Chipping Campden - Old Town & Ways

Essential Intel

Two clues in the earlier part of your quest are set in the Ernest Wilson Memorial Gardens, which are open daily from dawn till dusk, so please make sure you leave plenty of time to solve these clues. More information is available from the Ernest Wilson Memorial Gardens website.

The School Car Park on Cidermill Lane is only available during evenings, weekends and school holidays, so check your parking plans before you set off.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Chipping Campden Old Town & Ways, with Explorers helping Sam Straw beat the Campden Kleptos to a servant's hidden hoard, rediscovered from old instructions, before they do.

The quest covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin at the School Car Park entrance on Cidermill Lane, investigate the Ernest Wilson Memorial Gardens, head into the town centre and High Street, explore the Market Hall, continue via Sheep Street, tackle the steps up to the almshouses, and search around historic stops including the Parish Church of St James.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route mostly follows pavements, but it includes busy roads with often no dedicated crossing places, a narrow pavement on one stretch, and steps up to the almshouses.

Take care around parked cars and moving traffic, keep Mini Explorers close near the roads, and do not go into the second cemetery. Stay alert for the Campden Kleptos too - Sam Straw is counting on you.

Getting There

By car: Start at the School Car Park entrance, Cidermill Lane (GL55 6HU). The recommended parking is School Car Park, Cidermill Lane (GL55 6HU). The Trail was written from here, but this car park is only available during evenings, weekends and school holidays.

If you start at a point other than Clue 1, you need to return to the School Car Park to pick up Clue 1. Otherwise, the Trail finishes back at your car.

By public transport: Make your way to the School Car Park entrance on Cidermill Lane (GL55 6HU) to begin the quest.

Need the Loo?

There are toilets in Sheep Street at Clue 16, about half way round the route - a handy mid-quest comfort stop before the treasure trail tightens around the Campden Kleptos.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers can come along for the adventure 🐾

The route mostly follows pavements, but there are busy roads with often no dedicated crossing places, parked cars, moving traffic, a narrow pavement on one stretch and steps up to the almshouses, so keep canine companions close throughout.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure hunting through Chipping Campden works up an appetite. There are plenty of places to pick up provisions along High Street, so your crew can refuel while Sam Straw's rivals are still rummaging in the wrong direction.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Ernest Wilson Memorial Gardens

The quest visits the Ernest Wilson Memorial Gardens early on, with two clues set here. The gardens are open daily from dawn till dusk, so allow enough time to enjoy the stop and solve the clues before they close.

Market Hall

The route heads into the Market Hall for several clues, making it one of the key town-centre stops on the quest. Built by a sir and later a baron, it is well worth a slower look once your treasure-hunting calculations are complete.

Parish Church of St James

The Parish Church of St James is described as one of the finest of the Cotswold Wool Churches. Mostly dating back some 500 years, it is noted for its magnificent tower, some fine brasses and a spacious interior - a cracking extra for Explorers who like their treasure quests with a side of grand local history.

Lady Juliana's Arch and Campden House remains

Lady Juliana's Arch forms part of the now derelict Campden House. Built from 1613-20, it was destroyed by fire in 1645 during the Civil War, and its remains include the Gatehouse next to the entrance to St James Church.

Grevel House

On the way into the town centre, the Trail passes Grevel House, described as the oldest house in town. Look out for its charming stained glass windows before pressing on with Sam Straw's hunt for the hoard.