THE UK · SELF-GUIDED APP GAMES IN THE UK
The good self-guided app games in the UK give up their weekend slots first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Solve 16 clues across Leeds on a flexible Houdini mystery walk with local stories, historic sights, pubs, and a dramatic final reveal.
“My in-laws bought me this as a Christmas present and we absolutely loved it. Such a brilliant idea and a great way to see the city. The puzzles are challenging but not too difficult making it a fun day out.”
Explore Liverpool’s ghostly side with a $7.22 self-guided smartphone game covering 12 puzzles, historic landmarks, and Beatles lore.
“I was really looking forward to this and it was a good way to spend some time in Liverpool and I got to see parts of the city I might not have seen. However I thought it would be more exciting”
Solve secret-society puzzles while exploring Cambridge colleges, clocks, and churches on a flexible, family-friendly smartphone walk.
“Fun but some of the clues aren’t there such as a statue was missing and many places shut due to COVID 😔 so some of the places like Kings College and other grounds could only be viewed from outside.”
Solve a Manchester murder mystery by phone while walking from the cathedral to the Science and Industry Museum.
“We only lost time on our only day playing this in Manchester. The challenges were based on something that was not there anymore. And so were the clues that told you how to get to another place. We were supposed to go to the left at some Black Milk. Have no idea what that is, google maps did not either. For some time we were helping ourselves with google maps, when the clues were bad, until we didn't know where we're going. We had to stop playing. We were not even in the middle. The one clue that was there was a small unimportant thing on one of the houses,…”
Solve royal clues across Westminster and St James’s on this flexible two-hour London phone quest, ending at Buckingham Palace for $6.01.
“Not being able to start the experiment as the map pin was in an inaccessible location! Wouldn't load onto more than one phone.”
Explore Covent Garden, Cecil Court, Trafalgar Square, and Cleopatra’s Needle through a flexible app-led scavenger hunt for $13.29.
“We love the Explorial app and would recommend it for any city where there is a self guided tour. The convent garden version was so fun. We always see things we would miss even on other tours. It is cost effective and super informative. It takes about 2 hrs.”
Explore Norwich through a self-guided puzzle trail covering medieval lanes, the cathedral, market, river, museums, and local stories.
“It was really fun! The puzzles were challenging. We learned so much about the City and its history. I loved the fact that we could pause the game to explore more or get a quick bite to eat.”
Follow Dickens through London with a flexible Questo puzzle tour linking literary landmarks, historic pubs, churches, and City streets.
“Great concept and a very enjoyable day, went at our own pace and stopped at several pubs! Lovely sunny day and in the heart of the City all was beautiful & quiet. Very atmospheric and clues were not too easy but also not too difficult! Loved 🥰 looking for the Man in Black!”
Explore Bristol’s waterfront with a smartphone puzzle game covering SS Great Britain, Banksy, Wapping Wharf, and more.
“None. We didn’t need to pay for this. We could have just downloaded the app ourselves. Rip off. Always check your App Store first before paying a middle man like this.”
Explore Chester’s walls, Roman sites, cathedral, Rows, and parks with a flexible app-led treasure hunt for groups of up to five.
“Overall the experience was good. However there were a few frustrating moments eg. We spent ages in a park looking for a memorial which was apparently on one of numerous benches!!”
Solve clues through Letchworth Garden City on a flexible 90-minute history walk with local stories, landmarks, and black squirrel sightings.
“New Years Day wander with an exceptional twist, the Questo outdoor Escape challenge in the very beautiful garden city Letchworth.”
Explore Inverness with a self-guided app hunt featuring puzzles, castle views, River Ness sights, street art, and Highland challenges.
“Such a fun way to see the city and learn so much! This adventure is through a very very professionally done app. I didn’t know what to expect and now I will be looking for more cities Good fun, self-paced and good exercise. Beats the boring bus tours. I highly recommend this!”
Solve clues around Westminster on a flexible London walking game covering 10+ sights, 4.4 km, and two hours at your own pace.
“It was a very enjoyable experience. I love puzzles, so this was right up my street. It was the right level of difficulty for an afternoon out. My friend and I had a blast. How come I never came across this activity before?I will definitely do it again.”
Explore Bristol with a self-guided treasure hunt through historic streets, harbour views, puzzles, Banksy art, and flexible app-based fun.
“This was good fun and helped us to discover Bristol. The tasks were pitched at the right level: interesting without being mind-bogglingly difficult. A great half day's activity.”
Review of Cambridge Quest, a self-guided app treasure hunt with puzzles, college views, local facts, flexible timing, and practical tips.
“We had a colleague visiting from the US and very limited time to show him the city of Cambridge. This was a very interesting and engaging way to do so. The clues are challenging. The limitations of it being through an App are obvious - Read more”
A door, a street, a phone or a dinner table.
