Birmingham: Treasure Hunt Game with Clues & Mobile Maps

Summary

Wandering Birmingham’s streets chasing clues and odd facts

You’ll follow quirky clues around Birmingham by phone, guided by Captain Bess’ cheeky instructions. Expect laughs, odd facts, unexpected sights—even locals might see something new. It’s all outdoors and flexible: start when you want, bring friends, take breaks as needed. You’ll end up seeing Birmingham through totally different eyes.

What’s the experience like?

Ever tried following a pirate’s orders through the middle of Birmingham? I hadn’t either, but that’s how our day started—phones buzzing with messages from Captain Bess (she’s got more attitude than I expected from a chatbot). We met near Victoria Square, phones out, not really sure if we’d look ridiculous or just blend in with all the other people glued to their screens. The first clue had us squinting at a statue’s plaque while the wind whipped up that smell of fried onions from a food cart nearby. It felt silly at first, but then one of us shouted out the answer and suddenly we were all in it together.

Bess kept sending us these cryptic directions—sometimes we’d get stuck and have to ask for a hint (she’s not shy about teasing you for it). At one point we ended up outside this old pub I must’ve walked past a hundred times without noticing the weird little carving above the door. Our group kept laughing because half the time we were arguing about which street to turn down next. There was this moment when light rain started up and everyone scrambled for waterproofs—except for Pete, who insisted he didn’t mind getting soaked “for authenticity.” That made us laugh harder than it probably should have. The whole treasure hunt game felt like being let in on some inside joke about Birmingham.

I didn’t expect to actually learn anything but turns out Captain Bess slips in stories about the city between clues—like why there are so many canals or what that odd sculpture means. It was nice not having to download anything or sign up for another app; just click the link they sent and you’re off. We stopped for coffee halfway (not part of the game, but necessary) and realized we’d already walked almost two miles without noticing. I still think about that carved face above the pub door—it’s funny how much you miss when you’re just rushing somewhere else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Treasure hunt with Captain Bess

• Receive game link before start
• Open link and join game
• Share link with your team
• Follow Captain Bess's maps and clues
• Search surroundings to solve clues
• Ask for hints if stuck
• Discover sights and learn fun facts

Top questions

How long does the Birmingham treasure hunt game take?

It usually takes 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop along the way.

Do I need to download an app for this treasure hunt?

No downloads are needed—the game works through a web link sent to your phone before you start.

Is this treasure hunt suitable for kids or families?

Yes, it’s family-friendly and even infants can join in prams or strollers.

What do I need to bring for the treasure hunt?

You’ll need smartphones with mobile data and full batteries, comfortable shoes for walking about 2½ miles, and waterproofs if rain is possible.

Is the route wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and most routes are wheelchair accessible.

Can I play with friends on different phones?

Yes—you can share the link so everyone in your group can join on their own device.

What’s included

Your day includes a shared link to access the mobile treasure hunt game around Birmingham for your whole group; no downloads required—just open it on your phones before starting. Bring comfortable shoes and waterproofs if needed; everything happens outdoors at your own pace with clues sent directly by Captain Bess as you go.