100,000 Mystery Guides sold!
"A Birmingham bank collapses when the largest cheque ever cashed turns out to be a fake!"
Who was the mysterious thief?
Nobody knows...
But clues found in an old diary could finally expose the truth..
and this is where you come in!...
- Combine your skills to crack the clues and unravel the epic tale..
- Discover Birmingham's amazing history and secret hidden gems..
- Share an epic adventure and find real hidden treasure at the end!
+ two historic taverns en route!
Birmingham
100,000 Mystery Guides sold!
"A Birmingham bank collapses when the largest cheque ever cashed turns out to be a fake!"
Who was the mysterious thief?
Nobody knows...
But clues found in an old diary could finally expose the truth..
and this is where you come in!...
- Combine your skills to crack the clues and unravel the epic tale..
- Discover Birmingham's amazing history and secret hidden gems..
- Share an epic adventure and find real hidden treasure at the end!
+ two historic taverns en route!
The route includes:
Main Line Canal, Piccadilly Arcade, Victoria Square, and more..
+ two historic taverns en route!
The mystery is in your hands!
The pages of your Mystery Guide™ take you on an exciting puzzle adventure through the heart of Birmingham, as you follow the maps, unlock the clues, and unravel the epic tale.
Your challenge is to track down hidden objects, decode symbols, and uncover hidden messages, as you eliminate suspects and gradually unpick the crime.
and an exciting twist awaits…Make it to the end and you'll be struck by an amazing ‘wow’ moment when the case is solved and the villain is revealed before your eyes!
Simply grab your Mystery Guide™, head to the start, and set off at a time that suits you.
Don’t let the villain get away...Your time to start is now!
Self-guided
.. so start when you like
City adventures
.. with a mystery to unravel
Made for adults
.. but kids (8+) can join in!
Get outdoors
Create lasting memories
Forget about your phone!
FAQs
How long is the book valid for?
These adventures don’t have an expiry date as such - we use permanent historic features to make the clues - some of them have been there for centuries! To be on the safe side we recommend doing them within 6 months, but most books have never needed updating in several years. You can always sign up for clue updates and we’ll let you know of any changes, or check in with us a week before you travel.
How long do they take to complete?
They take around 3 hours to complete, which would include a drinks stop… but you can take as long as you like 😊 Stop for food, drinks, or shopping, and take as long as you like 🙌
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery is 2-3 working days but we have faster options at checkout if you need it urgently 😊🙌
Is it for adults or kids?
Mystery Guide™ adventures are designed for adults, but can be fun for all the family! For the adults there are cryptic clues, optional pub stops, and a whodunnit story to unravel along the way. It's like an escape room... but outside! If children want to join the fun.. no problem! They can read the maps, hunt for the clues, and help their parents crack the puzzles (.. they might solve them before you do!). As long as they are aged around 8+, they will have a great time exploring! The walk is not too far for young adventurers (around 2 miles) and there is nothing included that would be unsuitable for children. However please note: some pubs don't allow children inside. In these instances, you can scan a QR code to see a photo of the clue, or you can use the hints at the back to solve it. Lots of families have taken on a Mystery Guides™ challenge.. so go for it!
Are all the adventures wheelchair accessible?
We make sure that all Mystery Guides are wheelchair accessible as much as we can. In some rare instances the route will guide you to climb steps or go up and down steep hills, but we always provide alternative routes for wheelchair users. The only adventure that wouldn’t be suitable would be Edinburgh – all of the steps and steep hills in the old town make it impossible to ensure accessibility. If you are interested in a city and would like to check about any accessibility issues, you are welcome to contact us on the chat.
Is it dog-friendly?
Yes! We make sure that they are as dog-friendly as possible so that they can be a brilliant dog walk with a twist! In some cities there are minor issues to be aware of (in York for example, dogs aren’t allowed on the city walls) but we
always provide alternative routes to take. 90% of adventures have no issues, but you are welcome to use the chat function on this website for advice on your specific city.
What if I can’t solve a clue?
If you get stuck at any point, there is extra help on the back. There is also a QR code that you can scan, which links you to photos of all the clues. On very
rare occasions, a monument or plaque may be blocked or temporarily covered, so in this instance you can solve it using these extra resources.
Do I need to pay for extra tickets to enter places along the way?
Absolutely not. A Mystery Guides adventure never includes any locations that require extra payment – the route is totally accessible for free.
Do I need to book anything in advance?
Nope! You don’t need to book anything! Once you receive your Mystery Guide, simply grab a pen and head to the starting point detailed on page 4 whenever you like!
How can I start?
A Mystery Guide™ is delivered via FREE Express Delivery, which takes 2-3 working days. Once it arrives, you can begin! Follow the map to the starting point, find your first clue, and start solving the mystery!
How many Mystery Guides do I need?
It’s really up you! But we generally recommend one Mystery Guide™ for every 2/3 people, so that everyone can get involved.
How do I add a name to the gift sleeve?
Every Mystery Guide is sent with a special gift sleeve as standard - perfect for adding a personal touch! Use the blank space on the front to write a name and let your creativity shine. You could draw a doodle, add a fun nickname, or even write a little riddle to tease the recipient…
Are pub stops compulsory?
Pub stops are optional, and have been included to give you a rest along the way. Locations have been carefully selected to provide you with the oldest and most atmospheric taverns available in your chosen destination.
Do I need to go indoors to solve clues?
The vast majority of clues are located outside, however on some rare occasions there will be indoor stopping points. In these instances, extra clues are always provided in the back of the booklet, making the indoor stops optional.
How do I claim food and drink discounts?
Some Mystery Guides include food & drink discounts, which can be redeemed by showing the booklet to staff. These are at the discretion of the premises and may be subject to change without notice.
Can I chat to someone on the phone?
Absolutely - we are happy to talk through any questions you have! Just give us a call on 02393960195.
Who are Mystery Guides?
The story of Mystery Guides™ started when I was just a small boy, roaming the streets of Old Portsmouth with my dad...
The excitement of exploring hidden cobbled streets, and feeling the buzz of historic taverns never left me… but how could I channel this passion?
After combining the research from my history degree, together with my love for puzzles… the first ever Mystery Guide™ was born!
The team is now based in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, writing new adventures from within the walls of an old Victorian prison!
As well as creating fun days out, I care deeply about creating lasting memories with those we love...
So at the heart of Mystery Guides™ we aim to create one special thing...
adventures to treasure
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