These are our top-selling Trails in the area...

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The mystery of the not-so-Roman remains

Essex | Detective Mystery theme

Catch the culprit behind Ivor Togaron's library demise!

Budding detectives - we have a new case for you!

This self-guided detective mystery Trail begins at the Mercury Theatre, and will soon...

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The Maldon mud race mystery

Essex | Treasure Hunt theme

Help May Winnacup solve clues to find the 16th-century smuggler's stash!

Ace adventurers - it's your time to shine!

Your self-guided treasure hunt will take you on a quest through the heart of one...

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The Southend-on-Sea: Seafront and Cliffs Treasure Trail

Locate the portal to bring Barnaby back home!

Essex | Treasure Hunt theme

Help Barnaby Wild decode clues and escape Northstart!

Are you looking for something to do with family and friends or seeking a fun day out with the kids in Southend-on-Sea?

Then...

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The curious case of the billionaire inventor…

Essex | Detective Mystery theme

Solve the clues to crack the case of Rich Spondulicks’ bathtub death!

Time to make a splash, super sleuths!

Your self-guided detective mystery will have you investigating a crime scene in Chelmsford, the county town...

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Sale price: Only £9.99
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Things to do in Essex

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Explore Essex with a Treasure Trail

Pssst… Did you know we have over 1,200 Trails all over the UK? If you’re looking for things to do in Essex, a self-guided walk will tick all the boxes. Click the markers on the map above, check out the sites listed in alphabetical order below the map, or find a specific place using the search bar. Keep reading to find out more about your Trail adventure…

Treasure Trails turn self-guided walks into thrilling pursuits as you navigate your way...

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Treasure Trails turn self-guided walks into thrilling pursuits as you navigate your way around your chosen route in search of the all-important clues to crack the secret code and save the day! Our Trails will delight explorers of all ages, from 6 to 106, as they immerse themselves in their chosen story with an eye on the prize. Whether you choose a super spy mission or a puzzling detective mystery, you’ll experience Essex with new eyes. Which Trail will tempt you first?

Essex is a county chock-full of surprises! From historical Roman roots in Colchester (the UK’s first city) to its 350 miles of stunning coastline, there are plenty of places to explore and things to do in Essex. Take your pick from 13 Treasure Trails dotted across the county and venture into the unknown (or really familiar, if you prefer!) as you learn more about this vast and varied area.

Start in Saffron Walden, where a dastardly Doctor has devised a sneaky plan that only the TOP secret agents can foil. Can you track down the clues to deactivate the foul-smelling device before it creates a stink? Head further south to historic Chelmsford to hunt down some time-travelling treasure and learn more about the town’s waterways. Meanwhile, in the Roman town of Colchester, there’s a detective mystery to solve! Do you have what it takes to catch the bad guys red-handed?

For a fun day out in Essex, take your first intrepid step on a Treasure Trail and make amazing memories along the way. This county has even more to it than meets the eye, so set off on your own voyage of discovery and uncover its hidden gems for yourself.

Discover all of Essex’s fantastic Treasure Trails in the list underneath the map. To find somewhere more specific to your location, scroll up to the top of the page for a map view, or enter the place you’d like to explore into the search bar.

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CollecTrailsion: Essex

Explore Essex with a Treasure Trail

Essex is a county chock-full of surprises! From historical Roman roots in Colchester...

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Colchester - Castle & Riverside

The mystery of the not-so-Roman remains

Essex | Detective Mystery theme

Catch the culprit behind Ivor Togaron's library demise!

Budding detectives - we have a new case for you!
This self-guided detective mystery Trail begins at the Mercury Theatre, and will soon...

Regular price

Only £9.99

Sale price

Only £9.99

Regular price

Unit price

per

Please choose a value to continue

Buy Now
Maldon - Estuary, Quays & Park

The Maldon mud race mystery

Essex | Treasure Hunt theme

Help May Winnacup solve clues to find the 16th-century smuggler's stash!

Ace adventurers - it's your time to shine!
Your self-guided treasure hunt will take you on a quest through the heart of one...

Regular price

Only £9.99

Sale price

Only £9.99

Regular price

Unit price

per

Please choose a value to continue

Buy Now
Southend-on-Sea - Seafront & Cliffs

Locate the portal to bring Barnaby back home!

