Newcastle - Toon & St James' Park

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Newcastle Toon & St James' Park, with Explorers helping Wor Jackie track down a secret recipe buried on an island before rival supporters get there first.

The quest covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2.5 hours to complete. You'll explore Newcastle city centre from Newcastle Central Station, taking in city-centre streets and landmarks including St Mary's Cathedral, the city walls, Eldon Square near Clue 09 and St James' Park before returning to the station at the end.

We believe the route is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, but there are inclines to go up and a wheelchair user would need some assistance. One clue involves four steps to go and inspect a column by a door, then whoever checks the column returns to the pavement. There are also broad steps by St Mary's Cathedral, with wheelchair access to the right.

The route includes busy road crossings, a cobbled street, an incline beside the city walls and inclines elsewhere on the route. Pedestrian crossings are available at most busy roads, but keep Mini Explorers close around the busy city-centre roads and take care where the route passes close to the city walls.

Getting There

By car: The Trail starts at Newcastle Central Station (NE1 5DL), using ///brand.sleeps.emerge. There are many car parks in the area, such as Grainger Town Multi-Storey (NE1 4DP).

By public transport: The Metro stops at Central Station, so make your way there to begin the treasure hunt. The Trail starts and finishes at Central Station, so you'll return to the starting point once Wor Jackie's recipe has been tracked down.

Need the Loo?

Toilets are available in Central Train Station at the start and finish point, and there are loos in Eldon Square near Clue 09.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers can accompany you on this city-centre quest 🐾

Dogs must be kept on a lead because the route goes around a busy city centre. Expect busy roads, pedestrian crossings, a cobbled street, inclines, steps and stretches close to the city walls, so keep canine companions close while your team follows the clues.

Food & Drink Stops

Recipe-hunting is thirsty work, but there are many opportunities for refreshments along the Trail, so your crew should have plenty of chances to refuel while exploring Newcastle city centre.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Grainger Market

Grainger Market is definitely worth an optional detour. This Grade I listed market dates from 1835 and houses Marks & Spencer's Penny Bazaar, the smallest M&S in the world, as well as an original Victorian weigh house still in operation.

St James' Park

St James' Park adds some proper Toon character to the quest. The pitch was not flat and used to slope by about 2 metres from end to end, with Newcastle often playing uphill first before charging downhill towards the Gallowgate in the second half. It was once compared to kicking uphill on a golf course.

The Lit & Phil

The Literary & Philosophical Society was founded in 1793. In 1879 Joseph Swan demonstrated his electric light bulb here, making it the first public building in the world to be illuminated by electricity - a bright little extra for Explorers who like their treasure hunts with a spark of history.

Central Station

Central Station is more than just the start and finish point. Designed in the classical style by John Dobson and opened in 1850, it is regarded as Britain's finest train station and is said to be the first covered train station in the world. Around 8 million passengers a year use it.

Grey's Monument

Grey's Monument is a popular meeting place in the city centre and one of the places that Ifor forgot. Once the secret recipe has been safely pursued, it is a handy landmark for pausing, regrouping and soaking up a bit more city-centre atmosphere.