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Treasure trails to discover sights in your nearest town across Kent

After weeks of lockdown, you could feel a little too familiar with every inch of the local park - but there is a way to stay local and see sights in a new way.

Treasure Trails are a way to get your household out locally, and keep everyone happy (as well as getting your steps in) while we all wait for lockdown restrictions to be eased.

Treasure Trails are suitable for all ages
Treasure Trails are suitable for all ages

The self-guided walking trails will take you on a circular outdoor route of around two miles, but they're not just a walk. You could find yourself on a detective mystery, a treasure hunt, or a spy mission.

On the way, you could catch crooks and track down spies or hidden treasure, but part of the puzzle incorporates clues so you'll need to seek out local landmarks, signs, statues, monuments, and engravings - things you may have never spotted before.

Of the 1,200 Treasure Trails across the UK, there are 10 to try in Kent, so you should be able to find one near you.

Aaron Hutchens, Treasure Trails general manager, said: “A Treasure Trail is a fun and challenging activity which can be enjoyed with your household, with the benefit of getting outside in the fresh air and discovering something completely new about your local area."

The trails tick several lockdown boxes, as they are local, socially-distanced, and can be incorporated into your daily exercise, as well as being suitable for all ages.

See if you can take on the Treasure Trail challenge
See if you can take on the Treasure Trail challenge

Maidstone (Treasure Hunt)

Time/Distance: 2 hours, 2.5 miles

Starting on Palace Avenue you'll tour the historic streets and gardens of Maidstone. Pass the museum, enjoy a riverside walk, and explore the gardens of the Archbishop's Palace.

Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone
Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone

Tunbridge Wells (Detective Mystery)

Time/Distance:2 hours, 2.5 miles

From the picturesque Pantiles to the rambling Wellington Rocks, there will be clues to find around every corner of the streets and parks of the historic spa town.

Whitstable (Spy Mission)

Time/Distance: 2 hours, 2 miles

This Spy Mission starts on Cromwell Road and passes through the heart of this seaside town. Hunt along the high street, around the waterfront and through the alleyways to find the clues.

Faversham (Detective Mystery)

Time/Distance: 2 hours, 2 miles

This trail leads through the centre of Faversham and beyond to discover its brewing, gunpowder and brick-making heritage. Visit the creek before returning to the historic town centre.

Herne Bay (Treasure Hunt)

Time/Distance: 2 hours, 1.7 miles

Beginning right on the seafront, find clues on this trail as far as the pier, before heading inland. The trail then explores the Memorial Gardens and the main shopping street.

Rochester Picture: Chris Davey
Rochester Picture: Chris Davey

Rochester – A Dickens Mystery (Detective Mystery)

Time/Distance: 2 hours, 1.5 miles

Hunt high and low, starting from the heart of Rochester’s historic high street, past Tudor townhouses and through medieval gardens to Rochester Castle on this Dickens-themed mystery.

Deal (Treasure Hunt)

Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 2.4 miles

This trail starts at the St George’s car park, close to the cafés and shops of the High Street. Explore the historic town centre and seafront, passing the pier whilst searching for clues.

Broadstairs (Spy Mission)

Time/Distance: 2 hours, 1.5 miles

Starting at Albion Street car park, explore the magical seafront area of Broadstairs, and of course, there may be one or two Dickens-related clues.

Canterbury (Spy Mission)

Time/Distance: 2 hours, 2 miles

The clues on this trail take you through the city’s historic centre and green parks, uncovering fascinating stories from Canterbury’s ancient past as you go.

Canterbury – The King’s Mule (Treasure Hunt)

Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 1.5 miles

This trail begins at The Beaney in the city centre and explores the historic east side of the city, finishing with a clue hunt in beautiful Westgate Gardens.

You can book Treasure Trails online at treasuretrails.co.uk costing £9.99, and can be downloaded as a printable PDF or posted to you as a printed booklet.

For more days out ideas across Kent click here.

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