Treasure Hunts: The Way Forward. And When To Look Back.

Treasure Hunts: The Way Forward. And When To Look Back.

Posted on: 02/10/2024

By Tim Carter (Owner of Black Cat Treasure Hunts)

It`s the murder/mystery treasure hunt in Brighton this weekend. I`m looking forward to it to see if the two teams will get all the references to the murder suspects (them!) and work out a fun and interesting backstory to the murder. This group are all coming dressed up as different characters. There are formula one drivers, an escapologist, a Mexican tourist, a Champagne grape vineyard owner, and a Hip Hop dance instructor amongst a number of others. I can`t wait to see them as a group. This will be a Brighton treasure hunt to remember whatever happens.
Always look forward so they say, never look back. I`m not sure who `they` are though and I don`t know if it`s such a wise course of action anyway. Reviewing treasure hunts after they have been a useful way to keep quality high and look for any improvements. Did customer feedback co-incide with how I felt about writing their particular treasure hunt? July provided a wide range of treasure hunts this year including some of my `big hitters`.
There were stag and hen party treasure hunts and a strong turnout for teambuilding treasure hunts too, one of which was based in Chichester. I like to remind participants of Chichester`s Roman past when they are undertaking challenges. Back in Brighton there was a group of 50 German students working their way round an interesting route and seeing all the attractions at the same time.
The highest percentage of the treasure hunts were in Brighton but there were also two birthday treasure hunts in London too. One of them was a 5Oth for a spectacular gemstone themed treasure hunt when all the guests arrived in shades of green. That is most definitely the way to do things. It started with the following introduction:
"It sounds to me like you have the perfect job! I'll tell you what I'm interested in and you can tell me if it is possible."
I do think I have the perfect job, and this treasure hunt was possible, but it needed a lot of attention to ensure the structure was right. In some treasure hunts (actually a lot) I need to constantly focus on ensuring the directions are correct. This was not the case here as it was set within five interlocking rooms, but the clues had to be cryptic and there was an element of code breaking too. The maths had to be right otherwise it could have looked bad on the night. I should not have worried as three of the guests were declared winners and walked off with some beautiful gemstones. The feedback was genuinely nice as well like, "Sooo good! It was tailored perfectly to the venue."
Ensuring things are suitable for where you are, and the context of the treasure hunt are key factors for success. This weekend`s treasure hunt teams will be confronted with a proper tarantula on question 2!  Sometimes, especially with a Murder/mystery treasure hunt, you can`t afford to muck about!
So, after mainly looking back to July and a brief contemplation of this Saturday`s treasure hunt what else is to look forward to later in the year? Well, I have had an initial enquiry for a Cluedo themed treasure hunt in a posh hotel on the Thames. Once again, the focus would be on adapting to the venue. Another one, which has already been booked, is a teambuilding treasure hunt for a group of vets in Chichester. Time to put together all my best animal themed challenges...back in beautiful Chichester. If you have never been I suggest getting a group together for a special occasion and I will sort you out the perfect, personalised treasure hunt around the city.
What are your thoughts on looking forward and reviewing the past? If you have got an idea for a treasure hunt, but doubt that it would be possible then I definitely want to hear from you. I love a challenge. Often It`s these ones that lead to the best treasure hunts. My other July treasure hunt was an 80th birthday (honestly her energy and enthusiasm could have passed her for any age) around the V&A museum in London. Without the initial suggestion I could be sat here without having devised questions about Hissing Baboons, gravity defying shoes and how someone`s painting was improved by a real earthquake!
Contact me ..Tim... if you want to get straight to the point or we`re related or as Black Cat if you want me to be curious straight away about your enquiry. 
Email: info@blackcattreasurehunts.co.uk
Phone: (01323) 655346
Social Media: Instagram: Blackcattreasurehunts2012, Facebook and Twitter.





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