Dora the Explorer - proof that age is no barrier to adventure. (Paramount / Amazon Prime / AppleTV, ages 3-7)

Moana - sailed beyond the reef to discover herself and save her people. (Disney, PG Certificate)

Captain Jack Sparrow - a bit slippery, but no one knows treasure hunting better. (Pirates of the Caribbean, ages 12+)

Lara Croft (Tomb Raider) - fearless, fierce, and never without her wits. (Games/films, 10+)

The Octonauts - underwater explorers who protect sea creatures while uncovering hidden wonders. (CBeebies, ages 4-8)

Jacoby Blunt, Jasmine Peacock, & Neo Splice - all students at the elite Pirate Academy embarking on thrilling adventures filled with unexpected twists and double-crossing characters. (Books by Justin Somper, ages 8+)

Alastair Humphreys' Great Adventurers - the incredible expeditions of 20 real life explorers. (Book, ages 7+)

How to be an explorer by Tiger Cox - hone your outdoor and survival skills ready for your next adventure! (Book, ages 5-11)

Any of the Indiana Jones films - learn how to dodge boulders from the pro! We have to confess to loving the two early films the best: Raiders of the Lost Ark (12A) or Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (PG).

Swashbuckle - join a team of daring young swashbucklers as they battle naughty priates and a stern Captain to win jewels for their treasure chest. Action-packed game show. (CBeebies, ages 4-8)

Doctor Who - time traveller who travels through time and space exploring new words. (BBC iPlayer, ages 12+)

Now, if we’re talking about true masters of finding treasure, look no further than the pirates. 

These salty seadogs braved uncharted waters, stormy skies, and all sorts of danger - and they still came home with the gold.

According to Justin Somper, author of the brilliant Pirate Academy series, young pirate apprentices need to develop skills in key areas including fitness, sailing, knots, navigation, treasure valuation, marine biology and extreme maritime survival.

The Pirate Academy flag features four key symbols that define what makes a great pirate: the sword stands for courage, the compass for navigation and direction in life, the anchor for staying grounded in pirate history, and the pearl for finding strength and treasure in tough situations. 

Justin goes on to say that "The qualities necessary to make a great pirate might also be highly relevant skills for any brave soul embarking on an adventure or quest with Treasure Trails!" 

And here’s your chance to prove you’ve got what it takes:

Want to win a copy of Justin Somper’s latest swashbuckling Pirate Academy adventure, Sword Echoes, along with a Treasure Trail for some real-life pirating? Just fill in this form and tell us:

*Denotes required information

By submitting your answer, you agree to the Competition T&Cs below, our Privacy Policy and to us contacting you from time to time with amazing offers, details of Trails, competitions and more. You can unsubscribe at any time. COMPETITION ENTRY DEADLINE: Midnight, Monday 1st September 2025.

Of course, no true explorer can set off without a proper name. Try this: 

👉 Your favourite animal + the last place you visited. 

Examples: 
 🦊 Fox Forest 
 🐢 Turtle Tesco 
 🦁 Lion London 

Write it down, wear it proudly, and let the hunt begin. 

Before you head out, make sure you’re ready for anything:

Tackle these Virtual Treasure Hunt Trails to sharpen your wits and clue-solving skills before you brave the wilds of the UK:

Help Buddy Find His Bone
Follow in Buddy the Dog's pawsteps around the globe to complete this Virtual Treasure Hunt! SOLVE IT HERE

Gilly's Giant Eggy Mess
Calling all sweet-toothed treasure seekers - with Easter preparations happening all year round, the Easter Bunny is in a sticky situation and needs your help! SOLVE IT HERE

Or try your hand at some of these activities, puzzles and games to get your young explorers in adventure mode:

However you prepare for your next treasure hunt-themed Treasure Trail, you'll still need to expect the unexpected on every quest!

Rusty Compass and the Temple of Doom...

Are you brave enough to conquer the Forgotten Jungle?

Now the real fun begins. Here's what your Treasure Hunt Treasure Trail includes:

• Your Explorer Quest Notes, giving you an overview of your adventure, the highly valuable item you're looking to locate, and who lost or buried it or why it's missing in the first place. Don't worry, there's nothing scary in there, just light-hearted fun and a treasure map.
• Trail information, including info on terrain, parking and suggested stops for refreshments and comfort breaks.
• Instructions on where to begin, so that your quest 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 answers you need.
• How to use our 'Stuck on a clue' help system (a little backup to ensure that no Trail goes unsolved!).
• Your treasure map. Every clue answer will eliminate one of the locations on your fictional map. Once you've completed your quest, you'll have one location remaining...

You'll then submit your answer to find out if you're right and tell us where to send the diggers!

TREASURE FOUND!

Printed booklet / PDF download

The Treasure Trails App

Now it’s time for the real deal. Will you hunt for treasure through busy city streets? Or wander into quiet villages where secrets have lain hidden for centuries? 

With over 450 treasure hunts waiting across the UK, your next adventure is just a click away. 

🔎 Search for Your Nearest Trail and select one of the red ones to start your quest. Those missing artefacts and treasure chests won't unbury themselves...

• There are 10 prizes consisting of a Treasure Trails Voucher plus a copy of Sword Echoes by Justin Somper up for grabs.
• A Treasure Trails Voucher is valid for a Printed or Download version of any Trail available for sale on our website.
• Open to UK residents, excluding employees of Treasure Trails.
• 10 winners will be chosen at random from all form entries.
• Only one entry per person/email address.
• The closing date for entries is midnight on Monday 1st September 2025.
• The judges’ decision is final.
• Entry is via the entry form on this page only.
• Winners will be notified and emailed with their Voucher Code within five days of the closing date and be asked to provide a delivery address to receive their book, which will be posted direct from the publishers. 
• The winners' names and entries will be available on request.
• The promoter is Armstrong Best Ltd t/a Treasure Trails, Truro.
• By participating in this prize draw, entrants confirm they have read, understood and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.