Treasure Hunt Around Oxford: Solve Cryptic Clues at Your Own Pace

Solve clues on your phone and discover what you've been walking past

A self-guided treasure hunt around Oxford where you solve cryptic clues and follow maps sent to your phone in real time. You move at your own pace through the city, spotting details most people miss and learning facts about the places you pass. The game works like WhatsApp (no downloads, no printing, no permissions needed), and you can start whenever you want.

The experience

The hunt begins when you open a link on your phone. Captain Bess sends you a series of maps and clues, and you search the city for the answers. You're not racing: if a clue stumps you, ask for a hint. The whole thing takes around two and a half hours, but that's flexible: stop for coffee, linger in a shop window, turn it into a pub crawl if you want. Everything happens outdoors, so you can keep your distance from other people.

Along the way, Bess tells you interesting facts and stories about the things you're spotting. By the end, you'll have walked a beautiful route through Oxford and learned what you actually want to explore next. The game works on your phone like a messaging app, so there's nothing to figure out, no app to download, and you can share the link with everyone in your group so you all play together.

What’s included

• A shareable link to the game that everyone in your group can use.
• cryptic clues and maps sent to your phone in real time.
• hints for every clue if you get stuck.
• interesting facts and stories about Oxford as you play.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Treasure Hunt Oxford

Is this one for you?This works best for small groups or friends who want to explore Oxford together without a fixed schedule. You move at your own pace and can stop whenever something interests you. It's also ideal if you'd rather solve puzzles and spot details yourself than follow a guide around.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How does the treasure hunt work on my phone?

Captain Bess sends you maps and clues through a link you open on your phone. You search the city for the answers to each clue, and if you get stuck, you can ask for hints. It works like WhatsApp: no app download, no printing, no special permissions needed.

Can I do this hunt with a group of friends?

Yes. You share the link with everyone in your group, and you all play together. You move at your own pace, so you can stop whenever something catches your eye or take a break at a pub without falling behind.

What if I can't solve a clue?

The hunt includes hints for every clue. If you're stuck, you can ask for a hint and keep going. There's no time pressure, so you can take as long as you need to find each answer.

How long does the treasure hunt take?

The hunt is designed to take around two and a half hours, but that's flexible. You set the pace, so if you want to linger at a stop or explore something that interests you, you can take longer.

What will I learn about Oxford on this hunt?

As you solve clues and move through the city, Captain Bess shares interesting facts and stories about the places you're spotting. You'll notice details most people walk past and get a good overview of Oxford to guide what you explore next.

Is this treasure hunt accessible?

The hunt is wheelchair accessible, and public transportation options are available nearby. You'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness to complete the route. Service animals are welcome.