Royston First
NEW! Children’s Summer Trail
A summer adventure through Royston’s rich past
Saturday 26th July – Sunday 31st August 2025
Join us this summer for a new family-friendly town trail with a tasty twist!
Step into Royston’s fascinating past with Jowler’s Trail, a brand-new interactive experience designed especially for children and families.
Led by Jowler, the beloved hunting dog of King James I, this unique adventure takes young explorers on a journey through our historic town – with seven exciting stops to uncover quirky tales, royal drama, and local legends.
Use the map to find seven historical figures displayed in shop windows, complete the trail form correctly, and you’ll be in with a chance to win a fantastic prize bundle!
Prizes include a Between Buns voucher, a Royston Museum Family Pass for October, and more!
The story of Jowler
Before his death in 1625, King James I owned a loyal dog named Jowler!
According to local lore, Jowler was once kidnapped by fed-up townspeople and returned with a cheeky note on his collar telling the King to “get out of town.” This summer, Jowler is back… and he’s taking the children of Royston on a tour of the town he once knew.
7 stops with 7 stories
Collect your entry form with the trail map from either Kelly’s Kitchen, Royston Cave, Royston Library or Royston Museum. You can also download the form from this page. Then, follow Jowler as he guides you to key historical people and locations across Royston, including Royston Cave and other organisations.
In addition, you can add a yummy Jowler’s Treat Box from Kelly’s Kitchen, and enjoy bite-sized treats, connected to the stories, such as:
- The Gunpowder Plot connection
- The secrets of Royston Cave
- Anecdotes from King James’ time
These must be pre-ordered at least three days’ ahead and can be collected on a weekend.
Don’t forget to order your tasty treats for the trail!
Add an edible element to the adventure!
Local business, Kelly’s Kitchen, has created a themed Jowler’s Trail Treat Box featuring treats such as:
- A Jowler-shaped biscuit with an edible collar note
- An Oreo “archaeology dig” with a hidden cave carving
- A popping candy brownie to mark the explosive plot
Collect your pre-ordered treat box on a weekend and enjoy your snacks as a picnic in the park – the final trail stop!
How to take part…
- Collect your FREE entry form with trail map at either Kelly’s Kitchen, Royston Cave, Royston Library or Royston Museum. Alternatively, you can download it too.
- A lovely addition to the trail, you have the option to pre-order a Jowler’s Treat Box online to collect on weekends from Kelly’s Kitchen. You can complete the trail with or without treats!
- Follow the trail, using the map to complete the entry form.
- When you are finished, you can either pop your completed entry form into the trail box at Royston Library, or email it to us info@roystonfirst.com.
- If you pre-ordered and collected a Jowler’s Treat Box from Kelly’s Kitchen, you may wish to enjoy it in the park!
The trail launches on Saturday 26th July 2025 and finishes at 9pm on Sunday 31st August 2025.
Download an entry form
Download and print a copy of the entry form to use on Jowler’s Trail.
Brought to you by Royston First BID and local businesses
Jowler’s Trail is a community initiative by Kelly’s Kitchen, Royston Cave and Royston Museum, sponsored by Royston First and local independent businesses – designed to bring joy, history, and delicious discovery to our town.
Let’s show the world there is something special in Royston.
Grab your map, follow the pawprints, and discover more about our local heritage.
Support Royston’s independent businesses
Jowler’s Trail also celebrates our amazing local businesses. Each treat box includes exclusive coupons to use at family-run shops and cafés in town – think free coffees, discounted grazing boxes, and more!
