Edinburgh Treasure Hunts
Step outdoors and join the adventure!
We take some of Edinburgh’s most compelling stories and characters and turn them into immersive Treasure Hunts, mixing sightseeing and play with history and storytelling.
Our games are great for visitors and locals alike, as they cover some of the main parts of the city but also step off the beaten track and point out lesser known details.
They are designed for all types of groups and ages.
Highest rated treasure hunts
Edinburgh based business
Played through specially crafted props and clues
Local game master will introduce the game and assist when needed
Games
Discover our games
Fantastic Creatures of Edinburgh
A classic treasure hunt with a twist. Great for families and anyone with an interest in faerie folk.
- 5/5
- 1-2 h
- 2-5
Sherlock’s Secret Challenge
A must for a Sherlock lover or anyone looking for fun puzzle solving.
- 5/5
- 2.5-3 h
- 2-7
The Pirate’s Riddle
A proper challenge and a hands on adventure for creative minds.
- 5/5
- 2-3 h
- 2-7
In search for the Christmas Spirit
For all audiences willing to play their way through Christmas history. Seasonal game
- -/5
- 2-3 h
- 2-8
Kathi R
14:19 23 Aug 24
What a great experience. We had a lot of fun and learned some new facts about Edinburgh in a playful way.It’s a great tour to do if you like puzzles and exploring new areas. We could have solved even more puzzles.
Emily Oliver
13:39 23 Aug 24
Such a well thought out puzzle trail, took a team of 4 of us just under 2 hours. A great way to explore Edinburgh and a fun theme of Sherlock Holmes!
Valeria Calderaro Papa
12:29 17 Aug 24
This treasure hunt was simply great and I learned so much! I have been living in Edinburgh for quite a few years but I still managed to discover a lot of the fun facts about the city and the magical creatures hidden in it. It's an experience I definitely recommend and I can't wait to try the other two experiences.
Anne F
17:56 16 Aug 24
Well organised and great fun. More challenging than expected! One location was inaccessible due to roadworks but organisers sent a photo of the required info. We felt there should have been a clue as to where to leave the challenge backpack at the end. We stopped for a coffee at one point and a drink later due to weather conditions which made the challenge a little longer. I would recommend for locals or for visitors.
Suzie Bird
15:17 14 Aug 24
Fantastic treasure hunt, the concept of clues in a rucksack was novel and interesting and the clues presented a good level of challenge. It was a great way to see unique parts of the city. Lots of fun!
Isabel Snoeckx
14:26 11 Aug 24
With our family of 4 including a daughter of 16 and a son of 25, we recently tried out Sherlock's Secret Challenge in Edinburgh. We started at the statue of the great detective himself, where Sabi delivered us a backpack and a map.We walked through NewTown looking for clues and had fun solving the riddles - 2,5 hours later we reached the end with a big smile !We learned a few things as well along the way and during our walk through Edinburgh the next day, we couldn't resit to refer to "our" statue as we visited Princes garden 😎Highly recommended with curious teenagers and (young) adults that want to enjoy some time together in a less crowded part of the city.Sabi was available on whatsapp in case we needed help and she gave some extra tips for a walk in Dean village, which we did the next day returning along the water of Leith walkway. Thanks again for a fun family adventure !
Georgi Tinchev
12:08 11 Aug 24
We did the Sherlock Challenge! It was a great fun and we didn't get any rain! It was super fun and the challenges are very approachable. Sabi (our instructor) was very nice and was always happy to help! We really enjoyed the story and the puzzles. Also the ending was surprisingly good. I'd definitely try some of their other experiences the next time I'm here.
Jasper Pijnenburg
12:05 11 Aug 24
It was a great experience with fun and creative riddles. We enjoyed the Sherlock treasure hunt very much!
David Stevens
10:56 11 Aug 24
Couple of clues pretty abstract for a 6 yr old but it was good, would have been good to explore more of Edinburgh, got great potential
Richie Akpan
17:51 01 Oct 23
My fiancée booked Sherlock’s Secret Challenge for my birthday as we both enjoy escape rooms but wanted to try something different. The game is very well designed by Sabi, who was very personable. We were fully engaged throughout and it was a great way to spend a morning! I’d heavily recommend for those who enjoy a puzzle!
Zoe Roberson
12:26 29 Aug 23
Great activity to see so much of Edinburgh, learning new facts, and exercising our minds. Definitely a challenge but well worth it. Make sure to bring your walking shoes and maybe a snack! Sabi was super helpful and made it a great experience.
Marcos Maroñas
22:06 28 Aug 23
We played Sherlock's Secret Challenge and it was very fun! The game is very integrated with the city, which is surprising. You don't need to be a genius to play this game, but it requires some thinking and deduction skill, honouring the very same Sherlock! Recommended.
