London City Treasure Hunt: Riddle Walk & Hidden Pubs

Solve riddles through Roman London and find pubs nobody tells you about

You get a self-guided riddle trail that sends clues to your phone, leading you through 4.7 kilometers of London's Square Mile with fifteen stops, two optional pub breaks, and a timed leaderboard if you want to compete. No guide, no group, no schedule — just you solving puzzles and discovering corners of the city that feel hidden even though they're in the center. Takes two to two and a half hours, works on any smartphone with data or texts.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore City of London treasure hunt

• Start near St Paul's Cathedral
• Discover Roman Amphitheatre
• Visit cosy historic Inn
• Walk through Victorian market
• Descend into magical ruins
• Finish at top notch pub

The Experience

So you're wandering around the City of London and your phone buzzes with the first clue — and suddenly the street you've walked past a hundred times becomes a puzzle. That's how this works: fifteen riddles sent straight to your mobile, each one pointing you toward a specific spot within walking distance. You decode it, search around, send back the answer, and the next clue unlocks. No guide following you around, no group waiting for stragglers. Just you, the clues, and about 4.7 kilometers of the Square Mile that most people miss even though they pass through it every day.

The trail starts near St Paul's Cathedral and pushes east through the original Roman settlement. You'll find an actual Roman Amphitheatre — the kind of thing that makes you stop and think about what was here two thousand years ago — and then you hit the first optional pub break, a cosy inn built from something the clues won't spoil. One person who did this said they got so comfortable there they lost track of time and their score suffered for it, but they didn't care. After that it's through a Victorian market, then down into ruins that feel genuinely hidden even though you're in central London. The second pub sits at the end, and by then you've earned it. The whole thing takes between two and two and a half hours if you keep moving, longer if you linger.

You choose your clue format when you start — Classic, Relaxed, Spanish, Italian, or French — and you can switch mid-game if you want. If you get genuinely stuck, message "Lost" and they'll send you a detailed route to the next location. Message "Hint" if you think you're in the right spot but can't find the answer. The app tracks your time and ranks you on a leaderboard, so if you've got friends doing the same walk, you can compare. One person who'd lived in London their whole life said this made them see the city differently. Another group just wanted a fun afternoon out and ended up discovering places they'd walk past for years without noticing.

You'll need a mobile phone with some data or text message capacity — they send clues via Telegram (recommended) or standard SMS. Wear shoes you can walk in for five kilometers, dress for the weather, and bring water if it's warm. Prams and strollers work fine, and service animals are welcome. The pubs are optional, so if you want to keep moving, keep moving. If you get lost or stuck, you can reach them via Facebook Messenger.

What’s included

• A trail of fifteen riddles sent to your mobile phone via Telegram or SMS.
• each clue leads you to a location within walking distance through the City of London's Square Mile.
• hints and route assistance available if you get stuck.
• two optional pub breaks along the route.
• timed leaderboard to compare your progress with friends.
• choice of clue format (Classic, Relaxed, Spanish, Italian, or French) that you can change mid-game.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by CityDays

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to explore London on your own terms without booking a guide or joining a group — the riddles turn a regular walk into a puzzle, and the optional pubs mean you stop when you want to, not when a schedule says so.

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Top questions

Do I need to be in a group or can I do this alone?

You can do it alone, with friends, or with family. The trail is self-guided, so you move at your own pace. If you want to compete, your time is ranked on a leaderboard.

What if I get lost?

Message "Lost" to the app and they'll send you a detailed route to the next clue location. You can also message "Hint" if you're in the right area but can't find the answer.

How long does the whole trail take?

Two to two and a half hours if you keep moving. Longer if you use the pub breaks or spend time at any of the locations.

What format are the clues in?

You choose from Classic, Relaxed, Spanish, Italian, or French when you start. You can change formats mid-game if you want.

Do I need to download an app?

Clues come via Telegram (recommended) or standard text message (SMS). Telegram is an app you can download free, or you can use regular texts if you prefer.

Are the pubs included in the price?

No. The two pubs on the trail are optional stops for refreshments. They're independent businesses and you pay for anything you order.

Can I do this with a pram or stroller?

Yes. The trail is 4.7 kilometers on walking paths through the city, and prams and strollers work fine.

What if I don't have much data on my phone?

You can use standard text messages (SMS) instead of Telegram. Either way, you'll need enough data or texts to receive and send clues throughout the trail.