Southampton - Inner City & Gardens

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Southampton Inner City & Gardens, with Explorers helping Indy Past follow clues to the hidden Jewel of Prosperity, believed to have been buried beneath Southampton by Sir Bevois.

The quest covers 1.8 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin at Bargate, hunt through the inner city gardens, venture into Houndwell Park, pass West Park, the Cenotaph and the Guildhall and public square area, then head down Above Bar towards the Bargate to return to the start.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. The route uses pathways through parks and along roads and pavements in the inner city.

You will need to cross roads several times, including some crossings and a road with traffic lights. Cross roads carefully at every stage, and take extra care where instructed along the route.

Getting There

By car: Start your treasure hunt at Bargate (SO14 2DJ). Park your expedition vehicle at the long-stay multi-storey car park on Eastgate Street (SO14 3LE).

By public transport: Make your way to Bargate (SO14 2DJ) to begin the quest. The circular route brings you back towards the same area once your search through the inner city gardens is complete.

Need the Loo?

Plan ahead, Explorers - there aren't any public toilets along the way. Detour to Westquay shopping centre at the start or end to find some.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If four-legged Explorers are joining your treasure-seeking crew, keep them close through the inner city sections. 🐾

The route follows parks, roads and pavements, with several road crossings, including some crossings and a road with traffic lights, so leads are sensible around traffic and busier stretches.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure hunting is hungry work. There are chances to stop for refreshments or stock up on snacks along High Street at the start of the route.

You can also pack supplies to enjoy a picnic in the park while your crew regroups for the next stage of the quest.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Bargate

Your adventure begins at Bargate, with the opening clue asking you to look around it before heading into the inner city gardens. It's the perfect place for Explorers to get their bearings before the hunt for Sir Bevois' hidden Jewel of Prosperity begins.

Houndwell Park

The route heads into Houndwell Park, one of the park sections used on the Trail. You'll be directed towards the children's play area and later to circular concrete seating, making it a handy green pause during the quest.

West Park and Enclosure

West Park is described as having a library and clock tower on one side, and the Trail highlights the sculpture Enclosure. This four-metre high granite and Portland Roach stone sculpture stands at the far point of the main east-west path and frames four skyline landmarks in and around the park.

The Cenotaph

The Trail passes the Cenotaph, where green panels surround the war memorial. Its architect was Lutyens, whose design influenced the main Cenotaph in Whitehall, and the glass panels were erected in 2011 because of continued water and frost damage to the main structure.

Guildhall and Public Square Area

Your route also takes you to the area of the Guildhall and the public square before heading back into the park. It's one of the main civic areas on the Trail, and a good place to slow down once you're not busy interrogating every suspicious detail for treasure clues.