Tetbury - Hilltop Cotswold Town

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around the hilltop Cotswold town of Tetbury, with Explorers helping Prince Lovealot, who lost his precious jewels and gold in Tetbury in 1643, follow the clues around town to pinpoint where the treasure was buried.

The quest covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take about two hours to complete. You'll set off beside Tetbury Goods Shed and the Old Rail Yard free long stay car park, then explore the town's paved paths, streets, alleyways, Chipping Steps, Gumstool Hill, St Saviour's Church grounds and Millennium Green before looping back to the start area.

This Trail is suitable for pushchairs, but not suitable for wheelchairs. Even though most of the route is flat and along pavements, there are a few steep hills to navigate, plus some steps. The final clue at Millennium Green has an alternative return via the Snooty Fox for pushchairs if the main route is unsuitable.

Take care around busy roads, traffic islands, the raised paved pathway, the narrow alleyway and near the end of the route where cars are a hazard. Keep Mini Explorers close whenever the treasure hunt crosses or follows traffic.

Getting There

By car: Start your quest at Tetbury Goods Shed beside the Old Rail Yard free long stay car park (GL8 8EY). The Old Rail Yard free long stay car park (GL8 8EY) is just off Cirencester Road and is the recommended parking spot for your treasure-seeking wagon. It closes at 8pm.

By public transport: Make your way to Tetbury Goods Shed beside the Old Rail Yard free long stay car park to begin the adventure. As this is a circular Trail, the route loops back to the start area once Prince Lovealot's lost treasure has been tracked down.

Need the Loo?

Handy comfort-stop intel for Explorers: toilets are available at the start point, beside the Tetbury Goods Shed / Arts Centre.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the treasure hunt. 🐾

The route includes pavements, paved paths, steep hills, steps, Chipping Steps, a narrow alleyway, traffic islands and busy roads, so keep canine companions close around traffic and tighter sections. Be ready for a few uphill sniffs as well as plenty of town exploring.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure hunting in a hilltop Cotswold town calls for good supplies. There is a cafe at the start point, and you'll have chances to stop for refreshments and stock up on snacks along the way, with shops and pubs along the route.

If you prefer to bring your own provisions, you can picnic at the Millennium Green or by the Arts Centre, where there is also a play area for Mini Explorers with energy left after the quest.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Gumstool Hill

Gumstool Hill is the home of Tetbury's famous annual woolsack races, and it is not a gentle slope - the hill has a gradient of 1 in 4 at its steepest. Its name comes from the gumstool or ducking stool once located at the bottom, used for punishing gossips or dodgy traders by dunking them in the pool. A properly dramatic bit of local history for Explorers with strong legs.

Millennium Green

The route reaches Millennium Green more than once, making it a natural place to slow the pace once the treasure clues have had everyone's brains working. It is suggested as a picnic spot, and there is a play area by the Arts Centre nearby for Mini Explorers who still need to burn off some questing energy.

Tetbury Goods Shed

Your adventure begins beside Tetbury Goods Shed, so it is an easy extra to build into the day. With the Arts Centre, cafe and toilets here too, it is a useful base before or after the hunt - especially if your crew needs refreshments before tackling Tetbury's hills.

St Saviour's Church

The Trail goes into the grounds of St Saviour's Church to the war memorial, and there is a striking tale hiding up on the roof. The weathercock was struck by lightning in 1975, damaging the bell-cote and the roof; when the cock crashed to the ground, a poem by its maker William Sealy was found inside, dated 26th June 1848.