Essex | Treasure Hunt theme

Help Barnaby Wild decode clues and escape Northstart!

Are you looking for something to do with family and friends or seeking a fun day out with the kids in Southend-on-Sea?
Then...

Regular price

Only £9.99

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Only £9.99

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per

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Chelmsford - Cathedral & Park

The curious case of the billionaire inventor…

Essex | Detective Mystery theme

Solve the clues to crack the case of Rich Spondulicks’ bathtub death!

Time to make a splash, super sleuths!
Your self-guided detective mystery will have you investigating a crime scene in Chelmsford, the county town...

Regular price

Only £9.99

Sale price

Only £9.99

Regular price

Unit price

per

Please choose a value to continue

Buy Now
Dedham - Churchyard & Park

Track down the priceless pinched painting!

Essex | Treasure Hunt theme

Follow the clues to find Dedham's stolen masterpiece!

There's a priceless prize to be tracked down!
Your self-guided treasure hunt adventure will take you through the heart of Dedham, unlocking fascinating...

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Chelmsford - River & Canals

Time-travelling treasure or terrible trick?

Essex | Treasure Hunt theme

Decode the clues and uncover the mystery in Chelmsford!

Water palaver, ace adventurers!
Your self-guided treasure hunt will take you on an expedition along Chelmsford's historic waterways. From Springfield Basin, you'll boldly...

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Only £9.99

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Temporarily offline Why?

Why is Chelmsford - River & Canals offline?

This Trail is offline due to some essential works that have been scheduled along the route, which disrupts several Clues. These works started in September 2023 and are due to last for at least 6 months. We apologise for any disappointment caused during this time and will obviously endeavour to bring the Trail back online as soon as we possibly can. Thank you for your patience and co-operation during this time.
Saffron Walden - Gardens & Castle Ruins

Can you thwart evil genius Dr. Mal Content?!

Essex | Spy Mission theme

Stop Dr. Mal Content from unleashing saffron-stained mist!

Top-secret agents - we need you!
Your self-guided spy mission will take you on a top-secret assignment around Saffron Walden. You'll tiptoe past...

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Only £9.99

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Only £9.99

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Mistley - Riverside & Towers

Has the notorious Witchfinder returned?!

Essex | Detective Mystery theme

Solve Lavender Poultiss' eerie warehouse death!

Are you looking for something to do with family and friends or seeking a fun day out with the kids in Mistley?
Then...

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Rayleigh - Windmill Gardens & Mount

Can you unmask the 'Rayleigh Otter'?

Essex | Detective Mystery theme

Solve the clues to catch Tarka Dahl's killer after his demise in the pool!

Are you looking for something to do with family and friends or seeking a fun day out with the kids in Rayleigh?
Then...

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Tiptree to Tollesbury - Saxon Villages

DCI Teresa Growin needs your help solving a jammy crime!

Essex | Detective Mystery theme

Clear Marnie Lade's name in Ros Berry's sticky end investigation!

Are you looking for something to do with family and friends or seeking a fun day out with the kids in Essex?
...

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Burnham-on-Crouch - Harbour & Marshland

Bungling cat burglar caught red-handed!

Essex | Detective Mystery theme

Solve the cold case of Bernard N. Crouch's houseboat break-in!

Are you looking for something to do with family and friends or seeking a fun day out with the kids in Burnham-on-Crouch?
Then...

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Harwich - Seafront, Quay & Pier

Is fisherman Sid Salmon the culprit or is something fishy going on?

Essex | Detective Mystery theme

Help DCI Walter Palaver untangle the clues around Sid Salmon's framing!

Are you looking for something to do with family and friends or seeking a fun day out with the kids in Harwich?
...

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Essex Village Trio - Historic Links & Scenery

Can you put a stop to Malisha Sintent's dastardly plan?!

Essex | Treasure Hunt theme

Find Malisha Sintent's hidden pet collars across Essex and save the day!

Are you looking for something to do with family and friends or seeking a fun day out with the kids in North...

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Temporarily offline Why?

Why is Essex Village Trio - Historic Links & Scenery offline?
We're really sorry but this Trail is currently unavailable to buy. We're working hard to resolve this as quickly as possible, so please bear with us. If you would like to know more, please contact us, or why not try one of our other exciting adventures nearby?