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Who Really Rocked the Boat?
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Help needed - it's a maritime mystery!
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Explore Cowes 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 3 hours of exploring
Around 2.5 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.
Great detectives needed!
A mystery is waiting to be solved in
Cowes
Shock, horror! In the lead up to the most prestigious round-the-world yacht race departing from Cowes, race favourite Sir Coombe Navvygate was found slumped on one of the mid-Solent sandbanks! Mystery surrounds this misadventure, as the bank is only exposed for two hours before the tide hides it again. Local police are floating the idea that this could be the work of a jealous rival desperate to take out the competition. Now all of the other competitors are under suspicion for Sir Coombe's demise. Chief Inspector Anya Marks needs TOP Detectives to submerge themselves into these inquiries and solve the mystery. Can YOU wade through the evidence and reveal 'whodunnit'? Chief Marks has a sinking feeling about this case - so buoy her up by dampening someone's day!
Detective Mystery Through Cowes
Are you looking for something to do with family and friends or seeking a fun day out with the kids in Cowes?
Then why not explore Cowes on this self-guided detective mystery themed Treasure Trail. As you follow the Trail route, can you solve the sneaky clues set on existing buildings, permanent features and monuments to eliminate the suspects to discover whodunit?
This Trail starts at the Northwood Park car park. Along the route you will explore the Esplanade, Parade and the town of Cowes, discovering much of its history and sailing heritage.
Every clue brings you closer to the truth...
Piece together the evidence, identify the culprit and discover how the case ends.
Trail Information
Trail Information
Trail Location
The Cowes Town & Esplanade Treasure Trail starts at:
Park Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
Isle Of Wight
PO31 7JD
England
Detective Mystery Trail
Detective
Mystery
3 Hours
2.5 miles
Not
Accessible
Not
Accessible
Dog
Friendly
The Details
- A Detective Mystery themed walking Treasure Trail around Cowes
- 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 2.5 miles long and takes 3 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
- 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!
Navigating The Route
This is a circular Detective Mystery through Cowes’ bustling town centre, marina, seafront paths and parkland, with sleuths following pavements, promenades and footpaths as they piece together what really happened to Sir Coombe Navvygate.
The investigation includes some steep hills and a large number of steps, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Important: You will be travelling through busy harbour areas, roads with traffic, and sections with no pavements, as well as seafront paths close to the water, so detectives should take extra care on crossings, stay alert at all times and keep younger team members under close supervision.
Getting There
By car: Park at Northwood Park (Northwood House) Pay & Display Car Park, Park Road (PO31 7LS) - Your squad base and official starting point.
By public transport: Bus route No. 1 stops adjacent to the car park, making this case easy to access without a car.
Need the Loo?
Even top detectives need a comfort break during a long case! Toilets can be found on The Cut just after Clue 06 and on The Parade near Clue 09.
Bring Your Furry Sidekicks
Four-legged detectives are welcome on the case 🐾. With a mix of town streets, seafront paths and parkland, it is a suitable outing for canine companions - just keep leads handy near roads, crowds and along the waterfront.
Food & Drink Stops
Cracking this case is hungry work! There are plenty of opportunities to grab refreshments and snacks between Clues 01-09, particularly in the town centre before reaching the seafront.
For a proper break, it is a great idea to bring supplies for a picnic between Clues 09-14, where you will find ideal spots along the promenade to pause and review your evidence.
Want to Make a Day of It?
Seafront Strolls and Sailing Views
Cowes is world-famous for yachting, and your investigation takes you right along the waterfront - perfect for watching boats drift by while keeping an eye out for suspicious activity.
Royal Yacht Heritage and Racing Tales
From the Royal Yacht Squadron to Cowes Week, this town is steeped in sailing history, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your case.
Parkland Patrols and Quiet Corners
Northwood Park offers a peaceful contrast to the busy seafront - ideal for a final debrief once the case is cracked and the culprit identified.
Mini Detective Club
Mini Detective 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?
