“Making Trails”| Burton based Company that is Transforming Public Spaces into Creative Visitor Experiences

Making Trails is a  Midlands‑based specialist in designing, manufacturing and installing bespoke public‑art trails across the UK. Their projects, commissioned by councils, business improvement districts, charities and visitor‑economy organisations, harness creativity to attract footfall, encourage local exploration and boost civic pride.

Their Burton upon Trent service is all‑inclusive: from sculpture design and production, through community workshops and digital apps, to installation and post‑trail events such as auctions.

Projects in East Staffordshire & Beyond:

• Burton Barrel Roll (Burton upon Trent): A 10‑week trail featuring 14 hand‑decorated barrel sculptures set around heritage points in Burton, created by Making Trails. The trail delivered more than 31,000 visitors and an estimated £600,000 boost to the local economy.

• Making Trails has delivered numerous other art‑trail programmes across the UK, collaborating with local artists and community groups to weave heritage, culture and storytelling into each project.

Why this matters for tourism:

• Trails create reasons to visit — they encourage repeat visits, exploration of lesser‑known places and social sharing of experiences.

• They draw footfall into town centres, support hospitality and retail, and extend visitor dwell‑time.

• They offer sponsorship and partnership opportunities for businesses and organisations.

• They help embed heritage, community and sense of place into visitor experiences.

Tourism, hospitality and town‑centre stakeholders across the UK are invited to explore how Making Trails could enhance your visitor‑economy offering:

• Consider commissioning a trail with a seasonal theme or community focus.

• Use the trail to engage local artists, schools, community groups and businesses.

• Leverage the trail to boost footfall, create shareable photo moments, and support local retail and hospitality.

• Contact Making Trails to discuss how a custom‑designed trail could bring new vibrancy to your area.