Taunton Park, Castle and Riverside
Taunton Park, Castle and Riverside
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Treasure Hunt Trail
Treasure
Hunt
2+ Hours
2 miles
Accessible
Accessible
Dog
Friendly
The Curious Case of the Catapulted Codex
Something strange has happened in Taunton...
A legendary book, said to contain the town's most peculiar secrets, has been accidentally scattered far and wide, across parks, pavements and plaques. Pages have been spotted fluttering down near fountains, wedged behind war memorials and (according to one slightly breathless historian) roosting with pigeons.
No one knows exactly what happened. It was a normal fete in full swing. Then, all of a sudden... THWANG! One unexpected trebuchet firing later and pages, as well as pandemonium, were raining down on all and sundry.
All we know is this: many pages are still missing... and only the sharpest minds can solve the clues, follow the Trail and uncover where the scattered pages landed. Are YOU ready to take on the most bewildering book hunt in Somerset?
Treasure Hunt Through Taunton
Looking for something fun and unusual to do in Taunton with friends or family?
This self-guided treasure hunt will have you scouring the town for clues hidden in plain sight - etched in stone, nestled in parks, or even disguised in dragons! Starting and ending near the town centre, you'll explore historic buildings, riverside paths and leafy green spaces... all while chasing a mystery, that's been centuries in the making.
The Details
- A self-guided treasure hunt walking Trail around Taunton, Somerset
- Ideal for kids aged 6 - 106!
- 2-mile 'loop' Trail (takes 2+ hours to complete at your own pace).
- Text message service with clues if you get stuck.
- Solve 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 Taunton Treasure Trail starts at:
Taunton Library
Paul Street
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 3XZ
England
Park next to the start point, at Orchard Shoppers multi-storey pay and display car park
Paul Street
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 3XZ
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
Before You Begin Your Folio-Finding Quest...
Easy to Navigate - The Trail is fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, with flat pavements, well-kept paths and gentle gradients throughout. Whether you're pushing a buggy or just dragging your feet like a tired monk, it’s a smooth scroll from start to finish!
Bring Your Furry Footnotes - Dogs are welcome to join the search! You’ll pass through dog-friendly green spaces like Vivary Park and Goodland Gardens, perfect for a tail-wagging leg stretch. Just keep them on a lead and check local signs as you go - Brother Quilliam wasn’t a fan of muddy paw prints on his manuscripts.
Getting There - The Trail starts and ends at the Library, beside Orchard Multi-Storey car park on Paul Street, (TA1 3XZ - W3W: ///glare.plank.marble), right in the heart of Taunton. As there are so many lovely things to explore while completing your quest, we strongly advise a MINIMUM of 3 hours parking here. If arriving by alternative means, you’re just a short walk from Taunton Station and The Parade bus stop.
Need the Loo? - Public toilets are available at Castle Green at Clue 07 (daytime hours) and at Canon Street car park, which you'll pass between Clues 13 and 14. (Or if you're picking up provisions from Taunton M&S near the start / end of the Trail you could always sneak into their loos!)
Other Pit Stop Places - From hidden gems to high street favourites, the Trail passes shops, snack stops, and scenic benches for mid-quest rests. Keep your eyes peeled - you never know where a clue might be lurking!
Heads Up! - Vivary Park gates close at dusk, so if you’re starting later in the day, aim to reach the final leafy chapters of your adventure before the sun sets. You don’t want to be locked out before you’ve cracked the final clues!
Want to Make a Day of It?
Uncover More Tauntony Tales - After solving the mystery, why not head inside the Museum of Somerset (free entry, though suggested donation of £5 per person) at Taunton Castle? It’s packed with fascinating artefacts, curious stories, and possibly even a spare scroll or two.
Picnic Like a Pro - Vivary Park is perfect for a post-Trail picnic or a celebratory ice cream. With its ornamental gardens, bandstand, and mini golf course, it’s a top spot for recharging your clue-cracking batteries.
Wander the Waterways - Take a relaxing stroll along the River Tone, just minutes from the Trail route. There are ducks to spot, benches to perch on, and a scenic calm that even Brother Quilliam would approve of.
Refuel and Reflect - The town centre offers plenty of cosy cafés and independent eateries. Whether you’re after a celebratory slice of cake or a medieval-style feast (okay, maybe just a panini), you’ll find something for every adventurer’s appetite.
Take the Trail Further - Still got energy to burn? Hop on a bus or train to nearby sites like Hestercombe Gardens or the West Somerset Railway for a full day of exploring Somerset’s finest secrets.
