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Crack the Code with SMARTIE
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We all scream for 'The Icecream'!
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Explore Bristol 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 1.5 hours of exploring
Around 1.5 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
Bristol
Oh no! A gang of art thieves have stolen the priceless painting, 'The Icecream' by Eddie Munch, from the famous, family-owned Tasty Bar Chocolate Company. The thieves have left behind a ransom note demanding a whopping £1,000,000 for its safe return and have warned against police involvement. So, YOU have been called in as undercover detectives to identify the gang leader and how they guard their hideout. The gang have scattered a series of clues around the Old City, teasing the police. Can YOU get out there and solve them before it's too late? Be careful though - if you're spotted by the gang, the painting will be destroyed!
Detective Mystery Through Bristol's Christmas Steps & City
Slip on your best disguise, daring detectives - you're going undercover! Your self-guided detective mystery Trail begins at one of the original gateways to the city. Patrol through the oldest parts of the city centre, navigating cobbled streets and alleyways, examining evidence at the vibrant St Nicholas Market, and unearthing twisting tales at the Christmas Steps.
Details of this arty attack are a little sketchy…
Prepare for an exciting adventure as you search for clues and unravel the mystery of the stolen painting. Can YOU solve the case and retrieve the painting without emptying your pockets? The clock is ticking!
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 Bristol Old City Treasure Trail starts at:
Broad Street
Bristol
City of Bristol
Bristol
BS1 2EZ
England
Detective
Mystery
Hours
miles
Not
Accessible
Not
Accessible
Dog
Friendly
Trail Details:
- A self-guided detective mystery walking Trail around Bristol.
- Ideal for kids aged 6 – 106!
- 1.5-mile ‘loop’ Trail (takes 1.5 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:
Navigating The Route
This is a circular Detective Mystery through Bristol’s Old City, historic streets, markets and the famous Christmas Steps, with sleuths following pavements, cobbled lanes and narrow alleys as they track down the gang behind the stolen masterpiece.
The investigation includes cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, steps (notably at Christmas Steps) and some uphill sections, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Important: You will be travelling through busy city centre areas with traffic, cyclists and crowds, as well as narrow lanes and market spaces, so detectives should use pedestrian crossings where available, stay alert at all times and keep younger team members under close supervision.
Getting There
By car: NCP Rupert Street Car Park (BS1 2PY) - Recommended parking close to the start point.
By public transport: Bristol city centre is well served by bus routes, and Temple Meads railway station is within walking distance, 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 St Nicholas Market between Clues 06 and 07.
Bring Your Furry Sidekicks
Four-legged detectives are welcome on the case 🐾. With busy streets, narrow alleys and market areas to navigate, it is a suitable outing for canine companions - just keep leads handy in crowded spots and near roads.
Food & Drink Stops
Cracking this case is hungry work! There are plenty of cafés, pubs and food stalls along the route, especially around St Nicholas Market, where you will find a wide mix of options to refuel mid-investigation.
You may also want to grab supplies early, as this Trail passes through several great spots to pause and recharge while staying undercover.
Want to Make a Day of It?
Markets, Alleys and Old City Atmosphere
This Trail dives right into Bristol’s oldest streets, from hidden alleys to bustling market spaces - perfect for a case packed with twists, turns and suspicious characters.
Historic Harbourside and Merchant Tales
As you move through the city, you will uncover layers of Bristol’s trading past, with links to merchants, shipping and centuries of bustling commerce.
Christmas Steps and Local Legends
The iconic Christmas Steps are a real highlight - steeped in history and even a few ghostly rumours, making them a memorable (and slightly eerie) part of your investigation.
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?
