How to Be a Good Spy
Share
By Agent Penny Dropp
Pssst… over here.
The country is in trouble. Evil masterminds are plotting untold disruption in cities, towns and villages up and down the land, and even entire coasts! Gadgets are malfunctioning. Codes are cracking. The good citizens of the UK are mildly perturbed. And the pigeons? Don’t trust the pigeons.
That’s why Treasure Trails HQ has sent me, Agent Penny Dropp, to recruit YOU. Because when it comes to foiling dastardly plots, the UK needs sharp eyes, cool heads, and quick feet. In short, we need spies, and we need them fast!
Why we need good secret agents
Across the UK there are over 350 covert missions waiting to be cracked.
Villains are laying traps, planting devices, and hatching plans in hundreds of locations from Land's End to John o' Groats. Without our network of undercover agents, chaos will reign.
We need YOU to infiltrate enemy lines, gather intel, and neutralise threats before it’s too late. And yes, you’ll look extremely cool doing it.
What makes a good secret agent?
If you’ve got these qualities, you’re well on your way to double-oh greatness:
Observation: You notice things others don’t - a strange footprint, a loose tile, a suspicious moustache.
Agility / Stealth: You can blend into a crowd faster than you can say “invisible ink.”
Problem-Solving: You love cracking riddles, ciphers, and bad puns.
Disguise: You've mastered the art of concealing your identity with the minimum of fuss.
Plus, to be the best of the best, you'll also have these attributes:
Patience: You’ll wait for the perfect moment to strike (or sneak).
Calm under pressure: Even when the lasers start flashing.
Style: Optional… but recommended.
Top spies
Even the best need inspiration. Here are some of the greatest spies you can look up to (or down at, if you’re dangling precariously from the ceiling):
Ben Ripley (Spy School) - Schoolboy by day, spy-in-training by… well, also by day. (Books, ages 8–12)
Kim Possible - Teen spy who saves the world between cheerleading practice and homework. (Disney, ages 6+)
Alex Rider - Teenage MI6 recruit taking on missions adults refuse to touch. (Books & TV, ages 10+)
The M.I. High Team - Students with gadgets, secret tunnels, and brilliant teamwork. (CBBC, ages 7–12)
Harriet the Spy - Outspoken and curious budding writer and secret agent who spies on everyone! (Apple TV / book series, ages 9+)
More research ideas:
Official Spy Handbook by Usborne - Everything a good spy needs to know about secret codes, disguises, shadowing, and observation skills. (Book, ages 7+)
Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter - Gallagher Academy claims to be a school for geniuses, but it is really a school for spies. (Book, ages 12+)
Spies in Disguise - When the world's best spy is turned into a pigeon, he must rely on his nerdy tech officer to save the world. (Film, 2019 - PG)
Penguins of Madagascar - Four penguins team up with a North Wind intelligence agency to stop an evil octopus called Dave. (Film, 2014 - U)
Born to Spy - Yu Na and Min Park discover that their parents are actually international spies. (BBC iPlayer, ages 6+)
Secret agent name generator
Before you can hit the field, you’ll need a proper spy codename. Lucky for you, I’ve got just the thing:
👉 Your favourite colour + the last thing you ate.
Examples:
Agent Green Porridge
Agent Pink Banana
Agent Purple Curry
Write it down, memorise it, destroy your note, and never tell a soul (except your squad).
Start your spy training
HQ has prepared everything you need to sharpen your skills:
Tackle these Virtual Spy Mission Trails to hone your observation and clue-solving skills before you head out into the field:
Foul Play at the Palace
Virtually search the area around Buckingham Palace to stop the grounds being overrun with feathery friends! SOLVE IT HERE
Find Bella’s Boo
Help Ghost Agent Bello Boo get her 'boo' back in this spooky Virtual Trail. SOLVE IT HERE
Or get some serious code-breaking practice in by writing and decoding secret messages using our Secret Message Decoders.
Whichever you choose to complete, you’ll be a certified spy operative before you know it.
Accept your mission...
Now the real fun begins. Here's what your Spy Mission Treasure Trail includes:
- Your top secret brief, giving you an overview of your mission and the evil protagonist you are up against. Don't worry, there's nothing scary in there, just light-hearted fun and a code to crack.
- Trail information, including info on terrain, parking and suggested stops for refreshments and comfort breaks.
- Instructions on where to begin, so that your mission can get off to a flying start.
- Clear directions, which will lead you from clue to clue along the fixed route.
- A set of clues, all based on existing permanent features in your chosen location. You'll be examining plaques, sculptures, inscriptions and other fascinating features in order to gather the intel you need.
- How to use our 'Stuck on a clue' help system (a little backup to ensure that no Trail goes unsolved!).
- Your mission answer grid and combination box. Every clue answer will slot into the grid. Once you've completed your assignment, you'll use your answers to reveal the solution code.
You'll then submit your answer to find out if you're right!
MISSION COMPLETE!
Printed booklet / PDF download
The Treasure Trails App
Where will you explore?
It’s time to put your training to the test. Will you save city dwellers, foil dastardly plans in rural villages, or protect seaside towns from villainy?
There are over 350 missions across the UK, just waiting for YOU to crack the code and save the day.
🕵️ Search for your nearest Trail and select the green ones to pick up your first mission. Time is ticking - these cities, towns and villages won't save themselves!
Agents - the world is counting on you.
Over and out,
Agent Penny Dropp
Department of Covert Operations
"The best spies leave no trace… except maybe a few biscuit crumbs."
