An Oxfordshire village is hosting an imaginative treasure hunt based on the popular board game Monopoly. 

Launton, a village just outside of Bicester, is bringing a new twist to the old favourite activity of a scavenger hunt into the digital age with The Launton Monopoly Run.

The game, which will take place on Sunday, September 22, has been set up by village resident Jon Spinage for community group Friends of Launton Parish Hall (FoLPH).

The hunt will involve going around the village trying to claim properties inspired by the classic board game. 

Mr Spinage said: “This is a game designed to appeal to older children, recommended age eight plus, and adults alike.

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"It’s a fun way to spend a September afternoon."

"There will be chance challenges, free parking games and of course passing 'go' along the way - we probably won't be sending anyone to jail though," Mr Spinage said. 

"Different locations in the village will replicate the traditional London street names and other features.

“You’ll need a mobile phone to take part, but we plan to offer some basic training on the day.

The Oxford edition of Monopoly was launched last year (Image: Newsquest)

"All funds raised will go towards The Friends of Launton Parish Hall."

Those taking part need to arrive at Launton Parish Hall for 1.30pm for the team pack and briefing. 

The Launton Monopoly Run will start at 2pm and teams must be back in the hall with their answers by 3.30pm. 

Winners will be announced at around 4.15pm and while teams are waiting there will be home-made cakes and refreshments for sale in the hall.

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The route is 1.8 miles on level ground around the village on pavements and off-road footpaths.

Mr Spinage said the course should be accessible for push chairs and wheelchairs, weather and mud permitting. 

He added that although it’s located in Launton, team entries from other villages or from Bicester are very welcome and those taking part won’t need any special knowledge about Launton or the Monopoly board to complete the hunt.

The website reassures participants that there will be no requirement to run or jog.

For those booking in advance adult tickets costs £5, and entry for children costs £2.50. 

On the day adult tickets will cost £6 and children's tickets will cost £3.

Full details and joining instructions can be found online here: https://launton.org/run and the registration form can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSci2FpG5uSE295YuZ9br-ztEAe3Q3y5sj_ap5yEBfkY3ccpqA/viewform?usp=sf_link

 

About the author  

Charlotte joined the Oxford Mail in April 2024. 

She studied Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University. 

Charlotte has a particular focus on the Bicester patch and writes for the Bicester Advertiser as well as the Oxford Mail.

She can be found on X by searching @charcolesjourno.