Nishi Aggarwal
20:48 28 Aug 23
We loved doing the Sherlock one 2 years ago and this time when we came back, we had a few hours to spare and decided to do the Fantastic Beasts one. Great way to see the city, makes you want to slow down and look up. Loved it and will be back to do more next year or on Christmas ❤️
ANA CAMINO LAGUNA
13:41 27 Aug 23
“If you come to Edinburgh this is a must do. I have never done an activity like this before. The props for the pirate game were ingenious and the route offered amazing sights. On top of that we learned so many interesting facts about pirate lore. 100% recommended”
shannon parker
03:22 27 Aug 23
We had a great time on our Sherlock Holmes tour! The clues were challenging, but doable. Despite this being our 3rd trip to Edinburgh, we learned so many new and interesting facts and history along the way. Our host was there if we needed her. We’d highly recommend this as a fun way to expand your city adventures!
Daniel Cedeño
19:20 26 Aug 23
It was an amazing experience. Really fun way to get to know the city while having fun. I'd previously done the Sherlock Holmes Hunt which I also recommend, you won't regret it.
David Cedeño
18:31 26 Aug 23
Ahoy, adventure seekers and treasure hunters! Prepare to embark on the most exhilarating journey through time and mystery with the Pirate Treasure Hunt in Edinburgh! This swashbuckling escapade isn't just a hunt for gold—it's an immersive experience that combines the thrill of a treasure hunt with the charm of historical landmarks.But it wasn't just about the treasure—every challenge we tackled was a burst of excitement and camaraderie among friends. Solving puzzles together, deciphering secret messages, and using our wits to outsmart the cunning pirates kept us laughing, cheering, and bonding like never before. We embraced our inner adventurers, united by the thrill of the hunt and the joy of uncovering Edinburgh's hidden stories.
Maria Paz Botero B
18:21 26 Aug 23
Amazing experience! Everything was super well planned, the game itself it's incredibly well made and thought! We had an awesome time doing it and it's also very cool you can play it with your whole family.
lesley dixon
13:44 12 Aug 23
A great experience and a lovely way to find out more about Edinburgh and particularly Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The clues range from straightforward to a little bit tricky but if it had been really easy it wouldn't have felt so worthwhile afterwards. A well spent few hours!
Hannah Procter
20:43 09 Aug 23
We were a team of two and had great fun! A little challenging, and at times we needed to ask for help, but still a very enjoyable experience. Would recommend!
Katie Waddington
11:02 09 Aug 23
Highly recommend this..Fun for all the family. A.well put together trail with some very clever clues. Even our dog was able to participate (one place where one of us had to wait outside with him but the rest of the trail was dog friendly) a great way to spend a few hours in the city. Cyril the black lab is very proud of his badge.
Percy Stubbs
10:40 04 Aug 23
Utterly brilliant - such a great way to explore the city and see it in a new way, cleverly and creatively written puzzle - and very graciously organised and explained by Sabi. Great intertwining of history and a Very satisfying ending which is not always the case with these things.Will be back for another one!
Sebastian Orenji
19:33 21 Jul 23
We had a lot of fun with at our Sherlock Holmes Treasure hunt. We recommend it for every puzzle loving person
Taylor Mincey
13:30 14 Jul 23
This was so much fun and I loved seeing all the cool mythical creatures featured in so many buildings here in Edinburgh. It also gave us a chance to walk around and get more acquainted with the area. If I came back here, I would definitely try out the other hunts. The operator was also super friendly and kind and even gave us some fun facts about Edinburgh and helped us purchase castle tickets when they were supposedly sold out. She went seriously above and beyond and I can’t thank her enough for her kindness!
G Hermans
08:25 16 Jun 23
Did Sherlock's Secret Challenge together with my wife. Had a great time. It took us about 3 hours but it felt like 1 hour. Great fun, thanks Sabi.
Pablo Sánchez
08:52 26 May 23
My partner and I love it! It's a very interesting way to see the city and so much fun!I definitely recommend it 🙂
Claire Lindley
15:41 18 Sep 22
Such a fun way to see the city! We are not seasoned treasure hunters so found it challenging but a lot of fun. Completed with a group of friends as part of a hen weekend. Thanks Captain Sabi 🙂
Marianne James
08:49 21 Aug 22
We did the pirate treasure hunt and it was great. The puzzles were really well designed and fun to solve. We live in Edinburgh and it took us to a couple of nooks and crannies we'd never noticed before! Recommended
César Gallego Serrano
14:12 14 May 22
So much fun to get to know Edinburgh while playing a game. We are Sherlock Holmes fans and this was the best way for us to learn about his connection to Edinburgh.
Eva Mª Caballero
11:58 14 May 22
I played these games with my partner and 2 other friends. We didn’t know Edinburgh at all and we felt like we fully explored it whilst playing. Such a great way to see the city.
