Mini Snowdog Trail With Little Ones

If you’re looking to save some pennies this half-term, why not plan a day of Snowdog spotting. We mapped out this mini Snowdog trail which is just the right length if you have little ones.

What you need

First find a copy of the map or the app, the latter of which is much more fun as you can scan and track your progress. However, make sure you have a fully charged phone and even a spare portable battery, as I found it crashed my iPhone 6s quite a few times. I also took over 100 photos and video clips! It’s addictive.

For our trail you will need money for a family saver ticket £9 plus cash for snacks or drinks, although if the weather is good, why not take a packed lunch and flask of coffee? Lastly, leave a bit of cash in the bank account to make a £3 donation to The Martlets Hospice who are staging this inspirational event in our city. You can text SDOG16 £3 to 70070.

Hop on a bus

We started at the Marina where there are three Snowdogs plus the impressive sand sculpture in the courtyard near The Factory Shop. In our opinion the map isn’t entirely clear and I understand some people miss Bow Wow which is is on the ground floor of the waterfront shopping centre by Pavers shoes. There are two on the new walkway by the new development.

We hopped on a number 7 bus to the Royal Sussex Hospital and walked down to St. George’s Church where you’ll find Smiley. He has a message for you and we amused ourselves practicing his mission. We then continued to the seafront, Marine Parade, to find Seagulls of the South. If you have good weather, this walkway has seats, so a good place to stop for a flask of coffee or snack.

Seafront walk

We then headed towards the Palace Pier (sue me) and Sealife Centre to find Patch - The Unfinished Quilt and Under the Sea by the centre’s entrance. Top tip: don’t walk down the steps to the Sealife Centre and try using the phone app at the same time. I went flying after I misjudged the last step and hurt my knees and my pride.

There’s a special offer from the Sealife Centre for Snowdog trailers, you just need a QR reader on your phone to download.

Coffee and churros on the Pier

Greeting you at the entrance of the Pier is GRRace, sponsored by the city’s famous crime author Peter James and towards the Palm Court restaurant to find Palace Pup. “It has lollipops for eyes, ” squeals Boo, completely thrilled (this may be her favourite dog, we’re not sure).

After all that walking, plus the effort to pull the kids away from pier games and slot machines, we grabbed a coffee, some churros and Nutella dip. It was a lovely sunny day, so we munched while taking in the view across the seafront towards the i360.

Despite being a Sussex girl born and bred, visiting then living here for most of my life, I will never get tired of that view. I will never tire of exploring Brighton and this mini trail in my view, takes you some of the best-loved corners of the city.

Home time

That was enough for us. The girls had been to swimming lessons early, so we were all craving the sofa and a cup of tea with telly. On our way to the bus stop, we passed by our two last dogs, Southdowns Dog on the roundabout island crossing towards the Old Steine and Legal Beagle at the corner of Steine Gardens.

But for the more adventurous, you could head to the Pavilion Gardens, Church Street then back round to New Street for four more Snowdogs. And even head into The Lanes to collect more on your map!

To download the app, donate or find more information about The Martlets Hospice and the trail, visit their website.

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