Take A Lockdown Screen Break With These Yorkshire Treasure Trails

Working from home? Kids being taught virtually? Battling to keep them (and the other half) away from Netflix? Look no further. Here's a gem of an idea!

Treasure Trails offer all three in one, and are a fantastic lockdown-friendly way to escape to the Yorkshire outdoors with your household, get your steps up, and keep kids – and adults – entertained.

These themed self-guided walking Trail booklets (£9.99 each) take explorers on a circular outdoor route of approximately two miles. En route, you have the added challenge of working together to hunt down clues and solve a puzzling Detective Mystery, Treasure Hunt, or Spy Mission.

Whilst you catch crooks and track down spies or hidden treasure, Treasure Trails showcase your local surroundings in a fun and adventurous new light. Each puzzle incorporates clues on local Yorkshire landmarks, signs, statues, monuments, images, engravings, and other eye-catching features.

Treasure Trails are a great solution to responsible entertainment during lockdown; they are local, socially-distanced, and can be incorporated into your daily exercise. Plus, anyone of any age can enjoy them – they’re not just for kids!There are more than 1,200 Treasure Trails across the UK and 83 to choose from across Yorkshire, including these top ten:

1.York Chocolate and Sweet Trail (Detective Mystery) – 1.25 hours, 1.25 miles
Explore York’s picturesque ‘chocolate-box’ streets, dive into the famous sweet museum, and unwrap amazing stories behind Terry’s, Rowntree and other kings of confectionery.

2.Sheffield – Heart of the City – Treasure Hunt, 2 hours, 1.8 miles
Explore the wonders of the tropical Winter Garden, marvel at the amazing architecture of iconic buildings, and uncover twisting tales from the past along the way.

3.Doncaster Detective Mystery – 2.5+ hours, 2.3 miles
This mystery starts in the middle of Doncaster and shows the different sides of this town of many faces. Solve clues via the theatre, museum, park, market, and old Roman fort.

4.Richmond Treasure Hunt – 2.5+ hours, 2 miles
This Trail follows thoroughfares, narrow lanes and riverside paths which offer fantastic views of the town and surrounding area. Highlights include Richmond Castle, Culloden Tower and the Georgian Theatre Royal.

5.Thirsk – Heart of Herriot County Treasure Hunt – 2.5+ hours, 2.5 miles
Starting and finishing in the marketplace, pass many key historical points of interest in the place where the author behind James Herriot practised as a vet.

6.Harrogate Pirates in Valley Gardens Treasure Hunt – 1.5+ hours, 1.2 miles
This picture clue-only Trail designed for younger adventurers is set within Valley Gardens.

7.Leeds City Centre – Yards and Arcades Detective Mystery – 2 hours, 1.75 miles
This Trail starts in the Trinity shopping centre and explores the varied arcades and yards of Leeds. Enjoy 'The Knightsbridge of the North' as you explore in and around the main thoroughfare of Briggate, as well as taking in the Minster and the Corn Exchange.

8.Halifax (Treasure Hunt) – 2 hours, 2 miles
Starting and finishing outside the stunning Grade I listed Piece Hall in Halifax, this Trail explores the fascinating streets, old and new. Be prepared for some surprises!

9.Skipton Spy Mission – 2 miles, 2 hours
Your mission will lead you along the canal towpath on a scenic walk behind the castle, before heading back to explore the centre of town and finish at the canal basin.

10.Whitby West Cliff & Pannett Park Spy Mission – 2 miles, 2 hours
This scenic Trail starts at Whitby Train Station and heads through the old shopping streets of Baxtergate before exploring the peace and tranquillity of Pannett Park. You will then head up to West Cliff to enjoy superb views across the harbour to the Abbey, before being guided back down to finish on West Pier.

“A Treasure Trail is a fun and challenging activity which can be enjoyed with your household, with the benefit of getting outside in the fresh air and discovering something completely new about Yorkshire and your local area,” said Aaron Hutchens, General Manager of Treasure Trails.

Treasure Trails are available to buy online at treasuretrails.co.uk; they can be downloaded as a printable PDF or posted as a printed booklet.