Hythe - Town, Crypt & Seafront
Hythe - Town, Crypt & Seafront
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Treasure Hunt Trail
Treasure
Hunt
2+ Hours
2.2 miles
Not
Accessible
Not
Accessible
Dog
Friendly
Haunting Issues in Hythe? Old Wailer's on the Wharfpath
Back in 1157, when Hythe was one of England's mighty Cinque Ports, keeping the town safe was serious business. An important local port planner drew up important defence details packed with secret hiding places and clever coastal tricks. To protect them, he hid the documents beneath St Leonard's Church, then managed to forgot exactly where.
By the time he remembered, the plans had vanished! Legend reckons that ghostly Old Wailer discovered them first and whisked them away to his cosy Hythe hideout. Now the spooky old spectre guards them closely, drifting through the town and spooking anyone who gets too close.
Can YOU track down Old Wailer's hidey-hole and recover the missing plans before they're lost forever?
Hunt for Hythe's Critical Missing Port Plans!
Prepare for a spooky self-guided Treasure Hunt through Hythe's historic streets, hillside paths, canal towpaths and seafront. Beginning at Hythe Town Hall, your quest will lead you to ancient churches, along hidden lanes, around military landmarks and along the coast as you follow the trail of clues.
Along the way, you'll eliminate false map locations one by one while uncovering fascinating snippets of Hythe's Cinque Port history, eerie legends and secretive past. Expect some steep hills and steps early on, plus stretches beside open water, but plenty of spectacular views and ghost-hunting opportunities too.
Do you have what it takes to outwit Old Wailer the Wisp and uncover where the missing plans have really been hidden?
The Details
- A self-guided treasure hunt walking Trail around Hythe, Kent.
- Ideal for kids aged 6 – 106!
- 2.2-mile ‘loop’ Trail (takes 2+ hours to complete at your own pace).
- Text message service with clues if you get stuck.
- Complete the quest and be entered into a £100 monthly draw.
- Learn more about where you live or explore somewhere new.
- Download your Trail now for instant fun (or receive your copy in the post)!
Trail Location
Trail Location
The Hythe Town, Crypt & Seafront Treasure Trail starts at:
Hythe Town Hall
High Street
Hythe
Kent
CT21 5AJ
England
Parking is available at Mount Street car park, off Prospect Road
Mount Street
Tonbridge
Kent
CT21 5AL
England
Mini Explorer Club
Mini Explorer Club
We have three super duper themed Clubs for your child to enjoy as part of their Treasure Trail experience.
Perfect for 4-8 year olds, the concept behind the Clubs is that your child will get a bundle of goodies to excite
them about their forthcoming Trail experience, something to keep them entertained whilst travelling to and from
the Trail, and something to be given on completion of the Trail as a keepsake.
Show more »
What is a Treasure Trail?
What is a Treasure Trail?
Before You Set Off
Before You Set Off
Navigating The Route
This is a circular Treasure Hunt through Hythe’s historic town, churchyard, canal paths and seafront, with explorers following pavements, pathways and waterside routes as they track down Old Wailer’s secret hideout and recover the missing plans.
The route is mostly paved, but includes steps and some steep hills at the start, followed by a fairly level route after Clue 06, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Important: You will encounter roads without pavements, narrow lanes and stretches beside open, unfenced water along the canal and seafront, so explorers should stay alert at all times, walk carefully and keep younger adventurers under close supervision. Extra care is needed near the water’s edge.
Getting There
By car: Mount Street Car Park (CT21 5AL) is your best option, just a short walk from the start point.
By public transport: Hythe is served by local bus routes, with the closest stops to the start of your quest being from either end of High Street, at either Red Lion Square, or Douglas Avenue.
Your adventure begins at Hythe Town Hall on High Street, (CT21 5AJ).
Need the Loo?
Even the boldest explorers need a quick pit stop!
Toilets can be found near the start car park, again near Clue 13, along the prom between Clues 13-14 and then again on the road side of Waitrose at Clue 17, giving you several well-timed opportunities to pause during your quest.
Bring Your Furry Sidekicks
Four-legged explorers are welcome on the quest!
With a mix of town streets, canal paths and seafront stretches, it’s a great outing for dogs - just keep leads handy near roads, near any stretches of water and in busier areas.
Food & Drink Stops
If you’re looking to stock up, the town centre between Clues 06 and 08 is your best bet, with shops and cafés offering supplies and treats.
If the weather’s kind, there are some brilliant picnic spots along the seafront, beach or beside the canal, perfect for a scenic mid-quest break.
Want to Make a Day of It?
Seafront Wandering and Coastal Views
Hythe’s seafront provides a breezy, open stretch of your quest, with big skies and sea views helping you shake off any ghostly nerves.
Canal Paths and Quiet Moments
The Royal Military Canal offers a calmer, scenic section of the adventure - just the sort of place where a sneaky spirit might slip by unnoticed…
Optional Detour - Miniature Railway Adventure
If you fancy a short extra outing, take a 10-minute walk off the Trail route to discover the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, a one-third scale line with a surprisingly big history, including wartime use.
Optional Detour - Martello Towers
From the seafront, you can also extend your walk towards Martello Towers 14 and 15, historic coastal defences visible in the distance. They sit on MOD land, so admire from afar, especially if red flags are flying.
