It’s a fantastic way to see a side of the city that you normally wouldn’t.
Time Out
I organised a hunt for 60 people as part of a corporate team building activity. A fab way to see different parts of the city … with a competitive edge to it!
A moderately cryptic challenge to test your skills around Covent Garden and the West End. Ten clues ending at a friendly pub.
Start location: Benugo Bar & Kitchen at the BFI Start time: Mon-Sat 10am-3pm, Sun 11am-2pm Duration: 2.5-3.5 hrs inc 90 min optional break (for lunch, if you fancy) Difficulty: Medium Local knowledge required: Low - just bring an A-Z!
Watch the city fade into the night with our evening trail. Starting at Southbank's Concrete bar, you'll travel high and low, from river views to hidden basement bars.
Start location: Concrete Bar at the Hayward Gallery Start time: Tue-Sat 2pm-8pm, Sun-Mon 2pm-5pm. Duration: 2-3 hours including two bar breaks Difficulty: Easy-medium Local knowledge required: None
This trail has a romantic twist. Starting at the Vinoteca, you'll wander through parks and sample sweet somethings. Show your welcome text message to the bar staff at Vinoteca to get two glasses of wine for the price of one.
Start location: Vinoteca Wine Bar & Shop Start time: Mon-Sat 12-4pm. Sun 12-2.30pm. Duration: 2-3 hours inc 45 min break Difficulty: Easy-medium Local knowledge required: Medium. Bring an A-Z map. (Get stuck on a clue? Request a hint).
Starting in Southwark Park, embark on an exploration of the local community - once industrial, now regenerated. This cryptic trail will guide you through leafy gardens, you'll browse local shops and visit contemporary art galleries.
Start location: Dilston Grove Start time: Wed-Sat 10am-1.30pm, Sun 10am-12.30pm. Duration: 2-4 hours including one 45 minute break. Difficulty: Easy-medium Local knowledge required: None, just bring a map
Discover the magic of Science. Experience the weird and the wonderful, from chimpanzee brains to floating homes. Win a 'Certified Scientist' badge if you complete the trail.
Start location: Science Museum main entrance Start time: Every day 10am-2.30pm. Museum closes 6pm. Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours including an optional 1-hour break for food or drink, and two 10-minute breaks for your own exploration. Difficulty: Easy. Suitable for all ages. Children under 8 may need assistance with the clues. Local knowledge required: None - just pick up a map of the museum when you arrive.
We've all seen it: weird, wacky, political, cute, funny and sometimes just plain rude. That's street art. But you may be surprised by how much you've missed. So we'll help you find it.
Start location: Jaguar Shoes Start time: Tue-Sun midday to 3.30pm. Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours including two 45 min breaks (1.5 miles) Difficulty: Easy-medium Local knowledge required: None (and no street art knowledge required) - just bring an A to Z.
A central trail with a touch of park, contrasting art and two bars en route. The ideal warm-up to a night out in the West End.
Start location: National Gallery Cafe Start time: Wed-Sat 12pm-4pm. Duration: 3-4 hours including one 30 min and one 45 break Difficulty: Easy-medium Local knowledge required: Medium. Don't forget your A-Z map even if you know London well.
Soak up the hidden delights of this seaside town on this moderately cryptic trail with quaint shops and quirky bars.
Start location: The Hope Start time: Tue-Sun between 11am and 3pm. Duration: 2.5-3 hours including a 30 minute pub-stop (3 miles) Difficulty: Easy-medium Local knowledge required: Medium. Newcomers grab an A-Z map from the station and don't be afraid to ask the friendly locals for help!
Discover Newcastle and Gateshead's cultural quayside.
Start location: Pitcher and Piano, The Quayside Start time: Any day between 10am and 4pm. Duration: 2-4 hours including a 30 minute pub-stop (3 miles) Difficulty: Easy Local knowledge required: None. Coming by train into the Central Station? Grab a mini A-Z map from WHSmith. And you can leave bags at left luggage beside the platforms.
Wander the walls of York and weave through quaint cobbled streets. An ideal introduction or a revitalising refresher for visitors and locals alike.
Start location: Kings Arms Start time: Any day between 11am and 3pm. Duration: 2-3 hours (2.5 miles) Difficulty: Easy Local knowledge required: Low. First time visitor? Grab a free map from the tourist information centre at No 1 Museum Street. Coming by train? Leave your bags at left luggage at York station.