York Murder Mystery Treasure Hunt: Solve Riddles Walking

You decode each clue on your phone, then search the street around you to find the answer.

A self-guided murder mystery treasure hunt in York where you solve riddles sent to your mobile to unlock the next location within walking distance. The trail covers 4 km across the city's walls and tucked-away streets, with 19 clues to decode and two optional pub breaks built in. You work through the case at your own pace, with hints available if you get stuck, and can compete on a leaderboard if you want to time yourself against other players.

The experience

The setup is straightforward: you start near Clifford's Tower with a murder to solve. A real historical case from 1491. Each clue arrives on your phone via WhatsApp or Telegram, and you have to work out what it's asking before you can find the answer somewhere nearby. Once you've found it, you reply with the correct answer to unlock the next step. The trail sends you down hidden streets, across the York walls, and into tucked-away taverns where you can warm up between clues.

The walk covers 4 km and takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours depending on how quickly you solve the riddles and how long you spend at the optional pub stops: one at the third mark and another at the two-thirds point. The difficulty is moderate. Local knowledge isn't required, and hints are available whenever you need one. If you get lost, the system can send you a message to get you back on track. The 19 clues are a mix of hard and easier questions, so you're not stuck on one puzzle for hours.

If you like a bit of competition, your time gets logged on a leaderboard, so you can challenge friends to beat your time on the same trail. The whole thing is built around an actual murder mystery, so solving it means uncovering the motive and bringing the criminals to justice. The route does include the York walls with steps that aren't wheelchair accessible and would require lifting a stroller.

What’s included

• A trail of 19 riddles sent to your phone.
• hints if you need them.
• access to two optional pub stops along the route.
• leaderboard ranking if you want to time yourself.
• messaging support if you get lost.

Options for this experience

2 options

Telegram App (Recommended)No fixed timeDelivered through the Telegram app on a smartphone. You can add up to 5 teammates so they can receive and respond to the clues too!

Whatsapp (Recommended)No fixed timeDelivered through the WhatsApp app on a smartphone. You can add up to 5 teammates so they can receive and respond to the clues too!

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by CityDays

Is this one for you?You'll need at least a moderate level of fitness for the 4 km walk and the steps on the York walls, which aren't suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. The trail works best on a day with decent weather since you're outside for the full 2.5 to 3.5 hours, and you'll want a charged phone and either WhatsApp or Telegram installed before you start.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How do I get the clues during the murder mystery trail?

Each clue is sent to your mobile phone via WhatsApp or Telegram, whichever app you choose at checkout. You solve the riddle, find the answer somewhere within walking distance, and reply with the correct answer to unlock the next clue.

Can I take a break during the trail, or do I have to keep going?

Two optional pub stops are built into the route: one at roughly the third mark and another at around the two-thirds point. You can stop for as long as you like, and there's no time pressure unless you're competing on the leaderboard.

What happens if I get stuck on a clue?

Hints are available whenever you need one. If you get completely lost, you can message the system and they'll send you directions to get back on track.

How far is the walk and how long does it take?

The trail covers 4 km and typically takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours, depending on how quickly you solve the riddles and whether you use the pub breaks.

What's the murder mystery actually about?

The trail is based on a real murder from 1491 in York. You start investigating near Clifford's Tower and follow the clues to uncover the motive and identify the criminals responsible.