Bournville - Cadbury's Model Village

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Bournville Cadbury's Model Village, with Explorers following Herr Fruten Nutte's diary as it reveals a map and clues on Chocolate Island, then solving them to discover the recipe for sparkling chocolate.

The quest covers 2.2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin on Sycamore Road in the village centre around Bournville Green, close to the two red phone boxes along the parade of shops, then explore Bournville's model village streets, pass Cadbury World after Clue 06, visit Cadbury Park and finish back at Bournville Green near the two red phone boxes where you started.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. The route is mostly paved, but includes ups and downs via steps or ramps and walkways. At one point, you need to walk down three sets of steps or use the ramp alongside.

Wear appropriate footwear if it has been raining. The route also requires you to navigate along a few busy roads, so keep away from the kerbsides and use the zebra crossings and pedestrian crossings along the way.

If it's sunny you may be able to tell the time at one point, but the route can still be completed if it's cloudy.

Getting There

By car: Start your quest on Sycamore Road in the village centre around Bournville Green, close to the two red phone boxes along the parade of shops in Sycamore Road (B30 2AA). You can park on Sycamore Road in the village centre around Bournville Green (B30 2AA), or in the small shoppers car park behind the shops (B30 2AA).

By public transport: Make your way to Sycamore Road in the village centre around Bournville Green, close to the two red phone boxes along the parade of shops in Sycamore Road, to begin your adventure.

Need the Loo?

Plan ahead, Explorers - there are no public toilets along the route of this Trail. You could nip to a nearby supermarket before or after completing your quest to stock up on refreshments and supplies and use their facilities.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers can join the quest, with a few practical things to bear in mind. 🐾

There are currently no known restrictions for dogs on this Trail. However, Trails in towns and cities may be less suitable for dogs due to traffic and a lack of open spaces, and you may also encounter restricted access to parks etc. This route includes a few busy roads, zebra crossings and pedestrian crossings, so keep canine companions close, away from kerbsides and under careful control throughout.

Food & Drink Stops

Sparkling chocolate research is hungry work. There are a few opportunities to stock up on snacks or take refreshment at the start and again near Clue 16.

You could also nip to a nearby supermarket before or after completing the quest to stock up on refreshments and supplies. If you'd rather bring your own provisions, Clues 12 and 15 are nice picnic spots, and the Trail also passes Cadbury Park, which is great for picnics.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Cadbury World

The route passes Cadbury World after Clue 06, making it the obvious optional add-on for Explorers who want to turn the chocolatey quest into a bigger day out. You'll need to pre-book and allow an extra 3-4 hours.

Bournville

Bournville was the UK's first garden village. George Cadbury, a Quaker, wanted his staff to live in pleasant surroundings instead of the slums of the inner city. Look carefully as you explore and you'll see that every home is slightly different, but all are light and airy with large gardens.

Cadbury Park

The Trail passes through Cadbury Park, a parkland area that was formerly the Girls' Grounds, based on those of the 18th century Bournbrook Hall. If you have time, stay awhile and enjoy their charms - it's also a great picnic spot for refuelling your treasure-seeking crew.

Bournville Heritage Trail information board

At the corner of the green, the Bournville Heritage Trail information board helps set the scene for the village's story. It's a handy place to pause, read up and get your bearings before plunging back into Herr Fruten Nutte's suspiciously chocolate-flavoured puzzle trail.

Bournville Baths

Keep an eye out for Bournville Baths as you explore. Built in 1904, they allowed thousands of female staff to learn to swim - and the Cadbury family were very generous here, as this took place in works time.