World Town Crier Tournament Activity Trail

Oyez, Oyez! Crack the crier's code. Explore the city. Win a prize.

For over 470 years, a single voice has carried news through the streets of Chester, the city's town crier, proclaiming loud and proud since 1554. This September, as the World Town Crier Tournament brings 25 booming voices from seven countries to the city, we're inviting you to follow in their footsteps.

Our trail map sends you on a walk through the heart of the city, following a trail of questions hidden among the landmarks that make Chester one of Britain's great historic destinations. Answer each one correctly, and you'll collect a letter. Find them all, put them together, and they'll spell out a secret code word, your key to entering our prize draw.

How it works

1. Start your trail Pick up your trail map from Chester Visitor Information Centre, then set off at your own pace. There's no clock ticking, so take your time and enjoy the city along the way.

2. Follow the clues Each stop on the trail brings you face to face with a piece of Chester's story. Look closely, read carefully, and answer the question at each location to reveal your letter.

3. Crack the code Collect every letter along the route and arrange them to spell your code word. Get stuck? Look again. Chester rewards those who take a second glance.

4. Enter online Once you have your code word, complete the competition form to the right to be entered into our prize draw. It's that simple.

Why walk the trail

This isn't just a treasure hunt. It's a chance to see Chester through fresh eyes, from the ancient amphitheatre to the timber-framed Rows, from riverside views to hidden courtyards most visitors walk straight past. Whether you're a lifelong local or discovering the city for the first time, there's always another layer to uncover.