer holidays, it’s a great way to enjoy a full day out with the family.
Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition
28 March – 31 August 2026
See the ocean like never before at the UK debut of the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition.
Showcasing 116 award-winning photographs, this inspiring exhibition brings together the very best in ocean, wildlife and underwater photography from around the world. Selected from more than 15,000 entries, the images range from intricate portraits of tiny marine life to sweeping seascapes and powerful human stories, thereby sparking fresh conversations about the beauty of our blue planet and the urgent need to protect it.
