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Manchester - Castlefield & Canal

Manchester - Castlefield & Canal

Operation SWARM (Save Wet And Rainy Manchester!)

Regular price £9.99 GBP
Regular price Sale price £9.99 GBP
Sale Sold out
Trail format

Secret Spy Mission Trail

Spy Mission Themed Trail

Spy
Mission

1.5 Hours Duration

1.5 Hours

1.3 Miles Walking Distance

1.3 miles

Not Wheelchair Accessible

Not
Accessible

Not Pushchair Accessible

Not
Accessible

Dog Friendly

Dog
Friendly

Manchester's Rain-Making Machine - Can YOU Stop It?

Calling all super spies!

Your self-guided mission starts at the Museum of Science and Industry, taking you along scenic backstreets and soaking up the sights. You'll uncover the spot where Manchester began, see the oldest lock on the Rochdale canal, and learn many more incredible stories about the city.

But there's more at stake than a stroll around town...

The word on the street is that a villainous factory owner has created a rain-making machine over Manchester to increase production in his cotton mills. The local spy agency, SWARM, are busy bees tracking down the enemy and need you - our top agent - to help! Can you solve the sneaky clues and crack the code to switch off the device?

Come Rain Or Shine Can You Live And Let Dry?

The Rain-Making Machine Mystery

In the late 18th century, Manchester mill owner Titus Hardgrind needed a constant supply of rain to create the perfect conditions for spinning cotton. He ordered his engineers to create a rain-making machine to keep his mills turning... which was great for all the mill owners at the time but not so good for the people of Manchester! In recent times, this device has been kept in secret storage in the vaults of the Science and Industry Museum. However, jealous of the city's many charms, enemy agents from a rival city are now attempting to seize this machine and ensure that Manchester stays under a cloud for evermore. Local agents of SWARM (Save Wet And Rainy Manchester) are currently busy trying to track down these enemy agents. They need YOU, our top SUPER SPIES, to crack the code that will deactivate the machine and allow Manchester to keep basking under cloudless skies!

Are YOU ready to take on the mission and save Manchester from a never-ending downpour?

The Details

  • A self-guided spy mission walking Trail around Manchester Castlefield.
  • Ideal for kids aged 6 - 106!
  • 1.3-mile 'loop' Trail (takes 1.5 hours to complete at your own pace).
  • Text message service with clues if you get stuck.
  • Solve the mission 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)!
View full details

Trail Location

The Manchester Castlefield Treasure Trail starts at:

The Science and Industry Museum

Lower Byrom Street

Manchester

Greater Manchester

M3 4FP

England

Stone Street Pay on Arrival car park

Stone Street

Manchester

Greater Manchester

M3 4NE

England

Mini Secret Agent 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.

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What is a Treasure Trail?

Before You Set Off

Before you set off on your awesome adventure, there are a few things you need to know...

Unfortunately, the Trail is not marked as friendly for wheelchairs or pushchairs due to uneven canal paths and some steps along the route.

Bring your four-legged friends along! Please note that this is a busy city centre, so dogs will need to be kept on leads.

The closest long stay pay and display car park to the Trail start point is at Stone Street (M3 4NE), just a minute walk away. Or why not try one of Manchester's fantastic Park and Ride services? The Trail start is perfectly placed for access via the tram, with a nearby tram stop at Deansgate - Castlefield.

There are some fantastic events in Manchester's calendar, all of which are great times to visit this beautiful city. However, you may find that some of the clues on this Trail may become obstructed or difficult to access on these occasions - especially events held at Castlefield Bowl, which will disrupt the route of this Trail. If you would like further information about event dates, please contact Manchester Visitor Information.

There are toilets available at the Museum of Science and Industry at the start and end of the Trail. There are two pubs along the route if you need to stop for refreshment, or you could bring a picnic to enjoy along the way!

Why not make a day of it by taking a look inside Manchester Cathedral or visiting one of Manchester's fantastic attractions, like the Science and Industry Museum or the People's History Museum? You could even try our other Manchester Trails to uncover more twisting tales about this amazing city!