The new James Bond film is nearly here, and budding 007s can test out their espionage skills with a brand new Spy Mission Treasure Trail based around Plymouth's historic Royal William Yard.

The 1.8-mile circular self-guided Trail invites adventurers to embark on a secret mission to save Royal William Yard from the power-mad boss of a shadowy organisation. Solve the clues set on features such as signs, buildings and monuments, including Artillery Tower, to crack the code.

Based outdoors, the Trail is an ideal adventure activity for families to try out this autumn and October half term.

You don't need a map – the trail directions will lead you from start to finish. You'll discover fascinating facts from The Yard's past along the way, such as where Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle practised medicine before he became a writer.

Royal William Yard is the largest collection of Grade 1 listed military buildings in Europe. Today, history meets modern life in this beautiful waterside area of Plymouth, which has been transformed into a vibrant hub of restaurants, bars, galleries and unique shops.

“The Royal William Yard Trail is an exciting new addition to the Treasure Trails portfolio and joins two other really popular Trails in Plymouth”, said Aaron Hutches, General Manager of Treasure Trails.

“We have seen a huge increase in sales of Treasure Trails over the last few months as, with the current Covid-19 restrictions, they offer the perfect way to get outdoors and have fun responsibly while getting everyone's steps up,” he added.

Costing just £9.99 for a family or small group, the Trail takes around 2 hours to complete at your own pace. You can stop for refreshments along the way at one of The Yard's eateries, such as Wagamama, or grab a mission-fuelling snack from Mills Bakery.

The new Royal William Yard Trail joins two other Treasure Trails in Plymouth that explore different areas of this great city: 

• Plymouth City, Hoe & Barbican – Murder Mystery, 1.5 miles

This walking Trail needs a detective! Your self-guided Murder Mystery begins at the Theatre Royal and will have you exploring the streets of Plymouth to find out whodunnit. 

• Plymouth Waterfront – Treasure Hunt, 1.5 miles

This linear walking Treasure Hunt Trail starts at Plymouth Pavilions and takes you along the Plymouth Waterfront Walkway, finishing at the National Marine Aquarium. You'll take in spectacular views along the way, including across Plymouth Sound to Mount Edgcumbe in Cornwall, Drakes Island and Mount Batten Breakwater. 

There are over 1,200 Treasure Trails across the UK and three themes of Trails to choose from: Treasure Hunt, Spy Mission or Murder Mystery.

To download the 'Plymouth: Save Royal William Yard' Trail and browse the full list of 1,200+ Treasure Trails by region, visit treasuretrails.co.uk.

This autumn, Treasure Trails is partnering with the British Heart Foundation to help fight heart and circulatory disease, and will be donating £5,000 of proceeds each month to the charity.

Notes to Editors:

For more information please contact: Sarah Runnacles | sarah@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 01637 873379

Treasure Trail booklets are available to buy online and download to print at home, or can be sent via post within 3-5 working days. Kids can get creative and add their own photo and text to the front cover using the website's online editing tool.

Treasure Trails have entertained over two million people since 2005 and are rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Ekomi, the independent review site.  Treasure Trails cost £9.99 (plus P&P as required).

Plymouth: Save Royal William Yard Trail information: 

• This Trail has not been marked as accessible for wheelchair users due to a large flight of stairs encountered along the route of the Trail.
• There is limited free parking available at Devil's Point Park, Admiralty Road (PL1 3RS). If this is full, you can park in thepay and display car park in the Yard itself. This car park is the closest to the Trail's start point.
• You may find that some of the Clues on this Trail may become obstructed or difficult to access if there are any events being held, so please plan ahead before travelling.
• There are public toilets available at Clue 04 of the Trail(00am until 6.30pm) and plenty of opportunities for refreshments and facilities along the latter part of the Trail from Clue 11 onwards.

Treasure Trails Covid-19 Code of Conduct:

Treasure Trails are ideally suited for everyone to re-discover what's around them in a fun and responsible way.  

• Follow social distancing rules at all times. Be prepared to skip a clue if social distancing is not possible.
• If planning a trail with people outside your household group, make sure you are still following the latest guidelines for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland on how many other people you can meet up with outdoors.
• Avoid touching any hard surfaces such as plaques, signs, information boards, gates, walls or benches that clues may be based on.
• Don't linger for too long – if you need to, take a photo of a plaque or sign and move to a quieter area.
• Respect others– remember that there are many vulnerable people who still need to self-isolate. While walking, keep a safe distance from residential homes, schools and other premises.