Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne Trail

Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne is an art trail made up of 45 big statues and 70 small ones. This summer Shaun the Sheep has taken over Newcastle and surrounding areas to raise money for St Oswald’s hospice.

The Shaun on the Tyne trail has begun in North East England. Have you been out hunting the streets searching for the super sheep? Are you wondering where to find them? Read on to discover more about these beautiful sheep, how to get a map and where they are.

I love taking part in these art trails, there is something exciting about discovering the unique works of art that have been created from one figure. We have previously done the Snowdog and the Elmer trails which were great fun. Shaun the Sheep is another iconic figure and we will be seeking out all the Shaun’s as we get out and about this summer.

What is Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne?

Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne is a free public art trail taking place across Newcastle this summer. On the trail are 45 large Shaun the Sheep sculptures. These are all unique and designed by professional artists across the region and beyond. You will find these at different landmarks around the city.

Also on the trail are 70 Little Shaun sculptures which have been designed and painted by schools and youth groups. These are on display in flocks in 13 indoor venues around the city.

When Does the Shaun on the Tyne Trail Take Place?

The trail started on the 19th of July and runs for 10 weeks until Wednesday 27th of September 2023. Can you find them all?

Where Can I Find the Shauns?

You can find the large Shaun the Sheep and little flocks across Newcastle city centre and the Quayside. You will also find some in Benwell, Byker, Gosforth, Jesmond, Newburn and Walker. All of the sheep have different names and designs.

The sheep can be found at the following locations:

Around the Civic Centre Area

Big Shauns

• Hancock Gallery
• Hatton Gallery
• Civic Centre (Trail HQ)
• Exhibition Park
• The Great North Museum (Hancock)
• Northern Stage
• Strawberry Place
• St James Park

Little Flock

• The Farrell Centre
• The Great North Museum

Around the City Centre

Big Shauns

• Laing Art Gallery
• Northumberland Street (near Haymarket)
• Northumberland Street (near Pilgrim Street)
• Eldon Square – inside near Fenwicks
• Eldon Square – inside near River Island
• Grey’s Monument
• Old Eldon Square
• Newcastle City Library
• Grey Street
• Theatre Royal
• Pilgrim Street

Little Flock

• Fenwick
• Newcastle City Library

Around Central Station

Big Shauns

• Tyne Theatre
• Central Station
• Times Square
• Discovery Museum
• St Nicolas Square
• Newcastle Cathedral (inside)
• Dance City

Little Flock

• Newcastle Cathedral
• The Discovery Museum

Around the Quayside

Big Shauns

• Quayside (beside Wetherspoons)
• Quayside – Millenium Bridge
• Quayside – Swirle Pavilion
• Quayside – Ouseburn

Little Flock

• The Cycle Hub
• Hilton Hotel Newcastle Gateshead

Byker

Big Shauns

• East End Pool

Ouseburn

Big Shauns

• Seven Stories
• Ouseburn Farm
• Hoults Yard

Little Flock

• Seven Stories
• The Biscuit Factory

High Heaton

Big Shauns

• Paddy Freeman’s Park

Jesmond

Big Shauns

• Jesmond Dene Pets Corner
• St Oswald’s Hospice Jesmond Shop

Little Flock

• St Oswald’s Hospice Jesmond Shop

Gosforth

Big Shauns

• Gosforth Shopping Centre (inside)
• Gosforth Central Park

Little Flock

• St Oswald’s Hospice Gosforth Shop
• Gosforth Shopping Centre.

Benwell

• Benwell Library
• West Road (near Westgate Community College)

Newburn

• Newburn Activity Centre

Walker

• The Bostey, Walker

Newcastle Airport

• Inside the airport

Where Can I Get a Map?

Printed maps are available from vendors across Tyne and Wear, including St Oswald Hospice Shops, Trail HQ at the Civic Centre and some little flock locations. List of vendors.

There is a suggested donation of £1 for a map, with all proceeds going to St Oswald’s Hospice

Digital maps are available to download:

My suggestion is to download and print out a map for taking out and about to find the sheep, as the map will get creased and torn. Buy a trail map to keep as a souvenir. If you complete the trail you can also get it stamped at Trail HQ in the Civic Centre.

