
Whiteley's
Explorer Tins & Nature Trail Maps
Whiteleys Explorer Play Tin
Inspired by the multiple wildlife stories of Whiteleys Retreat, the Whiteleys Explorer Play Tin is packed with imaginative ideas for engaging with and exploring the natural world. Each tin contains a minibeast exploration kit with bug pot and bug bingo sheet, a beetle drive game with chunky wooden dice, animal stickers plus items to encourage sensory exploration including mirror, a colourful kamifusen (Japanese paper ball) and recycled coloured pencils.

Play Tins
Completing the tin are a set of double-sided outdoor activity cards on a handy lanyard detailing lots of imaginative ideas for playing outside plus minibeast identification to further build connections with the natural world. For those days when the weather isn't so enticing, there are four nature inspired activity sheets and colouring pages. The play tin is perfect for exploring both Whiteleys and beyond, allowing families to continue the outdoor fun on their next adventure. All items within the tin have been carefully designed and curated and are ethically and environmentally sourced, with no single use plastic.
Whiteleys Explorer Maps
Two beautifully presented, hand-illustrated trail leaflets to help families explore the Whiteleys site while also showcasing the abundance of nature they might encounter while out-and-about. On one side of the leaflet, families are guided around the site using the scale map with fun and engaging wildlife facts and activity ideas highlighted along the route. On the reverse side, are wildlife-inspired games to play, specific to each Whiteleys Retreat Cottage, ensuring there's always a play option whatever the weather.

Little Explorer Tin/Map Feedback
So amazing! Liked finding all the leaves because it’s different. I liked picking the petals because I’m not allowed to do it at home, and it smelt nice” from Emily.It was good to teach them something whilst getting a walk and gave us loads to interact with the kids. Our kids love walking but can lose interest easily, but this kept them engaged. We even took the tin with us when we left the retreat and visited nearby parks.” from Gary (Daddy).
Little Explorer Tin/Map Feedback
The children are 7 and it was the perfect age for them to go off out and no explore the outdoors with the tin and the map! They actually competed with each other over the ‘wonderful’ bugs they found! It encouraged them to spend more time outdoors and appreciate the countryside and nature. It is a wonderful addition to the retreat and encouraged them to not only explore and learn through play but also to make new friends with the other children who were staying.
Little Explorer Tin/Map Feedback
We used the tin and map as a family activity, learning more about the countryside together. We loved blowing up the paper balloon and then using the pencils to draw and play games.
Little Explorer Tin/Map Feedback
Our boys are 3 and 4 and required guidance using the Little Explorer Tin. Once they had explanations for different games and activities, they were off and absolutely loved it!! It was fantastic to have them want to spend MORE time outdoors. As parents this is something we encourage but often takes persuasion.
Little Explorer Tin/Map Feedback
This year’s visit to Whiteleys Retreat was very special to our family with Archie finally being in remission! This opened up so many new opportunities for Archie and Leah to explore the gardens. A huge thank you to the Whiteley’s team for providing them with a ‘nature trail map’ of the grounds and their ‘Whiteley’s Explorers play tins’. They were out for hours and had brilliant fun hunting for minibeasts to capture, draw and then release.
Little Explorer Tin/Map Feedback
We truly appreciated and enjoyed the set up of the tin which varied so much in what it offers - from colouring in, using stickers, collecting, spotting and playing games, to providing facts about the local wildlife too. It sparked interest in our son (4 years old) and furthered conversation / questions beyond the tin/maps (more generally about the planet, what makes it happy and how can we look after both nature and wildlife).
Little Explorer Tin/Map Feedback
Jude is 6 and LOVED the tin. The bug catcher was a big hit. We will continue to have fun with the beetle drive. He loves the activities, it's something we will revisit time and again. Perfect for his age. It was one of his favourite parts.
