Weymouth - Esplanade & Gardens
Weymouth - Esplanade & Gardens
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Treasure Hunt Trail
Treasure
Hunt
2+ Hours
2.3 miles
Accessible
Accessible
Dog
Friendly
Sandy, the Missing Mermaid - A Treasure Hunt Adventure for the Whole Family
For nearly 100 years, sand sculptures have been a beloved part of Weymouth. Legend has it that the first sculpture, a stunning mermaid named Sandy Scales, came to life and disappeared into the sea one night. She now protects a trove of precious gems collected by her sculptor, Shay Pitt.
But with a grand Sand Festival coming to town, Bryony Sea is determined to find Sandy and bring her back home. Armed with a map and set of clever clues, she has tasked the Exploration Society with a quest. Now, it's up to YOU-our top adventurers-to crack the clues and seek out Sandy and the gems.
Treasure Hunt Through Weymouth - Esplanade & Gardens
Looking for a fun day out with family and friends or a memorable adventure with the kids? Look no further than this self-guided Treasure Hunt through Weymouth. As you follow the circular route, you'll explore the Pavilion and Gardens on the seafront, diverting to see where Thomas Hardy wrote his first novel and discovering sneaky clues in Greenhill Gardens.
The Outdoor Escape Room is open… Can YOU find Sandy and uncover the hidden gems?
The Details
- A Treasure Hunt themed walking Treasure Trail around Weymouth
- Ideal for discovering more about where you live or exploring somewhere new
- Trails are done in your own time at your own pace
- This Trail is approximately 2.3 miles long and takes around 2 hours to complete
- This Trail is suitable for all ages from 4 - 106 (no children necessary!)
- One Trail booklet is enough for 4-5 people
- Chance to win some real Treasure! All correct answers are entered into the monthly £100 prize draw
- Circular loop Trail
- Mobile phone text service for clue answers if you get stuck, ensuring that no mystery goes unsolved
- This Trail can be sent to you in the post or downloaded today for instant Trailing fun!
Trail Location
Trail Location
The Weymouth Esplanade & Gardens Treasure Trail starts at:
Pavilion Theatre
Esplanade
Weymouth
Dorset
DT4 8ED
England
Mini Explorer Club
Mini Explorer Club
We have three super duper themed Clubs for your child to enjoy as part of their Treasure Trail experience.
Perfect for 4-8 year olds, the concept behind the Clubs is that your child will get a bundle of goodies to excite
them about their forthcoming Trail experience, something to keep them entertained whilst travelling to and from
the Trail, and something to be given on completion of the Trail as a keepsake.
Show more »
What is a Treasure Trail?
What is a Treasure Trail?
Before You Set Off
Before You Set Off
PLEASE NOTE - This Trail used to be called Weymouth Seafront and then Weymouth Pavilion & Gardens before undergoing a major rewrite in February 2026.
Navigating The Route
This is a circular Treasure Hunt along Weymouth’s Esplanade and up into Greenhill Gardens, with explorers following pavements, seafront paths and garden walkways as they track down Sandy Scales and her sparkling stash.
The route follows paved paths and promenades throughout, making it suitable for both wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Important: You will be travelling along busy seafront roads, crossing streets and walking close to the beach and open water, so explorers should use crossings where available, stay alert at all times and keep younger adventurers under close supervision. Take extra care near the seafront and when using the subway to pass beneath the road.
Getting There
By car: There is a pay and display car park by the Pavilion Theatre (DT4 8ED), right at the start of your adventure. A park and ride service operates from Mount Pleasant (DT3 5HJ), offering a handy alternative way to reach the seafront without needing to drive into town.
By public transport: Frequent local train services run from Bournemouth and Poole, with the train station being a 15-minute walk from the start point of this Trail.
Need the Loo?
Even the most intrepid explorers need a quick pit stop! Toilets can be found along the seafront near Clue 19, making it a useful stop later in your adventure as you loop back towards the finish.
Bring Your Furry Sidekicks
Four-legged explorers are welcome on the quest 🐾. With a long stretch of promenade and open green space to explore, it’s a great outing for dogs - just keep leads handy near roads, crowds and along the beach.
Food & Drink Stops
Treasure hunting is hungry work! There are plenty of opportunities for refreshments along the Esplanade, with cafés, kiosks and seaside treats available throughout your quest.
Don’t miss the chance to stop at Rossi’s ice cream parlour, one of Britain’s oldest - perfect fuel for pushing on with your search. If the sun’s shining, packing a picnic for Greenhill Gardens (around Clues 11-13), or at any point along the seafront, is a top-tier explorer move.
Want to Make a Day of It?
Seafront Strolls and Classic Coastal Views
Weymouth’s sweeping Esplanade offers classic seaside scenery, with beach, bay and big skies keeping your quest feeling bright and breezy.
Gardens, Clifftops and a Breather Spot
Greenhill Gardens provide a peaceful contrast to the lively seafront - a great place to pause, recharge and enjoy the view before diving back into the hunt.
Sculptures, Sand and Seaside Stories
With sand art, historic landmarks and royal seaside connections woven through the route, there’s plenty to explore even after the treasure is (hopefully) found.
