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Geocaching involves searching for “caches” in the great outdoors using GPS. The activity is similar to the historic pastime of ‘letterboxing’ in the way participants must find hidden trinkets in the wilderness, however, geocachers must use a GPS receiver to help track down these items. It’s thought there are over two-million caches worldwide, with around eighty-thousand of those found in the UK.

Why not give geocaching a try yourself? It’s a great hobby that combines invigorating walks or cycle rides with the nostalgia and excitement of a treasure hunt; plus it’s a great activity to get the kids interested in the great outdoors. If you need more convincing, check out our guide to the best places to go geocaching in the UK below.

Dunwich Forest, Suffolk

It’s thought there are ten active geocaches hidden among the pine trees of Dunwich Forest, and though not difficult to find, the beauty of the woodland makes this a great place for beginners to track down a cache or two. On a bright day, the diffusion of sunlight through the trees is stunning, so be sure to take the camera.

Margam Country Park, South Wales

There are a small-offering of geocaches in Margam Country Park, and to find them all, you’ll need your walking boots! The caches are well spaced out, but if you’ve had a good breakfast and are feeling fit, it’s well worth spending the day tracking each of them down. Margam is a wonderful place to explore, with deer and other wildlife among the things you should keep an eye out for.

The Peak District, Derbyshire

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Image Credits: Rum Bucolic ApeCC BY-ND 2.0

The Peak District has proved it’s the number one spot for a wealth of outdoor pursuits, and it seems the national park can add geocaching to that list too. There are hundreds of caches here, and the rugged terrain poses a challenge for those trying to track them down. Whether atop lofty peaks or hidden in heathland, the cache quality here is excellent, with lots of genuine treasures to be found.

The Pennine Way Geocache Trail, Yorkshire Dales

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Image Credits: Peer LawtherCC BY 2.0

Whether a keen novice or a seasoned pro, the Pennine Way Geocache Trail offers a challenge for any budding treasure-hunter. The trail features ten caches, placed at different points along the path, and cachers must find them in order to progress to the next. Due to its length, the trail will take two days to complete, though those up for a serious challenge could do it in a day.

Devon, South West

Thanks to its abundance of way-marked trails, bridle paths and cycle routes, Devon is a great place to switch on the GPS and go hunting. It’s thought there are over 25,000 geocaches in the county, many of which are hidden in the region’s prettiest pockets of countryside, including Dartmoor and the South West Coast Path. Wherever you choose to stay in the county, there’s bound to be some treasure nearby waiting to be uncovered!

Rent accommodation for a geocaching break with Sykes Cottages

Fancy yourself as a regular Indiana Jones or just want to get the little’uns out the house? Or, perhaps you need a good excuse to go for a walk? Then rent a cottage in the UK for a geocaching break. Many of our country cottages are available to rent in the UK’s finest geocaching hotspots, so grab the GPS and find yours today!


Image Credits: Michael Taylor(CC BY-SA 2.0)

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