Treasure Hunt Around Birmingham: Solve Clues, Spot Hidden Gems

Follow clues around the city and discover sights you'd otherwise walk past

A treasure hunt around Birmingham where you solve cryptic clues and follow maps sent to your phone, guided by a snarky pirate character named Captain Bess. You work through a series of locations, spotting landmarks and learning facts about the city as you go. Minimum age 13. You'll need a smartphone with mobile data and comfortable walking shoes for about 2½ miles.

The experience

Before you start, you'll get a link to the game that everyone in your group can open on their phones. Captain Bess, a pirate testing out new recruits, will send you maps, clues and directions. You follow the map, search your surroundings for the answer, and when you get it right, move on to the next place. If you get stuck, you can ask for a hint and Bess will point you back on track. The whole thing runs on a web page, so there's nothing to download and no app permissions to grant.

As you work through the hunt, you'll pass plenty of Birmingham sights and learn facts about some of them: the kind of things locals see every day but visitors often miss. It's a way to discover spots worth coming back to later. Everything happens outdoors, so you can keep your distance from other groups, and the game works just as well if everyone shares one phone or if each person has their own.

You'll need a smartphone with mobile data and a full battery, comfortable walking shoes, and waterproofs if the weather turns. The hunt takes about two hours and covers roughly 2½ miles on foot around the city.

What’s included

• A link to the game that you can share with everyone in your group.
• hints available if you get stuck on a clue.
• facts and stories about Birmingham sights you pass along the way.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Treasure Hunt Birmingham

Is this one for you?At two hours, this hunt fits into a morning or afternoon without eating your whole day. You'll solve clues and walk the city, but you'll still have time to grab lunch or visit somewhere else you spotted along the route.

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Top questions

How does the game actually work on my phone?

You'll receive a link before your start time. Open it on your phone to join the game and share the same link with everyone in your group so they can join too. Captain Bess then sends you maps and clues through the web page: no app download needed, no permissions required.

What happens if I can't figure out one of the clues?

You can ask Captain Bess for a hint and she'll help you get back on track. The clues are meant to be satisfying to solve, not impossible, so hints are there to keep the hunt moving if you get genuinely stuck.

How far will I be walking around Birmingham?

The treasure hunt covers about 2½ miles on foot, so wear comfortable walking shoes and bring waterproofs in case of rain. The whole experience takes around two hours.

Can I do this treasure hunt if I'm in a wheelchair?

The treasure hunt is wheelchair accessible, and public transportation options are available nearby if you need them. The route itself is outdoors and covers the city streets.

What do I need to bring besides my phone?

Bring a smartphone with mobile data and a full battery. It's fine to share one phone among your group, though it works better if everyone has their own. You'll also need comfortable walking shoes and waterproofs in case of bad weather.

Is there a minimum age for this treasure hunt?

Yes, participants must be at least 13 years old. Service animals are allowed to join.