STEVE KEELING gets into the Christmas spirit at Riptide’s, The Lost Present
It’s 7 O’ clock on a Monday night and I’m running around town with a treasure map trying to find the next secret location so I can deliver a lost Christmas present!
The Lost Present is an interactive treasure hunt around the centre of Leeds. Starting at the Corn Exchange participants are provided with a map, an empty present box and a whimsical back story about a secret guild of gift givers. The idea is to follow the map stopping at locations along the way to collect items to go in the present box.
The whole trail lasts about an hour and there are six locations (think grottos!) to find along the way. At each of the locations you are met by members of the guild who give you presents and tell you stories. I’m not going to spoil it by revealing locations but believe me two of them are really special!
The locations are all easy to find, but not so easy that young children won’t enjoy the sense of adventure that a treasure trail brings. They will also enjoy the free hot chocolate and sweets
On a crisp winter night wandering through a festively illuminated Leeds was an enjoyable experience on its own. Having a sense of purpose gave a spring to my step and I positively galloped round the trail in well under an hour. I imagine parents with children would take a little bit longer and it’s this group who will get the most out of it. Basically, this is a nice gentle family attraction for parents with kids under the age of 10. As all the action takes place after sunset the Christmas lights and attractions along the way all add to the experience.
The Lost Christmas Present is very reasonably priced at £5 for adults and nothing for kids! To book a place you need to go to the riptide website. All of the booking times are between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The trail starts on the lower level of the Corn Exchange and ends…well I can’t tell you where it ends, that’s a secret!