Alice Holt Forest - Footpaths and Pond
Alice Holt Forest - Footpaths and Pond
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Treasure Hunt Trail
Treasure
Hunt
3 Hours
3 miles
Not
Accessible
Not
Accessible
Dog
Friendly
The Golden Bark - A Treasure Hunt Through Alice Holt Forest
Many years ago, a local lumberjack named Tim Burr stumbled upon a perfectly preserved piece of Roman pottery in Alice Holt Forest. To his amazement, it was filled with gold coins! Eager to keep the treasure for himself, Tim decided to hide the pot inside a hollowed-out tree trunk, planning to retrieve it at the port. But fate had other plans.
The tree trunk containing the gold was used to build a new ship, The Golden Bark, which sailed away into the sunset. The treasure was lost, until now. The wreck of The Golden Bark has been discovered in shallow waters, along with the ship's logbook containing a map and clues to the mast's final resting place. But the logbook makes no mention of the gold, leading to speculation that it may still be hidden within the mast...
The Mystery of the Missing Gold
Embark on an exciting self-guided Treasure Hunt through Alice Holt Forest, where you'll follow in the footsteps of Tim Burr and search for the lost treasure of The Golden Bark. As you make your way through the forest, keep your eyes peeled for cleverly concealed clues hidden in the trees, along the footpaths, and near the pond.
But be warned, the forest is full of surprises and twists and turns that will challenge even the most daring adventurers. Will YOU be the one to crack the code and uncover the pot of gold that sailed away?
The forest is calling... Will YOU accept the challenge and embark on this exciting adventure?
The Details
- A self-guided treasure hunt walking Trail around Alice Holt Forest.
- Ideal for kids aged 6 - 106!
- 3-mile 'loop' Trail (takes 3 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 Alice Holt Forest Treasure Trail starts at:
Alice Holt Forest Visitor Centre
Bucks Horn Oak
Farnham
Hampshire
GU10 4LS
England
Alice Holt Forest car park
Bucks Horn Oak
Farnham
Hampshire
GU10 4LS
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 Alice Holt Forest, with explorers following woodland trails, footpaths and forest tracks as they track down the lost Roman pot of gold hidden within the missing mast.
The route includes narrow paths, tree roots, slopes, mud and steps, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Important: You will be walking on uneven woodland terrain shared with cyclists and other forest users, so explorers should watch their footing, stay alert at all times and keep younger adventurers under close supervision. Take extra care on muddy patches, exposed roots and slopes, and be mindful of bikes along wider paths.
Getting There
By car: Alice Holt Forest, Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham (GU10 4LS) - park at the Visitor Centre car park (Forestry England charges apply).
By public transport: Take the bus from Aldershot or Farnham for an easy 15-minute walk to the visitor centre. You can also take the train to Bentley for a longer walk through the forest.
Need the Loo?
Even the boldest explorers need a quick pit stop! Toilets are available at the Visitor Centre at the start and finish of your adventure, but there are no facilities out in the forest, so it’s important to plan ahead before heading deeper into your quest.
Bring Your Furry Sidekicks
Four-legged explorers are welcome on the quest 🐾
With miles of woodland trails to explore, it’s a brilliant outing for dogs - just keep leads handy near cyclists, busier paths, play areas and by the pond, but otherwise they are free to stretch their legs. and wildlife areas. There's also a handy dog-wash facility if they get super-muddy sniffing out some of the clues!
Food & Drink Stops
Treasure hunting is hungry work! There is a café at the Visitor Centre, but once you head into the forest you will need to be self-sufficient, so it’s a great idea to bring along snacks and drinks.
A top spot for a break is Lodge Pond, around halfway through the Trail, where you’ll find a perfect place to pause, refuel and plot your next move.
Want to Make a Day of It?
Woodland Trails and Forest Exploration
Alice Holt is packed with scenic woodland routes, from quiet shaded paths to open clearings - ideal for extending your adventure beyond the treasure hunt.
Roman History and Hidden Industry
This forest was once a major centre for Roman pottery production, adding a real historical edge to your search for the missing gold.
Mini Explorer Play Stops
Young adventurers can blow off extra steam at the playground or play structures that you'll pass during the earlier parts of your quest and at the end.
