London: Self-Guided Treasure Hunt with Pub Stops

Summary

Explore london’s hidden corners with a playful clue trail and cozy pub stops

You’ll wander London’s Square Mile solving playful clues sent to your phone, discovering Roman ruins and Victorian markets along the way. Enjoy optional breaks in historic pubs for lunch or a pint. With each riddle cracked, you’ll see familiar streets in a new light — and maybe find yourself lingering over moments you didn’t expect to remember.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked things off near St Paul’s Cathedral, phones in hand, feeling a bit like kids about to break the rules. The first clue popped up — something about an old stone and a forgotten emperor — and suddenly we were squinting at carvings I’d never noticed before, even after years in London. There was this faint smell of roasted coffee drifting from somewhere, mixing with the city’s usual bus fumes. My friend tried to guess the answer out loud (wrong, twice), and we both laughed when the app gently nudged us toward a hint.

The treasure hunt led us through alleyways I’d probably walked past a hundred times but never really seen. At one point, we stumbled into this Roman amphitheatre — not kidding, it’s just tucked away under some glass floors. A security guard saw us peering down and grinned, saying most people miss it unless they’re “on some sort of quest.” He wasn’t wrong. By halfway, our legs needed a break so we ducked into an old inn (the kind with creaky floors and locals arguing about football). We lost track of time over pints and chips — honestly, that might’ve ruined our leaderboard score but who cares?

The clues kept coming: cryptic enough to make you think but not so hard you want to throw your phone in the Thames. We wandered through a Victorian market where someone was selling fresh flowers that smelled sharp and sweet at once. There was this moment in some half-ruined churchyard where everything went quiet except for distant bells — I still think about that silence sometimes. The last clue dropped us at another pub; by then my feet were sore but my brain felt weirdly awake.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Treasure Hunt in City of London

• Start near St Paul's Cathedral
• Discover Roman Amphitheatre
• Visit cosy Inn for refreshment
• Explore Victorian market
• Descend into magical ruins
• Complete trail at top pub

Top questions

How long does the London treasure hunt take?

The average duration is 2 to 2.5 hours for the full trail.

Is this treasure hunt suitable for families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and children can join in strollers or prams.

Do I need a guide for this City of London treasure hunt?

No guide is needed; clues are sent directly to your mobile phone.

Are there breaks during the treasure hunt?

Yes, there are two optional pub stops along the route for refreshments or lunch.

What do I need to participate?

You’ll need a mobile phone with data or SMS capability to receive clues.

Can I get help if I’m stuck on a clue?

You can request hints or send “Lost” for directions via your phone during the game.

Where does the treasure hunt start?

The trail begins near St Paul’s Cathedral in central London.

How far will we walk during this activity?

The total walking distance is approximately 4.7 km (about 3 miles).

What’s included

Your day includes a trail of riddles sent straight to your phone (via Telegram app or SMS), guiding you across central London as you solve each clue. Optional pub stops are built into the route for lunch or drinks whenever you need a break before continuing your adventure at your own pace.