York Treasure Hunt: 17 Clues Through Hidden Streets

Seventeen clues unlock the path through York's forgotten corners

A self-guided treasure hunt across York where you solve riddles sent to your phone to unlock the next location, walking through the city's snickleways and hidden sights over 2.5 to 3.5 hours. You choose whether clues arrive by WhatsApp, SMS or Telegram, and can request hints or directions if you get stuck. Two optional pub stops let you rest and refuel on the trail.

The experience

You start in St Helens Square with a riddle on your phone. Each clue points you to a location within walking distance. You solve it, search the area for the answer, and text or message back to unlock the next step. The trail sends you through roughly 4 kilometers of York's snickleways and lesser-known corners, the kind of streets most visitors miss. Seventeen clues in total, each one designed to make you look closer at the city around you.

Halfway through, you reach a tucked-away tavern near Shambles or a café nearby. Both optional, so you can rest or push on. At the end of the trail, another pub waits if you want to celebrate solving it. The whole thing takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours depending on how quickly you crack the riddles and how many breaks you take. If you get genuinely lost, you can message "Lost" and get detailed directions to the next clue. If you're close but stuck, "hint" brings a nudge in the right direction.

The difficulty sits at 2 out of 5, and you don't need to know York beforehand: the clues guide you. You'll need a phone with some data or text message credit, and you pick your delivery method at checkout: WhatsApp, SMS or Telegram. The app is free to download, and the whole experience runs on your device, so there's no guide meeting you or group to coordinate with.

What’s included

• A trail of 17 riddles sent to your phone via WhatsApp, SMS or Telegram.
• hints and directions if you get lost or stuck.
• access to two optional pub stops along the route for refreshments.

Options for this experience

2 options

Telegram App (Recommended)Guide in English · No fixed timeDelivered through the Telegram app on your smartphone. Invite up to 5 team members to receive and answer the clues!

WhatsApp (Recommended)Guide in English · No fixed timeDelivered through the WhatsApp app on your smartphone. Invite up to 5 team members to receive and answer the clues!

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

Live guideEnglish

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 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by CityDays

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to explore York's quieter streets and hidden corners at your own pace without a guide following you around. The riddles make you notice details you'd normally walk past, and the competitive leaderboard adds a challenge if you want to race against friends or other players.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

3 verified 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 and what happens if I get stuck?

Clues arrive on your phone via your chosen method: WhatsApp, SMS or Telegram. When you solve each riddle and find the answer, you text or message it back to unlock the next location. If you're lost, message "Lost" for step-by-step directions to the next clue. If you're in the right spot but can't find the answer, "hint" gives you a push.

What's the walking distance and how long does the whole thing take?

The trail covers roughly 4 kilometers and takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours depending on how fast you solve the riddles and whether you stop at the two optional pubs along the way.

Do I need to know York well to do this?

No local knowledge is required. The riddles guide you through the city, and the difficulty is rated 2 out of 5, so it's designed for anyone visiting or living in York.

Are there places to stop and rest during the trail?

Yes, there are two optional pub stops: one tucked away near Shambles halfway through, and another at the end of the trail where you can relax after completing it. You can skip either one if you'd rather keep moving.

What do I need to bring and what should I wear?

Bring a mobile phone with some data or text message credit available. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather and season, since you'll be walking about 5 kilometers across the city.