Manchester Self-Guided Detective Game & City Walk

Summary

Murder Mystery Walking Tour in Manchester’s Heart

Get ready to play detective across Manchester’s iconic sights and secret spots with this self-guided walking tour. Solve puzzles on your phone as you explore places like Manchester Cathedral and John Rylands Library. With flexible pacing and quirky story twists along the way, you’ll see the city through fresh eyes—and probably laugh at yourself once or twice.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the stone of Manchester Cathedral felt cold under my hand while I tried to figure out the opening clue. It’s funny—there were people rushing past, but I was just standing there, squinting at my phone, half-laughing at how seriously I’d already gotten into this murder detective tour. The city noises—trams dinging, someone shouting for their mate—kind of faded out as soon as the story started unfolding. I didn’t expect to feel so drawn in by a game, but here we are.

Our route took us from the National Football Museum (where I got distracted by a kid kicking an imaginary ball) to these tucked-away places I’d never have found on my own. At The Washhouse, I hesitated outside because it looked like an actual laundrette—turns out that’s part of the fun. The clues made me look up and around more than usual; suddenly you notice things like the bee mural or how everyone seems to walk with purpose here. There was this moment at Stevenson Square where a street artist nodded at me—maybe he thought I was lost, or maybe he knew exactly what I was up to.

I kept thinking about how each stop had its own mood: Piccadilly Gardens buzzing with music and pigeons, then the hush inside Manchester Central Library (I almost whispered my answer). Sometimes I’d get stuck on a puzzle and just stand there, watching people go by—one woman offered to help when she saw me frowning at my screen. She laughed when I explained it was a detective game and wished me luck catching “the villain.” Honestly, that little exchange made my day.

The final clue led me through John Rylands Library (that smell of old books!) and ended at the Science and Industry Museum. By then it felt like I’d pieced together not just a story but bits of Manchester itself—its grit, its humor, even its odd quiet corners. Even now, when I think about that afternoon, it’s less about solving everything perfectly and more about how alive the city felt around every twist in the game.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Manchester Detective Challenge

• Start at Manchester Cathedral - first clue
• Solve challenge at National Football Museum
• Solve challenge at The Washhouse
• Solve challenge at Manchester Craft and Design Centre
• Solve challenge at Manchester Bee Mural
• Solve challenge at Stevenson Square
• Solve challenge at Piccadilly Gardens
• Solve challenge at Manchester Art Gallery
• Solve challenge at Manchester Central Library
• Solve challenge at St Mary's RC Church
• Solve challenge at John Rylands Library
• Solve challenge at Opera House Manchester
• Finish at Science and Industry Museum

Top questions

How long does the Manchester detective game take?

Most people spend 2–3 hours on the tour, but you can pause anytime for breaks or sightseeing.

Do I need to download anything before starting?

Yes, after booking you’ll get instructions by email to download the Questo app for your phone.

Is this self-guided tour suitable for families?

Absolutely—it’s family-friendly and works well for groups or solo travelers.

Are entry fees included for attractions?

No entry fees are needed; all clues are accessible from public spaces along the route.

Can several people play using one phone?

You can share one phone among several players if you like, though each person can buy their own ticket for individual play.

What’s included

Your experience includes access to the interactive city exploration game via your phone using the Questo app, 24/7 customer support if you get stuck or need help along the way, plus all directions and story content needed for your self-guided adventure through Manchester’s landmarks and side streets.