At just 16, he’s running a nationwide hunt businessA family follows the trail clues with curious eyes and open minds—Huntfun turns everyday walks into shared adventures.

There’s something enduringly appealing about a treasure hunt.

The promise of discovery, a touch of mystery, and the simple joy of seeing a familiar place through fresh eyes.

For most, it’s a weekend amusement. But for 16-year-old Ewan Bowron, it’s a way of life — and business.

Still a student at North Bromsgrove High School, Ewan is already immersed in the world of interactive city trails, helping run Huntfun alongside his family. What started as a passion project has evolved into something much more: a mission to help people rediscover their surroundings in the most unexpected, imaginative ways.

Huntfun isn’t just Ewan’s business—it’s the Bowron family business. With his father as CEO and both his mother and sister playing central roles, Ewan is part of a collaborative team effort. “We all chip in and do different stuff around the business,” he explains simply. Their roots lie in Worcestershire, although the family holds strong ties to Bristol, a city that plays a key role in both their lives and their hunts.

“My father went to Bristol University and speaks with very fond memories of the place,” Ewan says. “I have also visited Bristol many times and love the city.”

A Huntfun team strikes a pose mid-hunt—creativity and laughter are all part of the trail experience.

That fondness shines through in Huntfun’s Bristol-based trail, which he describes with pride.

At its core, it’s a series of self-guided treasure hunts across various UK towns and cities. The format is straightforward: participants follow a looped route, answering clues along the way, with answers hidden in plain sight—from blue plaques to gateposts. There are multiple formats to suit different preferences, including printed hunts, downloadable versions, and GPS-based mobile hunts.

“It is the perfect way for families to spend a day out,” Ewan says. “It can be taken at your own pace and there are many different varieties of hunts.”

Despite his age, Ewan is no stranger to the world of entrepreneurship. Before the family took over Huntfun, he had already launched his own venture: Hawkeye Hunts. “All the hunts I wrote were based around the Midlands,” he says, showing an understanding of both geography and market niche.

His enthusiasm for the treasure hunt format was a key influence behind the family’s decision to take over Huntfun. But it’s not just fun and games—there’s a genuine sense of historical and cultural appreciation behind the trails. “Us as a family enjoy learning about the local history of Britain’s proudest towns and cities,” Ewan says.

Thumbs up all round! A group celebrates cracking clues during a GPS Huntfun challenge—complete with a bit of fancy dress flair.

Talking about the Huntfun route in Bristol, he describes it as “special in my opinion.” The trail winds through some of the city’s most iconic sites, including Bristol Cathedral, City Hall, and the Central Library, offering participants a unique way to explore the city’s history.

“My favourite Bristol landmark is Bristol Cathedral,” he adds. “On the inside, it looks beautiful and I’m fascinated by the beauty of it. On the outside, in my opinion, it is a piece of architectural masterpiece.”

Ewan’s fascination with Bristol isn’t limited to the obvious landmarks. He’s particularly fond of the lesser-known nuggets of history. “Bristol is full of hidden gems. I don’t want to reveal them—I would like the people to find them themselves and be wowed about this hidden side of Bristol.”

That sense of discovery is what Huntfun thrives on. It isn’t just about ticking off locations—it’s about engaging deeply with a place.

Creating a hunt is no small feat, and Ewan walks us through the detailed process behind each trail. It starts with research—looking into the history of the location and recalling any previous visits. The team then travels to the site, snapping photos and identifying potential clues. “We then write a first draft of the hunt. We then go back to the location and check the hunt,” he explains.

It’s a meticulous process, but one that Ewan clearly enjoys. “In conclusion, it is a magical and so much fun experience from the start to the end of writing a hunt.”

Discovery in action—this family uncovers historic insights while navigating a Huntfun trail through the streets of Norwich.

The clues are designed to be challenging without being frustrating. “You do usually have to search high and low to find the clues,” he says. “Some clues do cause a bit of mischief but it is all part of the fun.”

The GPS Hunts add a modern twist to the traditional format, particularly for business groups looking for engaging team-building activities. These hunts often include creative tasks like group photos in funny poses. “This is great fun for the teams and we have had some really creative pictures in the past,” Ewan says.

There are also themed hunts available throughout the year—from spooky Halloween trails to Christmas specials, and even a ‘Spy Mission’ or ‘Magic’ version for those after a more theatrical experience.

Long before he was creating hunts for the public, Ewan was walking with purpose—literally. Between the ages of 10 and 11, he organised five major walking fundraisers for BBC Children in Need, raising around £6,000 in total. One standout event saw him complete a marathon walk from Birmingham to Worcester.

“I was featured on the news and had a special done on me on BBC Midlands Today,” he recounts.

These experiences underscore a deeper motivation: Ewan isn’t just in this to entertain. There’s a clear desire to bring people together, raise awareness, and give back to the community—all values that remain embedded in the ethos of Huntfun.

With themed hunts already available and interest growing across different customer groups, the Bowron family isn’t ruling out future expansion. “We are not ruling out further ventures in Bristol and the South West area,” Ewan adds.

He’s also got a message for the sceptics. “To people who think this isn’t their kind of thing, I would say try it,” he says. “It’s brilliant for families and people of all ages. It is a great team bonding exercise.”

Accessible, interactive, and steeped in local charm, Huntfun offers more than just a day out—it’s an invitation to see the world differently. And with Ewan at the helm of its youthful new chapter, the future of this family-run business looks as adventurous as the trails they create.

For more details or to plan your own adventure, visit www.huntfun.co.uk.