Charlestown - Historic Town & Harbour
Charlestown - Historic Town & Harbour
Couldn't load pickup availability
Treasure Hunt Trail
Treasure
Hunt
2+ Hours
1.75 miles
Not
Accessible
Not
Accessible
Dog
Friendly
Just Where did Redbeard McClaytips Leave His Haul?
Centuries ago, notorious sea dog Redbeard McClaytips sailed into Charlestown aboard The Black Pasty after a hard day’s plundering. He hid his stolen gold, jewels and trinkets somewhere only he could find them, then swaggered off to celebrate. By sunrise, disaster! Redbeard’s head was foggier than the harbour in a pea-souper, and his treasure map had vanished.
Years later, sharp-eyed Finn Haddock fished the map from the harbour and stashed it away, where it lay forgotten for generations. Now it has reached the Exploration Society, and we need YOU to follow the Trail, recover the trove and stop Redbeard’s haul slipping beneath the waves forever.
Track Down Redbeard’s Lost Treasure Trove!
Embark on a self-guided Treasure Hunt through Charlestown’s historic streets, harbour and clifftop paths. Starting at Charlestown Harbour car park, you’ll hunt for clues on existing buildings, permanent features and monuments as you search for the missing loot.
This circular Trail takes you from the harbour to the hilltop, through churchyard clues, along a steep stretch of Coast Path and back beside the water. Expect cobbles, narrow paths, steep sections and spectacular views as you eliminate empty map locations one by one.
Can you solve the clues, outwit Redbeard’s foggy memory and uncover where his long-lost treasure trove was really hidden?
The Details
- A Treasure Hunt themed walking Treasure Trail around Charlestown
- Ideal for discovering more about where you live or exploring somewhere new
- Trails are done in your own time at your own pace
- This Trail is approximately 1.75 miles long and takes 2+ hours to complete
- This Trail is suitable for all ages from 6 - 106 (no children necessary!)
- One Trail booklet is enough for 4-5 people
- Chance to win some real Treasure! All correct answers are entered into the monthly £100 prize draw
- Circular loop Trail
- Mobile phone text service for clue answers if you get stuck, ensuring that no mystery goes unsolved
- This Trail can be sent to you in the post or downloaded today for instant Trailing fun!
Trail Location
Trail Location
The Charlestown Treasure Trail starts at:
Charlestown Harbour pay and display car park
Charlestown Road
St Austell
Cornwall
PL25 3NJ
England
Park in Charlestown Harbour pay and display car park
Charlestown Road
St Austell
Cornwall
PL25 3NJ
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 around Charlestown's historic harbour, town streets and surrounding lanes, with explorers following pavements, cobbles and coastal paths as they hunt down Redbeard McClaytips' missing hoard.
The route includes some steep hills, a short but steep coastal path section, cobbles and uneven surfaces, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Important: You will encounter narrow pavements, busy roads, a small bridge and harbour areas with open water, so explorers should stay alert, walk carefully and keep younger adventurers under close supervision at all times.
Extra care is needed on the coast path section, which can be steep, muddy and slippery when wet.
Getting There
By car: Park in Charlestown Harbour Pay & Display Car Park (PL25 3NH) - your expedition base and official starting point.
By public transport: Charlestown is served by local bus routes from Newquay to Fowey, with Charlestown en route, but services can be limited, so it's best to plan ahead before setting off.
Need the Loo?
Even the boldest explorers need a quick pit stop!
Toilets are located in the harbour car park at the start of your quest. They are pay-to-use, with debit/credit cards the main method of payment, though some machines accept cash too.
Bring Your Furry Sidekicks
Four-legged explorers are welcome on the quest 🐾.With a mix of town streets, harbour paths and countryside stretches, it's a great outing for dogs - just keep leads handy near roads, livestock areas and especially along the coast path and harbour edge.
Food & Drink Stops
Treasure hunting is hungry work!
There are plenty of cafés, pubs and places to grab refreshments around the harbour at the start and end of your quest, but you'll be venturing away from these between Clues 03-11, so it's wise to grab supplies early or bring snacks with you.
There are also great picnic spots later in the Trail (around Clues 13 and 15) if you fancy a scenic break mid-expedition.
Want to Make a Day of It?
Harbour Views and Tall Ship Atmosphere
Charlestown's harbour is a proper time capsule, often filled with historic tall ships that make it feel like you've wandered straight into Redbeard's world.
Film Locations and Screen Stars
This harbour has starred in over 100 films and TV shows, from period dramas to pirate adventures - so keep your eyes peeled for familiar sights.
Coast Path Views and Cliffside Breathers
The climb up to Crinnis Cliff Battery is tough but worth it, with sweeping views across the harbour and coastline - a perfect excuse to pause, catch your breath and pretend it's all part of the plan.
