Visitors to a popular seaside resort in Kent can enjoy a brand new perspective of the town with the launch of an exciting family-friendly activity.

Daring detectives can undertake a Treasure Trail around the heart of Margate, the ever-popular destination which combines fish and chip suppers with hipster hangouts.

The 2.5-mile self-guided Trail will take you on a brave patrol around the heart of the town, examining evidence, following up on witness reports and chasing down the crook along the seafront.

The entire investigation takes around two hours and will keep amateur sleuths hot on the tail of an art thief – can you crack the clues to reveal whodunnit?

“The Missing Masterpiece is an exciting new addition to the Treasure Trails portfolio and joins a number of really popular Trails in Kent,” said Aaron Hutchens, 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 in Turner Contemporary Gallery, the fascinating old town and the promenade above Margate's famous sandy beach.

If you enjoy The Missing Masterpiece, there are a total of 11 Trails in Kent, enabling you to explore different areas of the stunning county known as the Garden of England. Here are a couple of examples:

• Broadstairs – Spy Mission Trail, 1.5 miles

The top-secret mission starts at Albion Street Car Park and explores Broadstairs' magical seafront, two parks and the high street. Bustling with sandy beaches and fascinating history, the Trail will show you the town in a new light. 

• Herne Bay – Treasure Hunt, 1.7 miles

This quest begins right on the seafront, visiting clues as far as the pier before heading inland. You will then explore Memorial Gardens and the main shopping street before ending with a pot of gold!

There are over 1,200 Treasure Trails across the UK and three themes of Trails to choose from: treasure hunt, spy mission or detective mystery.

To download the 'The Missing Masterpiece' Trail and browse the full list of Treasure Trails by region, visit treasuretrails.co.uk.

For more information please contact: Matt Dixon | matt@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 01637 873379.

Note to Editors: 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).

Margate: The Missing Masterpiece Trail information:

• This Trail has not been marked as accessible for wheelchair users or children's buggies due to unavoidable steps and steep stretches.
• Bring your four-legged friends along – but dogs will need to be kept on leads.
• The closest long stay pay and display car park to the start point is at Trinity Square (CT9 1HR), just a 10-minute walk away; however there is a slightly closer car park with a maximum four-hour stay at Market Street (CT9 1ED).
• 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 near clue 17, and the route passes several refreshment stops, snack shops and ice cream parlours for a post-investigation reward! There are no children's play areas on the route, but there is a beach which is great for picnics.

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 rulesat 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 surfacessuch as plaques, signs, information boards, gates, walls or benches that clues may be based on.
• Don't lingerfor 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.