Budgets are tighter than ever for many of us as we emerge from an economic go-slow, so here’s a great way to enjoy a summer stroll with some sparkle – without breaking the bank.
Pick a pocket money-sized Treasure Trail from the 1,200 available across the UK and unearth the glorious landmarks and quirky corners of our villages, towns and cities.
Typically taking around two hours to complete, the aim of each themed Trail – be it a Treasure Hunt, Spy Mission or Murder Mystery – is to solve clues on a circular route of approximately two miles.
They include the likes of ‘Whitby – Curse of the Vampire’, ‘Lion Hunting in Stoke Newington’, and ‘Detective Mystery on Bodmin Moor’.
One of the newer Trails is ‘Wizards of Watford’, which lets wannabe wizards conjure up answers to hidden clues to complete their mystical quest. The Trail complements the Warner Bros. Studios Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
Costing just £9.99, each guided booklet is a fantastic way to get active with friends or family whilst enjoying the great outdoors and using a bit of your grey matter. Trails are close to cafés, shops and restaurants, so adventurers can take their time solving the clues and enjoy food and drink breaks or pack a picnic.
Visit treasuretrails.co.uk for a full list of locations and Trails by region. Some are suitable for driving and cycling, whilst suitability and the estimated time of each Trail is explained on the website.
The Trail booklets are available to buy online and download to print at home or can be sent via post within 3-5 working days. With a premium, Personalised Trail, the kids can even get creative and add their own photo and text to the front cover using the website’s online editing tool.
Here are our top 10 favourite Trails around the country:
This Trail explores all the sights Bowness on Windermere has to offer. From the stunning lakeside to the bustling town and through the tranquil woodlands.
The Trail starts at the National Park Centre and heads along the river to enjoy the riverside and waterfalls, then return into town to discover an ancient right of way.
The Trail begins at the Visitor Centre and takes you via the Devils Arse (Peak Cavern) to the bottom of Peveril Castle grounds, ruins of an impregnable castle.
Look for clues on the fine Jacobean buildings as well as the thatched cottages and impressive church, all whilst taking in glimpses of the waterside and meadows.
The Trail takes you on a tour of the charming and historic parts of the town, passing the place where writer H.G. Wells once worked and the site of the Norman castle.
The Trail starts and finishes at the Tourist Information Centre and leads you on a scenic canalside walk as you solve the clues to complete this mystery!
The route leads you through many of Carlisle’s historical landmarks whilst also introducing you to some of its grand buildings, museums, parks and stores.
The Trail starts in the castle car park with the memorial to Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan and takes you on a circular walk around this interesting market town.
The Trail starts in the fishing village of Polruan and takes you around part of the South West Coast Path, including a short ferry ride across the river to Fowey.
The Trail starts at the Millennium Sundial in Perranporth and takes you along the South West Coast Path to Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes.
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