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Unlock Chelmsford's Secrets
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Time-travelling treasure or terrible trick?
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Explore Chelmsford Differently
Discover somewhere new - or rediscover somewhere you thought you knew.
- Follow a carefully planned self-guided route through the area
- Use real landmarks and features to crack around 18 clever clues
- Notice fascinating features you'd normally walk straight past
- Great fun for everyone from 6 to 106
- Around 2 hours of exploring
Around 2 miles of walking - One trail is perfect for up to 5 people
How it Works
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1. Choose how you want to explore
Use the App, print your Trail at home, or let us print and post it to you.
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2. Access it
instantlyYour App and PDF are ready immediately, whichever option you choose.
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3. Explore
& solveFollow the route and crack the sneaky clues along the way.
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4. Submit
your answerEnter your final
answer online to
reveal the ending.
Ready for an adventure?
A trail of clues awaits in
Chelmsford
Join the Intrepid Explorer Society (IES) on a thrilling adventure through the waterways of Chelmsford. Volunteer Trevor Provert was tidying up the canal towpath near Springfield Basin when he stumbled upon a rusty old metal box. What secrets could it hold?
Scavenger Hunt Along the River and Canals
Get ready for an exciting self-guided Scavenger Hunt that will take you on a journey through Chelmsford's historic waterways. Starting at Springfield Basin, you'll follow the river and canal banks, crossing town centre bridges and visiting the lock and weir as you unravel the mysteries of the canal.
As you explore, you'll come across a newspaper from the 17th century, a tatty old map, and some scribbled notes. Could these be the clues to a hidden treasure in modern-day Chelmsford? It's up to you to find out!
Join the IES on this exciting adventure and see if you have what it takes to uncover the secrets of the Mysterious Treasure Box of Chelmsford!
Your answers hold the key...
Uncover the hiding place and reveal the story behind the treasure.
Trail Information
Trail Information
Trail Location
The Chelmsford Rivers & Canals Treasure Trail starts at:
Wharf Road
Springfield Basin
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 6YQ
England
Parking is available at Meadows Retail multi-storey car park
Wharf Road
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 6LU
England
Treasure
Hunt
Hours
miles
Accessible
Accessible
Dog
Friendly
Trail Details:
- A self-guided treasure hunt walking Trail around Chelmsford.
- 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.
- Learn more about where you live or explore somewhere new.
- Download your Trail now for INSTANT FUN (or receive your copy in the post)!
More Information:
Before You Set Out on Your Time-Twisting Quest...
Easy to Navigate - This watery adventure is fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, with flat paths and towpaths and only a few steep-ish bridge inclines to conquer. Whether you're gliding like a swan or taking it at your own pace, the route is a breeze for everyone!
Bring Your Furry First Mates - Dogs are welcome to join your expedition! You'll meander through dog-friendly riverside paths and green spots, perfect for a wag and a sniff. Just keep them on a lead when in the busy shopping areas, road and riversides too - nobody needs an unexpected doggy dip!
Getting There - Park at the Meadows Retail multi-storey car park on Wharf Road (CM2 6LU - W3W: ///will.bland.flags), then cross the road to start your quest at Springfield Basin (CM2 6YQ). Your journey ends back at the Basin, so no need for any long-scarfed time-travel tricks to find your car again.
Need the Loo? - Public toilets are available in the shopping area near Clue 10, either inside Marks & Spencer or The Meadows Shopping Centre. Handy for when nature calls mid-hunt!
Other Pit Stop Places - As you navigate through Chelmsford's past and present, you'll pass plenty of shops, snack stops and riverside benches to rest tired legs or grab a treat. Keep your eyes peeled - even the tiniest café could be hiding a clue!
Heads Up! - You'll be near deep water for much of your mission, so keep little adventurers and curious pets well away from the edge. Some bridges can be slippery when wet, and parts of the route may get muddy after heavy rain - sensible footwear will definitely be your friend!
Want to Make a Day of It?
Uncover More Chelmsford Curiosities - Dive into Chelmsford's story at the Museum of Chelmsford & Essex Regiment in Oaklands Park. From mammoths to military medals, it's packed with fascinating finds.
Seek Serenity at the Cathedral - Pop into Chelmsford Cathedral for a peaceful moment and a peek at its stunning stained glass. You'll find it tucked away right in the heart of the city - a perfect pause in your time-travelling quest.
Go Green at RHS Garden Hyde Hall - If you're still blooming with energy, take a short drive to Garden Hyde Hall, where gardens burst with colour and curious corners. Great for little botanists and big dreamers alike.
Crack the Case at Essex Police Museum - Fancy playing detective? (Other than on our Chelmsford - Cathedral & Park Detective Mystery Treasure Trail?) Drop by this quirky little museum to don old uniforms, peek inside a Victorian cell and discover tales of Essex law and order.
Further Riverside Rambling - The Chelmer Valley Riverside nature reserve offers a chance to spot kingfishers, willows and otters (if you're lucky!) along peaceful, wildlife-rich paths. Perfect for cooling off after your clue-hunting adventure.
Refuel and Reflect - The city centre is brimming with cosy cafés, pubs, and restaurants - whether you're after a celebratory cake, a riverside pint, or a well-earned feast, Chelmsford won't disappoint.
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?
