Portsmouth Treasure Hunt: The Mystery of Nelson's Stolen Diamonds

Portsmouth Treasure Hunt: The Mystery of Nelson's Stolen Diamonds is a whodunnit adventure through the streets of Old Portsmouth, and it's one of those things that works as well with a group of mates as it does with the family. The story goes that on Admiral Nelson's last day on land, he tucked away a valuable diamond necklace in an old Portsmouth pub, only for someone to nick it that same night. The thief left a trail of clues behind, and that's where you come in: you follow the trail, unlock the hints, and piece together the mystery until the villain is finally revealed.

It's a self-guided tour, so you set your own pace. You'll work your way through a 44-page Mystery Guide, checking maps and solving clues as you go. Along the route, you'll visit five historic taverns, so there's a natural place to stop for a drink whenever you fancy. The whole thing covers about 3km and takes roughly two to three hours, which is a decent afternoon out without being a full-day commitment.

Because it's self-guided, you can start whenever suits you. You pick up your Mystery Guide from behind the bar at The Dolphin (41 High St, Portsmouth PO1 2LU) any time between 12:00 and 20:00, just show your proof of payment and you're good to go. The guide costs £19.99, and since you're in charge of the timing, it's easy to slot into a weekend. It's dog-friendly too, as long as they're on a lead, so you don't have to leave the four-legged members of the family at home. It's an outdoor activity, and since it's a set route, it's one you can come back and do again if you fancy it.