What is a Treasure Map Trail?

Founded in 2020, Treasure Map Trails is the brainchild of Daniel Johnson, a Bedfordshire dad looking for new ways of entertaining his young children. 

They loved the idea of a treasure map, but coming up with clues that would suit the different ages proved impossible.

So, equipped with a camera phone, notebook and some sketchy local history, they took a stroll through Leighton Buzzard and discovered a host of fascinating treasures.

The idea of creating treasure maps of real towns, with picture clues for children, was born.  

The maps we have created are a great way to get children interested in the history of their local towns. 

Treasures are works of art, statues, quirky creations and eye-catching features that they’ll see if they look up, look down and pay close attention to their surroundings. 

Each map uses a fantasy theme to grab your child’s interest, and includes real street layouts and recognisable buildings to help them (and you) find their way around.

Every Treasure Map Trail is based around a small section of a real town, aiming for no more than one mile between the two furthest points so that little legs don’t get too tired.

And we keep things simple by giving your kids a helping hand and showing them where to look for treasures. If things get really tough, there are clues on the back of the map.

There’s no need to complete a map in one go. If you only have a few minutes to spare, you can find a treasure or two, and come back to do the rest another day.

With every map completed, your child moves up one rank in the Treasure Map Trails Academy, from Cadet to Captain to Explore to Adventurer and finally a Treasure Hunter Master, earning their very own certificate each time. 

But most of all, Treasure Map Trails are a fun way to get out and about with your family.

And all for less than the price of a couple of coffees and cakes.