• Oxford - City, Colleges & Castle Treasure Trail - story page
  • Portland - Castle & Chesil Beach Treasure Trail

    Crack the Academic Whodunnit

  • Follow the Clues & Unlock Secrets in This Thrilling Quest
  • Solve Clues & Reveal Hidden Stories in a Scavenger Hunt
  • Engaging Scavenger Hunt Challenge - Test Your Puzzle-Solving Skills
  • Race to Solve the Ultimate Treasure Hunt Puzzle
  • Track Down Clues & Crack the Codes in an Outdoor Treasure Hunt
1 8

Oxford - City, Colleges & Castle

Oxford

City, Colleges & Castle

Oxford - City, Colleges & Castle

The mystery of the professor's miraculous discovery…

£10.99 GBP
£10.99 GBP
Sale Sold out
Trail format
Trail Information at a glance View full details

5* reviews from
8,000+ happy families

They are a really good and fun way to explore a new town or city, or your local area... Suitable for all ages. We are in our 70's.

– Laura Reeves

We were a group of 3 generations between 17 and 70ish – you really don't need to have children with you to enjoy these trails.

– Sarah Smith

Makes exploring towns really fun.

– Karunen Pillay Vencatasawmy

Great little adventures... and at £10.99 they are good value.

– L Stewart

Fantastic time spent exploring, treasure hunting, seeing new places.

– Jane Stevens

We got to see new places and things you wouldn’t notice, if you were simply walking round.

– Laura Beale

Brilliant fun, covering all ages. I've done these alone, with my teen kids and even did one as a first date!

– Zara Lyford

A great way of visiting a place in a way you wouldn't normally.

– DaveB3650

You look at features of towns you don't normally notice.

– Rachel Hill

Enjoyable solving clues and going to places in the town which we never knew existed.

– Mr Stephen Parnell

An excellent way of exploring a new or familiar place.

– Lucien Riviere

We learnt new details about a location we thought we knew.

– Kate Hood

Explore Oxford Differently

Discover somewhere new - or rediscover somewhere you thought you knew.

A family reading a Treasure Trails booklet together on a sunny street
  • Follow a carefully planned self-guided route through the area
  • Use real landmarks and features to crack around 18 clever clues
  • Notice fascinating features you'd normally walk straight past
  • Great fun for everyone from 6 to 106
  • Around 2.5 hours of exploring
    Around 2.3 miles of walking
  • One trail is perfect for up to 5 people

How it Works

  1. 1. Choose how you want to explore

    Use the App, print your Trail at home, or let us print and post it to you.

  2. 2. Access it
    instantly

    Your App and PDF are ready immediately, whichever option you choose.

  3. 3. Explore
    & solve

    Follow the route and crack the sneaky clues along the way.

  4. 4. Submit
    your answer

    Enter your final
    answer online to
    reveal the ending.

Great detectives needed!

A mystery is waiting to be solved in

Oxford

Oxford University is in a right pickle! Professor Gray Matter, one of its most revered and eccentric scholars, has vanished without a trace. Known for his love of tweed suits and pickling everything from cucumbers to quantum theories, the professor has left a trail of clues that only the most curious detectives will be able to follow.

DCI Ellie Mentry and her team have been called in to investigate the disappearance of Professor Matter. With foul play suspected, it's up to YOU to help crack this academic mystery before it's too late.

Treasure Hunt Through Oxford

Future detectives, we need your help! This self-guided detective mystery will take you on a thrilling adventure through the heart of Oxford, exploring the winding backstreets around the famous colleges and uncovering hidden secrets about the city's fascinating history.

Your journey begins at Oxford University, where Professor Matter was last seen. As you follow the clues he left behind, you'll visit historic landmarks such as the Oxford Castle and the Bodleian Library, and learn about the city's quirky traditions and legendary figures.

Put your detective skills to the test and help us solve this curious case!

Oxford - City, Colleges & Castle
Oxford - City, Colleges & Castle
Oxford - City, Colleges & Castle
From the case file
Oxford - City, Colleges & Castle

Every clue brings you closer to the truth...

Piece together the evidence, identify the culprit and discover how the case ends.

Trail Information

Trail Location

The Oxford City and Castle Treasure Trail starts at:

Queen Street

Oxford

Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire

OX1 1DJ

England

Detective Mystery Themed Trail

Detective
Mystery

2.5 Hours Duration

2.5 Hours

2.3 Miles Walking Distance

2.3 miles

Wheelchair Accessible

Accessible

Pushchair Accessible

Accessible

Dog Friendly

Dog
Friendly

Trail Details:

  • A self-guided detective mystery walking Trail around Oxford.
  • Ideal for kids aged 6 - 106!
  • 2.3-mile 'loop' Trail (takes 2.5 hours to complete at your own pace).
  • Text message service with clues if you get stuck.
  • Learn more about where you live or explore somewhere new.
  • Download your Trail now for instant fun (or receive your copy in the post)!

More Information:

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

The Trail is friendly to both wheelchairs and pushchairs, although expect to negotiate some cobbles. A detour is detailed for one small section of the route without clues, for wheelchair users.

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 parks to the Trail start point are at Westgate Centre (OX1 1TR) or Worcester Street (OX1 2BQ), just a five to ten minute walk away. Or why not try one of Oxford's fantastic Park and Ride services?

There are some fantastic events in Oxford'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. If you would like further information about event dates, please contact Oxford Visitor Information.

There are public toilets available in the middle of the Trail, and there is a myriad of cafes, restaurants, pubs and other eating establishments along the way, including several near the castle itself.

Why not make a day of it by visiting some of the fascinating attractions along the way, such as the Bodleian Library, one or more colleges and 'Oxford Castle Unlocked', where you can explore both the castle and mound. Or why not try one of our other Oxford Trails to uncover more twisting tales about this amazing city?

Mini Detective 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.

Show more »

What is a Treasure Trail?