Derby - Gate, Gaol & Cathedral

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt through Derby’s bustling streets, quieter cut-through paths, historic buildings and cathedral quarter, with Explorers following Bewty’s baffling trail to uncover the hidden location of a sparkling Saxon coin hoard.

The quest covers approximately 2.4 miles and should take around 2+ hours to complete. Explorers will be trekking through urban streets, pedestrian areas, churchyard spaces, museum districts and city-centre routes, with a few sneaky detours tucked away from the busiest paths. This Trail is great for families and is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

There are several road crossings and some busy city-centre sections along the way, so keep younger Explorers close and take care while moving between clues. There are also museums dotted along the route, so allow extra time if you fancy stepping inside to dig deeper into Derby’s history.

Getting There

Time to gather your expedition crew and begin the search for Bewty’s Saxon stash:

By car: The quest begins at Derby Cathedral’s main doors (DE1 3GP), using ///guess.clap.bunk. There are plenty of places to park in the city centre. Smaller Full Street car park (DE1 3GT) is the closest option, while the larger ParkSafe Cathedral Quarter car park (DE1 3NT) is only a short walk from the start.

By public transport: Make your way to Derby city centre, then head for Derby Cathedral’s main doors to begin your quest. The route starts and finishes at the cathedral, making it a handy central base for your expedition.

Need the Loo?

Even bold adventurers need a pit stop before chasing buried treasure. You will not pass any toilets en route, but facilities can be found in the main shopping centre near the start and finish, so it is worth planning ahead before setting off.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers can join the quest 🐾

This is an urban city-centre route with busy pavements, road crossings, pedestrian areas and quieter cut-through paths, so keep canine companions on a lead and close to your crew throughout. Check individual museums, shops and refreshment stops before taking dogs inside.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure hunting through Derby can stir up a serious adventurer appetite.

Refreshment stops and shops can be found between Clues 13-16, making that part of the route ideal for a mid-quest boost. If you have packed your own supplies, there is a good picnic option near Clue 17, perfect for reviewing the map and plotting your final push.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Derby Cathedral

The quest begins and ends at Derby Cathedral, where Bewty’s buried secret first glints into view. Its 212ft tower holds the world’s oldest ring of ten bells, including one cast in 1520, and peregrine falcons have nested high above the city since 2006.

Pickford’s House

The route passes Pickford’s House, a free museum offering a glimpse into Georgian life. Much of the building is accessible, and the garden provides a peaceful place to pause before Bewty’s trail leads you back into Derby’s hidden corners.

Derby Market Hall

Derby’s Market Hall has drawn crowds since 1866, when its grand opening included Handel’s Messiah. Its cast iron, copper and glass roof was designed by Rowland Mason Ordish, who later worked on St Pancras, and it has recently been restored into a lively city-centre stop.

Derby Museum and Art Gallery

Explorers pass Derby Museum and Art Gallery during the quest, making it a tempting extra stop for anyone keen to uncover more local history. Allow extra time if your crew wants to investigate inside before continuing the hunt.

Cathedral Quarter

This Trail weaves through Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, with old streets, striking buildings and tucked-away details giving the Saxon hoard hunt a proper city-adventure feel. Keep your map close, your eyes sharp and your false leads firmly crossed out.