Portsmouth: Outdoor Mystery Treasure Hunt & Historic Taverns

Summary

Walk Portsmouth’s old lanes solving clues in lively taverns

You’ll step straight into Portsmouth’s tangled history as you solve clues with friends, wander between five atmospheric taverns, and piece together Nelson’s diamond mystery with help from locals and your own wits. Expect laughter, small surprises around every corner, and that odd satisfaction when everything finally makes sense.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you’re standing outside an old pub and the air smells like sea salt and beer? That’s how our day started at The Dolphin in Portsmouth, clutching this chunky Mystery Guide booklet and trying to look like we knew what we were doing. There was a group of locals laughing nearby—someone in a striped jumper shouted something about “Nelson’s ghost” and I almost believed him for a second. We opened the first page, and suddenly we were off, following maps and scribbled clues through narrow streets that felt older than they looked.

The treasure hunt takes you maybe 3km around the city center, but honestly it didn’t feel like much walking because every stop had something weird or funny—a strange carving on a wall, or some riddle about a diamond necklace that made us argue over who was better at puzzles (not me). At one point, I tried to pronounce the name of one of the old taverns—Li laughed so hard she nearly dropped her pen. The best bit? Ducking into these five different pubs along the way. Each one had its own smell—wood polish, fried chips, sometimes just damp coats—and people who’d seen it all before but still gave us a nod when they saw our little booklet.

I kept expecting the story to go one way but then there’d be another twist—a hidden message under a painting or some symbol we’d missed right in front of us. Even when we got stuck (which happened more than once), it felt like part of the fun. There’s this moment near the end where everything clicks together and you realize who stole Nelson’s diamonds—I won’t spoil it, but I still think about how smug we felt getting it right. Also: don’t skip the food at The Dolphin with your discount; after all those riddles my brain needed chips more than glory.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Portsmouth treasure hunt adventure

• Start at The Dolphin pub
• Begin mystery quest with Mystery Guide™
• Follow maps and unlock clues
• Discover Portsmouth's hidden history
• Visit atmospheric taverns
• Decode symbols and uncover messages
• Eliminate suspects and unravel crime
• Reach final twist and reveal villain

Top questions

How long does the Portsmouth treasure hunt take?

The treasure hunt usually takes between 2-3 hours to complete.

Where does the treasure hunt start?

The adventure begins at The Dolphin pub, Portsmouth's oldest pub.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What is included in the treasure hunt package?

You get a 44-page color activity booklet with puzzles and maps plus 10% off food & drink at The Dolphin pub.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the walk.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed throughout the route.

Do I need to book for a specific time?

No set time—you can start whenever suits you after picking up your Mystery Guide™.

How much walking is involved?

The route covers about 3km through central Portsmouth.

What’s included

Your day includes a 44-page color activity booklet packed with puzzles and maps for your group to solve as you walk about 3km through central Portsmouth. You’ll visit five traditional taverns (with plenty of chances to pause), hear local stories along the way, and finish with 10% off food and drinks at The Dolphin pub whenever you need a break—or just want some chips after all that sleuthing.