Colchester Roman Puzzle Tour: 14 Challenges via App

Decode Roman inscriptions and count chariot gates on your phone across Britain's first city.

A self-guided puzzle adventure through Colchester using the Questo app on your phone, where you solve 14 challenges at Roman landmarks including Balkerne Gate, the Roman Circus, and Colchester Castle while uncovering a Centurion's journey to the underworld. Download the app before you arrive, activate with your booking code, and play solo or as a team of up to three people. The route spans 3.6 km and takes around 90 minutes, with the freedom to pause, explore, or warm up in a café whenever you choose.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Roman Colchester puzzle adventure

• Download and activate Questo app
• Start at Balkerne Gate
• Visit Mercury Theatre
• Visit Jumbo nightclub
• Discover Headgate performing arts venue
• Find the Roman Church
• Explore the Roman Circus
• View Roman coins display
• Ascend Scheregate Steps
• Visit Trinity Church
• See Colchester Town Hall
• Explore Roman Theatre
• Discover Roman House
• Visit Duncan's Gate
• Final stop at Colchester Castle

The Experience

You start at Balkerne Gate, Britain's largest Roman gateway, where the app gives you your first clue. From there, the Questo app guides you between 14 stops across Colchester, each one a puzzle to crack: decode inscriptions at the gate, count the chariot starting gates at the Roman Circus (the only one surviving in the country), and solve a cipher at Colchester Castle, which sits on top of a temple to Emperor Claudius. The story pulls you through the city as Exodus Hinge, a psychic investigator helping the restless spirit of a Roman Centurion named Lucius find peace.

The app handles all navigation and clues: no guide walks with you, just your phone and the map it provides. You move at your own pace, which means you can linger at any stop, duck into a café to warm up, or spend extra time inside Colchester Castle without falling behind. Teams of up to three people can share one device, or you can play solo. The puzzles are woven into real history: you'll learn how Boudicca burned this city to the ground, why Claudius may have arrived on a war elephant, and where Roman jewellery was buried during the revolt and found 2,000 years later.

Bring a fully charged phone and download the Questo app before you arrive, creating an account with the email address you used to make the purchase. Once you activate the booking code in the app, you're ready to start. The entire route is suitable for all fitness levels, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller. Public transport stops are nearby if you need them.

What’s included

• Full access to the Lost Centurion quest on the Questo app.
• 14 puzzle challenges at Roman landmarks including Balkerne Gate, the Roman Circus, Roman House, and Colchester Castle.
• a map and clues within the app to guide you between stops.
• the freedom to pause, explore at your own pace, or visit attractions longer without rushing.
• play as a solo player or as a team of up to three people on one device.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Questo

Is this one for you?Choose this self-guided version if you prefer to solve puzzles at your own pace without a live guide walking alongside you. The app keeps you on track while you decide when to linger at each stop, making it ideal for history enthusiasts who want to explore Colchester's Roman sites without a fixed schedule.

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Top questions

What is the Roman Circus in Colchester and why does it matter?

The Roman Circus in Colchester is the only surviving Roman chariot racing track in the country, where ancient Romans once gathered to watch thrilling competitions. On this tour, you count the chariot starting gates there as part of one of the 14 puzzles.

Can I do this puzzle tour with a group, or is it just for solo players?

You can play as a team of up to three people sharing one device, or tackle the puzzles solo. Teams work well for discussing clues and solving the challenges together.

What happens if I need to take a break during the 90 minutes?

You can pause anytime and pick up where you left off. The app saves your progress, so you can warm up in a café, visit Colchester Castle for longer, or rest without losing your place in the story.

Do I need to download anything before I arrive in Colchester?

Yes, download the Questo app and create an account using the same email address you used to book. When you arrive at Balkerne Gate, activate the tour with your booking code and you're ready to begin.

What will I learn about Colchester's Roman history on this tour?

The puzzles and story reveal how Boudicca burned the city to the ground, why Emperor Claudius may have arrived on a war elephant, and where Roman jewellery was buried during the revolt and discovered 2,000 years later.