Where Can I Download the App?

The Sean on the Tyne Trail App is a great way to track the sheep you have seen and unlock rewards while you do the trail. Each of the big sheep and little flocks has an app code on their plinth. When you find the sheep you can put the code into the app and it unlocks an image of the sculpture. There are also rewards for finding certain sheep or unlocking milestones along the trail.

To download the app go to the App Store or Play Store and search for “Shaun on the Tyne”. You can also go to https://www.shaunonthetyne.co.uk/app/

The App costs £1.99 with all proceeds going to St Oswald’s hospice.

Tips For Looking After the Sheep

The Shauns are works of art and should be treated with care. No one wants to go and visit a specific sheep and find it is not there because it has gone off for repair. Respect the signs and don’t climb on them. They are doing an important job.

Sadly some of the sheep have already been damaged and gone for repair. Updates on their status can be found in the App.

If you want decent photos of the sheep in busy places, go early. They are very popular and lots of children want to cuddle them.

What do I do if I Find a Damaged Shaun?

Send a message with a photo if possible.

• Email: [email protected].uk
• Phone: 0191 2469123
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/shaunonthetyne

What is the Best Way to Complete the Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne Trail?

If you want to complete the trail all at once, allow at least a day and wear comfortable footwear. A lot of walking is involved.

All the sculptures are within walking distance of bus routes or metro routes.

I chose to do the sculptures in and around the same area on different days. This gives you a chance to stop at a cafe and enjoy some of the venues near the sculptures. I had never been to some of the art galleries and some of them are celebrating the trail with special exhibits. Check opening times for the indoor venues and plan around that.

What Happens to the Shauns When the Trail Ends?

Farewell to the Flock

When the trail ends there will be a last chance to see all the Shauns from the trail in a Farewell to the Flock event at Newcastle City Centre. The Big Shauns will then be sold at Auction to raise money for St Oswald’s Hospice. The little Shauns will be returned to the schools and youth groups who created them to keep forever.

The Farewell to the Flock event will gather all the Shauns in one place giving you a chance to see them all before the auction. The event takes place at Newcastle Civic Centre on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October. It is a family-friendly event and you can pick up trail merchandise as well.

You need to book tickets for a one-hour time slot between 9 am and 5.30 pm. The first slot from 9 am to 10 am is a quiet session, a less busy environment for people who may need this.

Tickets cost £4 adults (16+), £2 child (4-15) and under 4s (0-3) go free but need a ticket. A family ticket is £10 for up to four people (1 or 2 adults). Booking fees are added at checkout.

Tickets can be bought at www.shaunonthetyne.co.uk/farewell  

When and Where is the Shaun on the Sheep Grand Finale Auction?

The last event on the trial is the Grand Finale Auction where the large sheep will find their forever homes. They will be sold to raise money for St Oswald’s Hospice. Bids will start at around £1000.

The event takes place in Newcastle Civic Centre on the 10th October from 6 pm.

Tickets are on sale now and you can also register to bid in person or online: https://www.shaunonthetyne.co.uk/auction/

What is the Super Sean Raffle?

If you want to own your very own little Sean the sheep buy a ticket for the Super Sean raffle and you could be a lucky winner. Tickets cost £1 or you can buy a book of 20.

You can buy tickets online at www.shaunonthetyne.co.uk/shaun-raffle, in St Oswald’s Hospice shops or at the Civic Centre Trail HQ (Monday to Friday 9 am – 4 pm)

The winner will be drawn at the Grand Finale Action on the 10th October and contacted by email or telephone. The winning ticket number will be posted on the website.

Where Can I Buy Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne Trail Merchandise?

You can get your specially designed Shaun on the Tyne merchandise at www.shaunonthetyne.co.uk/shop, at the Civic Centre Trail HQ and some St Owald Hospice shops.

Are you doing the Shaun the Sheep trail? Have you found any sheep yet? Let me know below or tweet me your pictures @FairydustDragon