Treasure Trails: summer fun on a budget in Chester

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 in Chester - without breaking the bank.

Typically taking around two hours to complete, the aim of each themed Trail – be it a Treasure Hunt, Spy Mission or Detective Mystery - is to solve clues on a circular route of approximately two miles.

Why not start out at the city’s magnificent cathedral and explore some eerie goings-on in the Ghosts Galore Trail, or if you fancy a treasure hunt, follow the Roaming around the Walls trail?

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.

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.

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 5 favourite Trails in Chester:

• The Town Hall (Spy Mission) – 1.5 hours, 1.2 miles

This Trail starts outside Chester's beautiful Town Hall and explores the area around Northgate, with clues to be found along a section of Chester's historic walls and the canal.

• Ghosts Galore (Detective Mystery) – 1.75 hours, 1.5 miles

Starting outside Chester’s magnificent cathedral, this Trail explores ghostly goings-on around the city centre, including parts of the Roman Walls and Amphitheatre.

• The Eastgate Clock (Treasure Hunt) – 2 hours, 2 miles

This circular Trail begins at 'The Cross' in Chester's beautiful and historic city centre, then winds through quaint streets onto part of the Roman Walls, around the iconic Eastgate Clock and past the cathedral.

• Around the Dee (Detective Mystery) – 2.5 hours, 1.5 miles

Starting outside the beautiful church of St John the Baptist, this Trail meanders through historic areas of charming Chester. Explore red sandstone cliffs, along the riverside and onto the ancient Roman Walls.

• Roaming around the Walls (Treasure Hunt) – 2 hours, 2 miles

This Treasure Hunt Trail will have adventurers exploring around Chester’s ancient city walls and peeking at the views, uncovering stories along the way.

Treasure Trails have entertained over two million people since 2005 and are rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Ekomi, the independent review site.  Treasure Trails cost £9.99 (plus P&P as required).

Treasure Trails Covid-19 Code of Conduct:

Treasure Trails are ideally suited for everyone to re-discover what’s around them in a fun and responsible way.

• Follow social distancing rules at all times. Be prepared to skip a clue if social distancing is not possible.
• If planning a trail with people outside your household group, make sure you are still following the latest guidelines for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland on how many other people you can meet up with outdoors.
• Avoid touching any hard surfaces such as plaques, signs, information boards, gates, walls or benches that clues may be based on.
• Don’t linger for too long – if you need to, take a photo of a plaque or sign and move to a quieter area.
• Respect others – remember that there are many vulnerable people who still need to self-isolate. While walking, keep a safe distance from residential homes, schools and other premises.