Treasure Hunt Nottingham

Have fun and see Nottingham a different way

You’re going to Nottingham and you want to have some fun. You know it's associated with men in tights, but beyond that, it's hard to know where to start!

It’s no fun wandering aimlessly. Feeling like you’re missing the cool areas or the lesser known sites. You don’t want to spend all your time looking at your phone, not actually seeing anything. With your other half getting bored and hungry.

What about planning your own route and hoping for the best? Sounds like a lot of work trawling blog posts and reading reviews. And you’ll probably miss the hidden gems as all the blogs just list the same attractions.

Will you find a good route, or will you end up spending all afternoon trudging along one of the busy main roads that cut across the city?

You know Nottingham’s got plenty of vibey cafes, and interesting sights. It’s just a question of having fun seeing it all.

Introducing
Treasure Hunt Nottingham

Pore over treasure maps and ponder cryptic clues.

Scour Nottingham's historical sights to find the answers.

A dotted path where X marks the spot
Nottingham Council House behind Old Market Square in the sunshine

Follow a carefully designed route around Nottingham. Discover the city of caves and spot striking Art Nouveau-style buildings along the way. Take the lesser known path but still see Old Market Square and the other main sights.

Spot things other people don't notice like the stone monkey, burdened by the weight of its mortgage.

Learn some fun facts and stories like the one about the Mayor getting bowled down by an enormous cheese. Nothing too heavy, you're here to have fun!

A group of friends looking for a clue from a bridge

Go at your own pace. Duck into the ancient pub or lose yourself exploring the caves. No rush.

A dotted path where X marks the spot

Don't take our word for it: we're rated ★★★★★ on Tripadvisor with 1 reviews.

Are you organising a special occasion? 🎉

Treasure Hunt Nottingham will take you on a fab route around the city, spotting clues and following treasure maps, all at your own pace.

A group of friends exploring tourist attractions by playing {{< param

It works like a WhatsApp
group chat

You don’t need to download or print anything and it doesn’t need any permissions.

Plus, you get to start when you want.

1. Follow maps 🧭

Bess sends you a series of treasure maps, leading you around Nottingham.

The clues and maps are a lot of fun.
This is a great way to see the city!”

Captain Bess Now for a change of scene, let's head down by the river...

2. Search for answers 🔎

Bess sends you a series of clues and you have to search the city for answers.

Good banter from Captain Bess who sends you the clues!”

Captain Bess A family firm,
who slowly became
Forgotten and faded,
what was their name?

Black Beard Beth Jones?

Captain Bess Nay, yer askin' to be walkin' the plank!

Long Joe Silver Wills?

Captain Bess Aye! That's it!

3. Learn some facts 🎓

Along the way, Bess will tell you a few interesting facts and stories about the things you're spotting in Nottingham!”

We learnt new things and actually appreciated the beautiful scenery as we went around the city.

Captain Bess It's a fire insurance mark, to show the firemen ye've paid yer dues! If not, they'd stand by 'n' watch yer house burn, imagine that!

4. Play together 👨‍👩‍👦

Captain Bess will invite you all to join the hunt!

We had such a laugh and a great day out!

Captain Bess Ahoy there! Ye must be the one they're talking about. Lookin' to join me ship, the Rising Pearl?

Buccaneer Beth Yes!

Captain Bess Ye'll be needin' help, have ye a crew?

Lianne Pinkbeard joined the game.

Parrot Pete 🦜 joined the game.

Parrot Pete Arrrrrrr!

Lianne Pinkbeard I'm ready to set sail! ⚓️

Reserve your game

... for FREE!

A different way to see Nottingham

A treasure hunt is more like a game than a traditional tour. You have to follow treasure maps, solve cryptic clues and keep your eyes peeled to find the answers.

You’ll have some banter with our friendly pirate Captain Bess. She’ll put you in your place if you get too many answers wrong!

Take your time, go at your own pace

You can start when you like, there’s no fixed start time. You can even finish the next day if you get stuck in a nice pub!

Fancy stopping to explore the sandstone caves? Enjoy! Take it at your own pace. Look out for pretty cafes and independent shops along the route.

Play on your own terms. It's just you and your team, like a private tour.

Start playing in 60 seconds

It’s all on your phones, there’s nothing to print or collect.

Book online and you’ll get a link to start your game straight away.

