Plymouth - Waterfront & Pavilions

Essential Intel

This Trail is approximately 1.5 miles long ONE WAY and will take around 1 1/2 hours to complete. It is a linear route ending in The Barbican rather than returning to Derry's Cross as part of the route, so plan your journey back before you set sail.

One section has a steep drop into open water, and the finish through The Barbican can be busy with traffic, crowds and unfenced waterside sections. Keep Mini Explorers close around roads, waterfront edges and busier areas.

Navigating The Route

This is a linear Treasure Hunt around Plymouth Waterfront & Pavilions, with Explorers following clues for Captain Rummy Drinker after he lost the map to his hidden plunder, uncovering where he buried his ill-gotten gains.

The quest covers approximately 1.5 miles one way and should take around 1 1/2 hours to complete. You'll start at Derry's Cross, weave around Plymouth Pavilions, head towards the seafront, explore the Hoe and West Hoe Park areas, continue along waterfront roads and finish your hunt in The Barbican.

This Trail is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The route mainly follows paths and pavements with level ground, but it also includes a hill down towards The Barbican, waterfront sections, a steep drop into open water on one section and a busy final area.

Care is needed when crossing roads, along West Hoe Road, on the waterfront near open water and large rocks, and on The Barbican, where there can be traffic, crowds and unfenced waterside sections.

Getting There

By car: Your quest starts at Derry's Cross (PL1 2SW). Park your expedition vehicle at Derry's Cross (PL1 2SW), the recommended option. Alternatively, use the Milehouse Park and Ride service (PL2 3DA) and arrive undercover via the Park and Ride service from Milehouse.

By public transport: Arrive undercover via the Park and Ride service from Milehouse, then make your way to Derry's Cross (PL1 2SW) to begin the treasure hunt.

Need the Loo?

There are toilets at the start, in West Hoe Park after Clue 09, on the waterfront at Clue 22 and on The Barbican at the end of the route. A credit or debit card is required for the facilities in West Hoe Park after Clue 09 and on the waterfront at Clue 22.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the hunt for Captain Rummy Drinker's plunder 🐾

The route includes roads, busy pavements, waterfront sections, open water, large rocks, a hill down towards The Barbican and unfenced waterside edges in the final area, so keep canine companions close throughout the quest.

Food & Drink Stops

There are plenty of chances to stop for refreshments and stock up on snacks as you follow the clues. The route also passes the SALUMi Bar and the Admiral Macbride pub.

For a proper pirate provisions pause, pack supplies to enjoy a picnic on the Hoe around Clue 12.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Smeaton's Tower and the Seafront

The route passes the big lighthouse known as Smeaton's Tower as it heads towards Tinside Pool and the nearby seafront. It's a cracking waterfront landmark to linger near once the treasure-hunting pressure eases.

The Royal Citadel

The Royal Citadel was constructed between 1665 and 1671 after the restoration of King Charles II. Built to better defend Plymouth, it remains in military use today and is considered by many to be the most impressive 17th century fortification in Britain.

Mill Prison or Gaol

This early 18th-century prison once held both American and French POWs. During the War for American Independence, 1,500 sailors were held captive here, with more arriving three decades later in 1812 when America declared war again.

The Barbican

The treasure hunt finishes in The Barbican, a popular waterfront area with plenty of people, traffic and waterside atmosphere. Enjoy the final stretch at a slower pace once the clues are cracked, while staying alert for cars and keeping away from unfenced waterside edges.