Swadlincote's Golden Mystery

Swadlincote - Historic Pottery Town

Missing miners and a mysterious gold nugget!

£10.99 GBP

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Trail format Instant Download Printed & Posted

Treasure Hunt Trail

Treasure
Hunt

2 Hours

2 miles

Not
Accessible

Dog
Friendly

The Mysterious Golden Hoard - Will You Be the One to Find It?

Swadlincote has a rich mining heritage, with coal being extracted from the area for centuries. But there's a legend that even the locals are too scared to talk about… Many years ago, a large nugget of gold was discovered! The miners who found it created a map of the tunnels, with clues leading to the location of the gold. However, each miner mysteriously disappeared. Recently, the map has resurfaced, but archaeologists are too afraid to search for it, fearing they may also vanish. That's where YOU come in. The Exploration Society has been entrusted with the map, and we need our bravest explorers to solve the clues and uncover the exact spot of the golden hoard. Are you up for the challenge?

Treasure Hunt Through Swadlincote - Historic Pottery Town

Looking for a fun day out with family and friends or a fun activity with the kids in Swadlincote? Look no further than this self-guided treasure hunt-themed Treasure Trail. As you follow the trail, can you solve the sneaky clues hidden on existing buildings, permanent features, and monuments to discover the location of the buried treasure?

The trail begins at the park on the outskirts of this former pottery town, located in the heart of the National Forest. From there, you'll journey through Sharpe's Pottery Museum and pass intriguing sculptures in the new shopping area before returning to the park.

Are you ready for an exciting adventure in Swadlincote?

The Details

A Treasure Hunt themed walking Treasure Trail around Swadlincote
Ideal for discovering more about where you live or exploring somewhere new
Trails are done in your own time at your own pace
This Trail is approximately 2 miles long and takes 2 hours to complete
This Trail is suitable for all ages from 6 - 106 (no children necessary!)
One Trail booklet is enough for 4-5 people
Circular loop Trail
Mobile phone text service for clue answers if you get stuck, ensuring that no mystery goes unsolved
This Trail can be sent to you in the post or downloaded today for instant Trailing fun!

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Trail Location

The Swadlincote Treasure Trail starts at:

Bernard Street

Swadlincote

Derbyshire

DE11 8BU

England

Mini Explorer 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

Essential Intel

This quest begins and ends at Swadlincote Woodlands and Park, so check the park and car park closing times before setting off. Nobody wants to find the golden nugget and then discover the expedition vehicle has been locked in for the night.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Swadlincote, with Explorers following clues to uncover the hidden location of a legendary golden nugget linked to the town’s mining past.

The quest covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You’ll begin in Swadlincote Woodlands and Park, head through local streets and parks, explore the town centre and Sharpe’s Pottery area, then loop back towards Derby Road and the start point.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes park paths, footpaths, road crossings, a slight hill, steps, supermarket car park sections and town pavements. Keep Mini Explorers close throughout, especially around roads, car parks and any uneven or sloping sections.

Getting There

Time to gather your crew and begin the search for Swadlincote’s lost golden hoard:

By car - Park your expedition vehicle for free at Swadlincote Woodlands and Park on Derby Road (DE11 8LP), on your left as you leave town after the ski centre.

Once parked, hide valuables, secure your car and take the path up to the right of the car park. Look out for the sign for Opening Hole Way to begin the quest.

By public transport - Make your way to Swadlincote, then head for Swadlincote Woodlands and Park on Derby Road to begin the adventure.

Need the Loo?

Even hard-working Explorers need a comfort break before chasing golden nuggets through town. Toilets are available near Clue 06, so plan your pit stop before the Trail carries on towards the town centre.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers can join the adventure 🐾

This route includes woodland paths, parks, streets, crossings, footpaths, car parks and town-centre sections. Keep canine companions close throughout, especially near traffic, moving vehicles, narrow paths and any busy shopping areas. Any dog attempting to dig for gold without permission should be reminded that treasure rights are complicated.

Food & Drink Stops

A mining mystery can leave any crew with rumbling rucksacks.

From Clue 09 onward, Swadlincote town centre has plenty of chances to grab refreshments and stock up on supplies. You can also pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the parks once your Explorers have earned a proper nugget-hunting breather.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Swadlincote Woodlands and Park

Since the quest begins and ends here, this is the easiest place to extend your adventure. The park covers 80 acres, has picnic areas, a play area and a climbing rock, with 40,000 trees planted on a former landfill and open cast site.

Sharpe’s Pottery Museum

Sharpe’s Pottery is a strong extra stop for curious Explorers. The factory closed in 1967 after 146 years of pottery-making, and the museum now includes the free exhibition A Toilet Story, telling Derbyshire’s part in improving sanitation during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Swadlincote Ski Centre

The route directions mention the nearby ski centre, and it makes a cracking day-extender for energetic crews. Swadlincote can even claim an Olympic connection, as Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards trained here before representing Great Britain at the 1988 Winter Olympics.

National Forest Connection

The opening park sits within the National Forest, giving the Trail a greener edge before and after the town-centre clues. Explorers who still have energy after the hunt can linger among the paths, trees and open spaces before heading home.