Learning History with a treasure hunt

My name is Tim or Black Cat if you would like me to be a little more mysterious. I am honoured to have the opportunity to not only write this blog but to have a treasure hunt featured in Travel Bright Tours‘ new, interactive self-guided booklet, „Discover the History of Brighton with KIKA“. This blog aims to describe what makes a great treasure hunt and why Brighton is the perfect place for one.

When it comes to planning a treasure hunt route around Brighton it`s important to ensure that you get the absolute most out of your time. Especially for first time visitors that will mean passing by Iconic/Must See Attractions. 

I am fortunate that Brighton is a relatively compact city. It is usually possible to ensure that at some stage you will pass by/through the quirky North Laine area, the cultural district including the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, the Royal Pavilion and the Theatre Royal…then continue through „The“ Lanes and on to the seafront where the Pier and the i360 tower await.

The Lanes are probably one of the most visited parts of the city and the centre of Brighton`s old town. It is the perfect choice for a treasure hunt to include in the new booklet as without a few directions you could find yourself going around in circles there or maybe miss a part of this intriguing and interesting area.

Hidden in plain sight is not just an amusing phrase for me, it`s an important aspect to remember for a treasure hunt. Just as you take in the sights, I like to surprise with questions about things that are so close and yet you may not be aware of. For example, the musicians mural in the tunnel next to Brighton Sea Life or the bronze plaque about Tom Sayers, a champion bareknuckle boxer from Brighton, tucked away on the outside of the Guitar, Amp and Keyboard centre in the North Laine. The narrow streets and alleyways of The Lanes add an air of anticipation as you look out for the answers to similar questions.

Street Art: Brighton has an ever-growing reputation for brilliant street art. The North Laine is a good place to start, but there are gems all over the city. My personal favourite artist is called The Postman (actually two people!) and apart from musicians in the North Laine you can find their work on the beach too with all sorts of famous people appearing. Great art will definitely feature in a question or two. I do have to keep an eye on this ever-changing landscape though!

Quirky Objects = Quirky Questions. A Brighton itinerary by definition will take you past all sorts of weird and wonderful things to see or look out for. A giant, pink spiky snail above Punktured in Gardner St, a colourful buffalo outside the Chilli Pickle in Jubilee Square and Larry the Brighton Lobster on the beachfront path are just a few of the things that will heighten your mood and take your visit up a level.

Blue Plaques. In my opinion, blue plaques on a treasure hunt are akin to owning a cat. I do not like to rely on them, but I am happy when they are around. If a blue plaque enhances a route I will include one or two. Look out for Anita Roddick’s one in the bustling Kensington Gardens. People love to know a bit more about the original Body Shop site. Another favourite of mine is slightly off the regular routes, but I will use it given half the chance and that is one about a guy called Michael Trotabas (North Place). He was a special operations executive in France during World War II. When it comes to The Lanes treasure hunt there is a very good one about a Clementina Black who I had never heard of before it went up.

History is all around and fascinating. I think when you are visiting a new city you want to take a route through it that shows off why it is so special. Historical references are one way of doing this and Brighton is blessed with all sorts of interesting options. Kika in this history booklet is much more of an expert than me and clearly brings it to life. Why did the Maharajah donate the Indian Arch (next to the Royal Pavilion) to the people of Brighton? What exactly did the Prince Regent use The Market Inn for (in The Lanes)? Our treasure hunt routes will uncover these historical questions and Kika is ready with the detail!

Using the physical aspects of a route (you will become an Instagram champion). An itinerary should give you the opportunity to physically experience a place as well as visually. Brighton is excellent for this. The boats outside Brighton Fishing Museum are there to generate fun for all ages. So too is the aquamarine-coloured, giant doughnut, running parallel to the pier. Take that classic Instagram photo of a family member with their head in the middle. Go on..you know you want to!

Let`s get personal. A personalised treasure hunt for a birthday or hen party or team-building event requires some personalised questions and challenges. I look at finding out about the participants or who the treasure hunt is for before adapting routes and questions to suit. The Lanes are always included in a hen party treasure hunt for example with the abundance of incredible jewellery shops all selling amazing wedding rings of course.

Right place/right time. If you don`t know things are there you might miss something that you will really enjoy looking at. A well-curated route will build in timings that are suitable and agreed. Time will be built in to get to all the places that you might want to see. You might enjoy certain aspects of going to the highly popular Brighton beach of course, but if you go a little further towards the i360 you will come across the annually changing display of excellent photos on the beach by the city`s photographic club. Well worth 5 minutes of your time (and a good question for your treasure hunt).

Finish with a bang or back where you started.  You may have done your own research on what you want to see and do before coming. A true, and listening, treasure hunt compiler will take this into consideration and ensure the route finishes (and starts) where you want it to. Maybe it`s a surprise visit for someone. A cryptic last question could leave you looking at the old West Pier and the i360 at the same time…or …going the other way looking at crazy golf and the Zip wire together. Oh yes…I`ve also bought tickets for….!

Black Cat wishes „KIKA“ fantastic success with this new and excellent booklet focusing on the history of Brighton. I also look forward to future collaborations with Travel Bright Tours in other parts of Sussex later in the year. For the moment and for future updates please reach out to me at my email or visit my website!

Tim