The Portsmouth Spice Island Press Gangs Treasure Trail

The Portsmouth - Spice Island Press Gangs Treasure Trail starts at: Victoria Avenue, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2TA England
6-90 Years
Paid

Description

The Portsmouth Spice Island Press Gangs Treasure Trail is a self-guided detective mystery adventure set in the historic waterfront city of Portsmouth. It invites families and friends to explore the city while solving clues and uncovering a gripping crime story. Perfect for small groups, it combines sightseeing, history, and puzzle-solving in a fun outdoor experience.

The adventure follows the case of press gang boss Rob Yutoo, whose suspicious death has left the city in silence, with locals refusing to cooperate. Guided by Chief Inspector Nick Ewall, you must follow clues through Portsmouth’s cobbled streets to uncover the truth. The Trail takes you past key landmarks including Portsmouth Cathedral, the vibrant Gunwharf Quays, and the historic Spice Island. Along the route, you’ll solve clues hidden on buildings and landmarks while enjoying views of the waterfront and historic surroundings. 

The Trail costs £9.99 GBP per Trail, with one booklet recommended for a group of 4 to 5 people. Treasure Trail birthday parties are also available, where teams explore the route, solve clues and complete the adventure together, with adult supervision recommended for younger participants. 

Overall, The Portsmouth Spice Island Press Gangs Treasure Trail offers a fun and immersive way to explore the city’s rich maritime history. Its mix of storytelling, sightseeing, and clue-solving makes it ideal for families, friends, and visitors. It is an engaging and affordable outdoor activity for anyone discovering Portsmouth.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Do you have what it takes to be the next great detective?

  • Then we need your help on this self-guided detective mystery Trail around historic Portsmouth! Hunt down the captivating clues, explore through the cobbled streets and absorb the incredible Anglican Cathedral, the Gunwharf Quays and Spice Island. But there's more to this city than meets the eye...

Trail Backstory Title: A Gangster's Last Stand

  • Residents of Portsmouth weren't surprised or distraught to discover that local Press Gang boss Rob Yutoo had met his demise in suspicious circumstances. They're denying all knowledge and refusing to help, despite the pleas from the police.
  • Chief Inspector Nick Ewall is convinced it must be the work of a rival gang and has received a taunting message from the culprit. He needs super sleuths to tap into their skills and track down 'whodunnit'. Are you up to the task?

Facilities

  • Parking: The closest long stay pay and display car park to the Trail start point is at Victoria Avenue (PO1 2TF), where your investigation begins. If full, more parking is available at The Esplanade, just a five-minute walk away.
  • Food & Drinks: The route passes several shops and cafes (and a few ice cream parlours!) along the way.
  • Toilets: There are public toilets available towards Clue 05 and Clues 16-17. 

What to see

  • A self-guided detective mystery walking Trail around Portsmouth.
  • Ideal for kids aged 6 - 106!
  • 2.6-mile 'loop' Trail (takes roughly 2.5 hours to complete at your own pace).
  • Text message service for clues if you get stuck.
  • Solve the mystery and be entered into a £100 monthly draw!
  • Learn more about where you live, or explore somewhere new.
  • Download your Trail now for instant fun (or receive your copy in the post)!

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

£9.99 GBP per Trail. One Trail booklet recommended for a group of 4 to 5 people.

Pricing URL: https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/products/things-to-do-portsmouth-hants

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Want a birthday that’s actually fun (and doesn’t involve everyone just sitting around)? A Treasure Trail is an easy, ready-to-go adventure that gets people outside, exploring and laughing together. Our pre-written Trails are suitable for children and adults aged 6+, and work best in small teams of around 4–5 people. Everyone follows the route, cracks the clues, and solves the mystery as they go.

How a Treasure Trail birthday works

  • Pick a location (choose somewhere local, or make it part of a day out).
  • Split into teams (4–5 per team works best).
  • Set the mission (a quick briefing + team names instantly boosts excitement).
  • Start times (stagger teams by 2–5 minutes to avoid copying).
  • Finish with prizes (more on that below!).

Children’s birthday parties: what to know

  • We get asked a lot whether Trails work for children’s parties.
  • Standard Trails are designed for ages 6+, but at that age they’re best enjoyed as a family group or mixed adult/child team, because the directions and clue-solving usually need grown-up support.
  • If you’ve got 20 energetic 6-year-olds and one adult, a standard Trail probably isn’t the right fit.
  • For older children (often 9/10+, depending on the group), small teams can work really well, but they’ll still need adult supervision, especially near roads and crossings.

Ready to plan your birthday Trail?

  • Pick a location, choose your Trail, and you’re good to go.
  • If you’d like help choosing a Trail that suits your group size, ages, and timings, get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Visit the website for more information.

Want a birthday that’s actually fun (and doesn’t involve everyone just sitting around)? A Treasure Trail is an easy, ready-to-go adventure that gets people outside, exploring and laughing together. Our pre-written Trails are suitable for children and adults aged 6+, and work best in small teams of around 4–5 people. Everyone follows the route, cracks the clues, and solves the mystery as they go.

How a Treasure Trail birthday works

  • Pick a location (choose somewhere local, or make it part of a day out).
  • Split into teams (4–5 per team works best).
  • Set the mission (a quick briefing + team names instantly boosts excitement).
  • Start times (stagger teams by 2–5 minutes to avoid copying).
  • Finish with prizes (more on that below!).

Children’s birthday parties: what to know

  • We get asked a lot whether Trails work for children’s parties.
  • Standard Trails are designed for ages 6+, but at that age they’re best enjoyed as a family group or mixed adult/child team, because the directions and clue-solving usually need grown-up support.
  • If you’ve got 20 energetic 6-year-olds and one adult, a standard Trail probably isn’t the right fit.
  • For older children (often 9/10+, depending on the group), small teams can work really well, but they’ll still need adult supervision, especially near roads and crossings.

Ready to plan your birthday Trail?

  • Pick a location, choose your Trail, and you’re good to go.
  • If you’d like help choosing a Trail that suits your group size, ages, and timings, get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Visit the website for more information.

You can start your Trail whenever you like, as they are completely self-guided. Everything you need to complete your Trail is in the booklet, including directions and clues to guide you along the route. 

Address: The Portsmouth - Spice Island Press Gangs Treasure Trail starts at: Victoria Avenue, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2TA England

Post Code: PO1 2TA

Council: Portsmouth

County: Hampshire

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