BARDS, BAWDS, BEAR BAITING AND BORIS
TREASURES OF THE RIVER BANKS
Our Riverside Treasure Hunt quest is a truly enjoyable journey along the banks of the Thames that will take you into some truly hidden and secret places.
From an old church tower through which you can step to gaze upon a section of Roman London, and onwards through a warren of timeless alleyways that twist and turn their way along the banks of the Thames, this treasure hunt has it all.
IT STARTS AT THE HEART OF THE OLD CITY
You will begin in the heart of the old City of London and then be expected Studying a clue on the riverside treasure hunt. to root out all manner of cryptic clues and devious observations that are scattered around some truly fascinating places.
CLUES ANCIENT AND MODERN
Courtyards and passageways that you would never dream existed will yield up surprise after surprise. Modern London in the form of the Millennium Bridge will get you over the River Thames, on the other side of which Tate Modern will loom over you in all its artistic glory.
From there you will delve into the cobbled thoroughfares of Southwark where teams will compete against each other to find their way over and under bridges to pip each other to the post and be the first to find their way to the riverside end venue.
But en route to that venue, what treasures await!
HAVE I GOT VIEWS FOR YOU
One of the chief glories of the Riverside Treasure Hunt route is the number of spectacular views that it provides. You'll catch some stunning views of St Paul's Cathedral, Tower bridge, The Tower of London, HMS Belfast, the Oxo Tower, as well as some splendid vistas of the City of London skyline. Have you ever studied a Millennium Clock? You will have done when you reach the end of your Riverside Treasure Hunt.
YOU'LL PASS THE NEW GLOBE PLAYHOUSE
You will see the reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe Playhouse that has risen, Phoenix- like, on its riverside location.
How times change. When we did our first riverside treasure hunt in 1982 the spot where the Globe now stands was a derelict, eerie warehouse around which rats scurried day and night! Now the surroundings have been revitalised and people flock to enjoy a bustling and vibrant riverside district that is a positive joy to explore on our Riverside Treasure Hunt.
FORSOOTH THE BARD IS EVEN FEATURED
Since this was the area where Philip Henslow and the Burbage brothers (in partnership with William Shakespeare) established Elizabethan London's Theatreland, the clues and observations that litter this wonderful route have the distinct flavour of the Bard about them.
TRUE SURPRISES AND GENUINE DISCOVERIES
Our route hugs the banks of the Thames, and yet it is able to deliver some true surprises as you uncover places and items of street furniture that date back a hundred and more years, one of which has even survived from Shakespeare's day!
Also, given that in the past this was London's seedier entertainment and red light district where bawdy behaviour and beastly bear baiting were the order of the age, there will, no doubt, be a few surprising discoveries in the course of your Riverside Treasure Hunt.
FROM BEN JONSON TO BORIS JOHNSON
You'll see the modern replica of Sir Francis Drake's legendary flagship the Golden Hinde. You'll learn the strange story of the miser who faked his own death and discover how his deception backfired spectacularly, with tragic consequences. You'll gaze upon London's oldest Gothic church.
You'll pass the site of the theatre where several of the plays of the Elizabethan Playwright Ben Jonson were first performed (in fact he has somehow managed to write himself into one of our clues). As if that weren't exciting enough we even incorporate the London Assembly building, City Hall, home to our flamboyant Mayor Boris Johnson.
THE RIVERSIDE TREASURE HUNT'S IDEAL FOR ANY OCCASION
So, whether you are looking for a team building activity, an evening event that will get yourself, your friends and work colleagues out onto the streets of London, or even an enjoyable Saturday or Sunday morning or afternoon for a social gathering, hen party or birthday party, take a stroll along the banks of the Thames to pit your wits against some tricky clues laid out in a superbly atmospheric yet vibrant quarter of London.
But don't worry, the Riverside Treasure Hunt isn't too difficult and, before you know it, you will have resurfaced from the narrow alleys and hidden courtyards of a bygone age, to emerge blinking into the 21st century where the scores will be added up and the winning team will be decided.
