Poole - Cockle Trail & Town
Poole - Cockle Trail & Town
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Detective Mystery Trail
Detective
Mystery
1.5 Hours
1 mile
Not
Accessible
Accessible
Dog Friendly
with Restrictions
The Mysterious Case of the Kidnapped Pirate - Can YOU Solve the Clues?
It's time to don your detective hat and get ready for an exciting adventure through the historic town of Poole. Legendary pirate, Harry Paye, is celebrated each year during the Hey! Don't Delay So Harry Paye Day festival, when landlubbers descend on the town to do lots of pirate-y stuff. But this year, things have taken a dark turn. Professional costumier, Cam O'Flarge, who always wins the fancy dress competition, has gone missing!
Chief Inspector Buck Kinnear is stumped, as everyone in the town is dressed as a pirate. Can YOU help him solve the mystery and set Cam free?
Detective Mystery Through Poole - Cockle Trail & Town
Super sleuths, we need your help! Your self-guided detective mystery will have you patrolling along part of the Historic Cockle Trail, investigating the old town and the quayside. Keep an eye out for the life-sized bronze statue of Lord Baden Powell staring out over Poole Harbour to the Island of Brownsea, home of the Boy Scout movement.
As you follow the clues, you'll unravel a sneaky plot to kidnap Cam and frame one of his fellow fancy dressers. But with everyone dressed as a pirate, it won't be easy to pinpoint the culprit. Are YOU up for the challenge?
Can you get a patch for catching a kidnapper? Join the adventure and find out!
The Details
- A self-guided detective mystery walking Trail around Poole.
- Ideal for kids aged 6 – 106!
- 1-mile ‘loop’ Trail (takes 1.5 hours to complete at your own pace).
- Text message service with clues if you get stuck.
- Solve the mystery 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 Poole Old Town & The Quay Treasure Trail starts at:
The Quay
Poole
Poole
Dorset
BH15 1BQ
England
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?
Before You Set Off
Before You Set Off
Navigating The Route
This is a circular Detective Mystery through Poole’s Old Town and Quay, with sleuths following pavements, clear paths and quiet roads as they work to uncover which costumed culprit is behind Cam O’Flarge’s disappearance.
The investigation takes place on pavements and well maintained paths throughout, making it suitable for pushchairs but not suitable for wheelchairs.
Important: You will be travelling through busy harbour areas, roads with passing traffic and sections close to open water along the Quay, so detectives should use crossings where available, stay alert at all times and keep younger team members under close supervision. Extra care is needed near the water’s edge.
Getting There
By car: Quay Visitors Multi-Storey Car Park, Castle Street (BH15 1SB) is your squad base and official starting point.
By public transport: Route One buses serve the Old Town area, and Poole Railway Station is around a 10-minute walk from the start, making this an easy case to reach without a car.
Need the Loo?
Even top detectives need a comfort break during a long case! Toilets can be found at Dolphin Quays (BH15 1HH), conveniently located near the start and end of your investigation, as well as at Scaplen’s Court between Clues 15-16, giving you a handy option later in the case too.
Bring Your Furry Sidekicks
There may be clues on this route in areas where dogs are prohibited, so we suggest that you only bring your four-legged friends along if a member of your squad is able to wait with them in those locations.
Food & Drink Stops
Cracking this case is hungry work! There are plenty of places to grab refreshments around the Old Town and along The Quay, particularly near the start and end of your investigation. From cafés to historic pubs, you will have no trouble finding somewhere to refuel between clues.
Want to Make a Day of It?
Harbour Views and Maritime Atmosphere
Poole’s vast natural harbour sets the scene for your investigation, with boats, quayside paths and sea air adding plenty of atmosphere to your case.
Smuggling Tales and Pirate Legends
From Harry Paye to daring smuggling raids, this area is packed with stories of high seas mischief - perfect inspiration for a pirate-themed mystery.
Museums, Courtyards and Hidden Corners
Explore places like Scaplen’s Court or the local museum to uncover more of Poole’s past - and maybe pick up a few extra clues along the way.
