City-wide treasure hunts launched as part of York’s first walking festival
A fun new way for residents to rediscover the delights of York is on its way – and there are prizes too.
The first of a series of family-friendly treasure hunts is coming to the centre of York on Saturday 5 September.
Walkers of all ages will have to look out for clues in the windows of independent shops and other businesses. Solve them and you could win a prize, including a £50 York Gift Card.
Created by Indie York, the treasure hunt forms part of the first York Walking Festival.
Created with iTravel York, this will take place between Saturday 5 September and Sunday 13 September.
Local people and visitors will be encouraged to take a walk around the city following different footpaths and walking routes.
The walks will emphasise the importance of independent shops, to encourage local people to walk and cycle whenever possible and to help them rediscover just how wonderful York is to explore.
Routes take people through clusters of shops and businesses that have come together to produce a mini ‘Treasure Hunt’ for their area.
Hundreds of explorers
Indie York are providing a map with walking routes that take in all 60 participating independent businesses.
“After such a long period of lockdown, with all that has meant to families and businesses, we at Indie York were keen to come up with something positive for independents and for the health, both physical and financial, for our local residents and families in particular,” said Johnny Hayes, chairman of Indie York.
“When iTravel York said they were organising a walking festival we both agreed it was an opportunity to work together.
“We hope our joint venture will attract many hundreds of people to visit York’s high streets this autumn.”
Councillor Andy D’Agorne, executive member for transport on City of York Council, said: “So many events have been cancelled this summer, so we are delighted that we have partnered with Indie York to encourage families and visitors to walk around the city and explore the independent shops.”
There is due to be a second round of Treasure Hunt events taking place in the half-term October holiday
How it will work
Indie York are providing a map with walking routes that take in all 60+ participating independent businesses – all of which will stock copies, alongside the Visit York information centre.
There are seven different clusters of businesses taking part around the city with seven themes to guess. The map will tell you where the clusters are.
The clues in business windows are also colour coded, so participants will know if they are in the green cluster, red cluster and so on.
Participants will look for clues in the windows to figure out what theme they indicate. For example, if you see the clues ‘goal’, ‘kick’ and ‘pitch’ then the theme is ‘football’.
Once completed you can enter the prize draw for that area and win a possible £50 gift card to spend in a shop or business of your choice. Individual businesses might also provide a little bonus or a small piece of treasure whilst on route.
More details will shortly be available at Indie York and iTravel York