200 years ago the area around Bournemouth was mainly farming land with small villages, one of which was Kinson. To increase their income and to be able to use luxury goods like brandy, tobacco and lace, some people smuggled these items from France to prevent paying the government taxes. Bournemouth Bay and the surrounding coastal areas was where the smugglers landed and transported the goods inland to avoid the customs men. There it was hidden and gradually distributed and sold all over the country. Kinson had a strong connection to smuggling trade during the 18th Century because one of the most famous Dorset Smugglers, Isaac Gulliver, lived and owned a considerable amount of land and property in Kinson and the surrounding area.

The children and staff at Kinson Primary School decided to create their own treasure trails. So that all the children in the school and also parents, as well as adults outside the school, could use the trails they designed to cater for the different interest and capability levels.

The Foundation and Year 1 created jigsaw puzzles with missing pieces and clues to follow a trail to complete the puzzle, whilst Years 2-6 had different treasure trails around the school and school grounds. They also created a treasure trail around Kinson for Adults and families to follow.

The Kinson Primary School website includes lots of information about their activities and smuggling in and around Kinson. You can visit the site at www.kinsonprimaryschool.ik.org/p_Home_Treasure.ikml