How long does a typical treasure hunt route take?

You’ve gathered your crew. You’ve picked your city. You’re ready to embark on an epic quest, transforming a simple city tour into a thrilling outdoor escape room. 

But one massive question hangs in the air, a whisper on the wind… how long is this actually going to take? 

Are we talking a quick jaunt or a multi-day expedition that requires survival rations and a search party?

The short answer is… about three hours. 

But let’s be honest, where’s the fun in a short answer? This isn't just any group activity; it’s a Mystery Guide treasure hunt adventure. The real answer is that it takes as long as you want it to. 

You're the master of your own destiny, the captain of your investigative ship. Let’s dive into what that really means for your day of discovery.

The Three-Hour Treasure Hunt Adventure… Or Is It?

Each Mystery Guide is crafted to be a delightful three-hour journey. This includes time to unravel cryptic treasure hunt clues, follow winding paths, and even pause for a well-deserved drink at one of our recommended watering holes. 

Think of it as the perfect amount of time to become completely absorbed in a whodunnit story without your phone battery dying or your enthusiasm waning.

However, we believe an adventure shouldn’t be rushed. The beauty of this treasure hunt is that it is so flexible. If you happen to stumble upon a charming bakery with the most incredible-looking pastries? Be sure to go inside! Have you found a quirky little shop down the alleyway that’s calling to you? Answer the call. Feel the need to stop for a full three-course meal to properly debate the motives of your chief suspect? We actively encourage it. This is your mission, with your rules. Take as long as you like. The mystery will be waiting for you when you return.

Is This Treasure Hunt Adventure Suitable for the Whole Crew?

You might be wondering if this is strictly an adults-only affair. While our Mystery Guide treasure hunt adventures are designed with adults in mind - complete with cryptic treasure hunt clues, optional pub stops, and a gripping mystery to solve, they are fantastic fun for the whole family! 

Kids are absolutely welcome to come along for the ride, and they often love getting stuck into the treasure hunt clues just as much as the grown-ups.

Junior Detectives on the Case

Bringing the kids along? Perfect. Children aged 8 and up will have a blast. They can become the official Mystery Guides navigators, reading the Mystery Guide book and leading the way. They can be your eagle-eyed treasure hunt clue-hunters, spotting details the adults might miss. And honestly, they will probably solve half the puzzles before you do. Don’t worry though - we won’t tell anyone.

The typical Mystery Guides route is about two miles long (approx.), so it’s not too strenuous for young adventurers either. There’s nothing in the stories or treasure hunt clues that would be unsuitable for children. The only thing to be aware of is that some of our pub stops might not allow children inside.

What About Four-Legged Friends?

Is your furry sidekick giving you the "please don't leave me" eyes? Well, why not bring them along on the adventure! Our outdoor treasure hunts are a really fantastic group activity for you and that includes your canine companion. 

Let them lead the charge and sniff out the treasure hunt clues… literally. Just be prepared for the treasure hunt adventure to take a little longer. Depending on how many fascinating smells your dog finds along the route, your three-hour tour could happily stretch into a four-hour sniffing safari…

A Glimpse into Your Next Treasure Hunt Adventure

So, what does a three-hour mystery look like? Imagine yourselves stepping into a story, where the city you are discovering is your game board. You’re not just seeing the sights; you’re interacting with them, decoding their amazing secrets, and piecing together a puzzle that’s been hiding in plain sight.

Mystery Guides London: The Mystery of the Holy Grail

Your Mystery Guides quest begins in the heart of London, a city steeped in fascinating secrets. For the next few hours, you'll be hot on the trail of one of history's greatest legends. Your fantastic treasure hunt adventure will take you to…

The Temple Church: A site built by the Knights Templar themselves. What secrets do its ancient stones hold?

Lincoln's Inn Fields: Wander through one of London's largest public squares, searching for symbols and signs left behind.

Fleet Street: Dive into the historic heart of London’s newspaper industry, where stories of all kinds have been told. Can you separate fact from fiction to find the truth?

Mystery Guides Chester: The Mystery of The Missing 9th Legion

Now it’s time to travel back in time to Roman Britain and solve a mystery that has puzzled historians for centuries. What happened to the legendary 9th Legion? Your investigation will lead you through Chester’s most iconic landmarks.

The City Walls: Walk along the most complete Roman and medieval defensive walls in Britain, scanning the horizon for your next treasure hunt clue.

The Roman Amphitheatre: Stand in the ruins of the largest Roman amphitheatre in the country and imagine the spectacles that once took place here. Could a treasure hunt clue to the legion’s disappearance be buried within?

Are You Ready to Start the Clock with Mystery Guides?

So, how long does a typical treasure hunt route take? It takes an afternoon. It takes as long as a good lunch with friends. It takes long enough to forget your worries and become a hero in your own tale. Whether you complete your city tour in a record-breaking two hours or a leisurely five, the experience is yours to shape.

Grab your Mystery Guide, gather your team (two-legged or four-legged), and prepare to explore. 

Your next great adventure is waiting for you. The clock… is ticking. Grab your Mystery Guide here.