You can rearrange or cancel

We’re flexible. If you change your mind, or if you decide not to visit Nottingham for whatever reason you can play another day or cancel for free.

Fun or your money back

We think you're going love Treasure Hunt Nottingham!

If you don't have fun, we promise to give your money back. We'll ask for a quick chat on the phone to understand what went wrong.

You'll see the best of Nottingham

No spoilers! You'll see the main sites like the Castle and the Old Market Square, but the real fun is finding the clues and spotting interesting details right there in the street.

Market Square - a bustling public space located in the heart of the city, overlooked by the magnificent Council House

Nottingham Council House behind Old Market Square in the sunshine

The Exchange - an elegant Victorian-era shopping arcade that's filled with upscale boutiques and specialty shops offering luxury goods and bespoke services.

Fothergill's buildings - you'll find these striking Art Nouveau-style structures all over the city, designed by architect William Fothergill in the early 20th century.

A beautiful red brick building with a central tower

Nottingham Playhouse - a renowned theatre in the heart of Nottingham, with the impressive sky mirror sculpture sitting outside.

A reflection of Nottingham Playhouse's tower in a concave mirror

St Barnabas Cathedral - a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, with intricate stonework and breathtaking stained glass windows.

The Park Estate - a stunning and exclusive residential area, home to elegant Georgian and Victorian homes, tranquil gardens, and tree-lined streets.

A private road, lined with trees with a stone wall and bank leading up to a turreted house

Nottingham Castle - a historic fortress and museum in Nottingham, famous for its connections to Robin Hood and as a site of key events in English history.

The magnificent entrance to Nottingham Castle

The Caves - a mysterious and fascinating underground network of sandstone caves, tunnels, and cellars dating back to the medieval period.

A tunnel in Nottingham, carved in sandstone, surrounded by trees and folliage

Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem - one of England's oldest pubs, with a rich history, quirky décor, and a reputation for serving great beer.

A stone pub, painted while, nestled at the foot of some sandstone cliffs

National Justice Museum - an interactive and engaging museum that explores the history and importance of justice and the law.

The columned entrance to the National Justice Museum

Lace Market - now a trendy and vibrant neighborhood full of stylish bars and indie-shops, it's known for its historic lace-making heritage.

A brick pedestrianised street lined with old warehouses

By the end, you'll have seen the best of the city. You've probably spotted a cafe or pub you'd like to revisit!

What if it rains? 

If it's patchy rain, you can pop into a cafe or a pub along the route: our treasure hunt is totally flexible.

If it's really bad and you'd like to switch days, that's fine. Or you can even split it over two days if you prefer.

If it's really pouring and you don't fancy swimming across the city, we’ll give your money back, even if you've started the game.

Will it be too difficult?

Don't worry! The treasure hunt has some tricky clues, but if you get stuck you can ask for a hint.

We make sure you don't get completely stuck, endlessly wandering through tunnels and caves...

Will I have fun if I'm from Nottingham?

Yes! You already know the city, but we bet you'll notice things you've walked past a hundred times before.

We've worked hard to find the less-obvious stuff - beyond the typical blue plaques - and some interesting stories and anecdotes. You're going to have a great time!

Is it suitable for kids?

The game is designed for adults and curious kids aged 8 and up.

A family perched on a sculpture playing Treasure Hunt Liverpool

Younger ones are welcome though you may have to help by interpreting the clues and Captain Bess' pirate speak.

The whole route is pushchair friendly, avoiding steps or showing step-free alternative routes.

We’re a family of four with a 13 year old and a 11 year old. Mum was map reader, dad reminded kids about clues, and kids were hunting for clues.”

—Lexie, Tripadvisor

Will it be too physical?

It's 2½ miles walking but there are loads of spots to rest. There are cafes, restaurants and pubs along the way.

Ready for a different way to see Nottingham?

  • Follow a carefully designed route around Nottingham.
  • See Nottingham's best sights including some hidden gems, like the leafy streets of the former Royal hunting ground.
  • Start whenever you're ready and take it at your own pace.
  • 2-3 hours of fun outdoors.

Getting organised?
Plan your day 📋

Have questions?
Email us 💌
or text us
07380 309380

ahoy@treasurehuntnottingham.com

Telephone: 0115 647 3933
Text us: 07380 309380

The Merry Meander starts from:
St Peter's Church, Nottingham, NG1 2NW