Coral Escribano Fontán
11:10 14 May 22
The Pirate’s Riddle is the best. Very creative game and really pretty sights. We had a blast. Thank you Sabi 🙂
Denis Roldán
10:42 14 May 22
We did all three games with a few friends. Our favourite was the pirate one. If you’re into escape rooms this is a great hybrid between them and tours. Highly recommended!
Mark Stewart
18:03 02 May 22
We did Fantastic Creatures of Edinburgh with both my nieces and we absolutely loved it! It was seamlessly designed and put together. Thanks so much to Sabi for such a wonderful experience. Unforgettable!
UsinMeFables
14:38 14 Jun 21
Fantastic! We completed the Sherlock and Pirate challenges. Both were amazing but the Sherlock one had a fantastic surprise at the end. Each clue was put together so well and the flow was fantastic. No two clues are the same. Would definitely recommend.
Prema Chablani
14:14 14 Jun 21
Sabi has created the most amazing games that actually teach you about the city. You notice so much stuff you didn't even know existed! We played both the Sherlock game and the Pirates one and we'll do any that she creates. So much fun. We've done other puzzles around the city that don't even compare.
gregory thomson
09:12 02 Jun 21
Amazing experience and a really fresh, unique and impassioned take on an emerging format. There are tons of puzzle and escape room like things to do these days and I love doing as many of them as I can, but this one really stands out from the crowd! Highly recommended, thanks Sabi!
Neale Gardiner
11:26 01 Jun 21
We completed Sherlock’s Secret Challenge and it was great. The design of the treasure hunt was excellent and we had so much fun working our way through the puzzles. Would definitely recommend.
NIÑAS GARCIA TORRES
19:21 16 May 21
It was a wonderful experience, it is a really good idea. Learning with games. I really recommend it. It is awesome. ☺️
Map view
Explore Edinburgh with our treasure hunts
All our games revolve around a story which is relevant to the route they cover
Testimonials
Super fun clever scavenger hunt!
This scavenger hunt was so, so much fun. It was definitely challenging, but just enough that you could feel super satisfied and so, so clever. It is a great way to spend time for people who know Edinburgh well as well as a perfect way to discover the city for people who are visiting.
Marianna
Sherlock’s Secret Challenge
Fun activity for a big group!
Great way to see the city, clues made you think but weren’t too challenging which made it really fun! We did this as a pre lunch activity with a hen do group and everyone had a great time, make sure you wear some comfy shoes! Would highly recommend!
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Laura Clark
Fantastic Creatures of Edinburgh
Family fun, puzzles and a lovely walk
This is a challenge !! We are 'seasoned' escape room visitors so this really appealed to us and boy, this really challenged us. You have to think a bit differently as it's not about just finding a clue and solving a 'local' puzzle, you have to navigate around the area as well.
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Maxi
The Pirate's Riddle
Loved it!
We absolutely loved doing Sherlock’s challenge - a great way to see some of the sights of Edinburgh and solving clues along the way. Very well thought through, challenging clues but not too hard - a great way to spend a couple of hours. Thanks Sabi!!
Elizabeth
Sherlock's Secret Challenge
Great fun and a unique experience!
We love escape rooms so this was perfect for us! A way to see the city whilst having fun! Puzzles not too tricky, not too easy and a wide variety. Sabi was a great host, giving just the right amount of clues at the right time. Totally recommend and will do other ones next time we visit!
Louise Q
Sherlock's Secret Challenge
Fantastic treasure hunt
Fantastic experience, the whole thing was really well organised and all the puzzles really engaging and clever with just the right amount of help on hand if we were struggling. Our group was a mixture of locals and visitors so it was a great way of seeing the city through new eyes for the locals and getting to see new things for the visitors. Thanks so much Sabi, perfect hen weekend activity
IslaW123
The Pirate's Riddle
Better than an Escape room! All the fun and no pressure!
Was great fun, our Gamemaster Sabi was really nice and very patient with us! Works really well, you can take it at your own pace and enjoy it, no real-time pressure like an escape room. Even had time for a coffee on the go!
Get to see a bit of Edinburgh as well and get the steps up. We'll be doing another one ASAP.
CraigJones
Sherlock's Secret Challenge
Excellent outdoor escape puzzle game and explore Edinburgh
One of the best things we did in Edinburgh. Highly recommended especially if you like escape rooms, puzzles and games.
We were family of 4 including 18 and 13 yr old. We all loved it. Difficult these days to find something we all like.
Kim S
Sherlock's Secret Challenge
Best City Treasure Hunt I Have Done by a Mile
This was EXCELLENT! The others I have done have been all on the phone using automated text messages and digital links. While that is great, it does mean if it’s not your phone number the messages are coming to, you can feel a bit left out of the loop. The difference with this one in Edinburgh is that it is a live Escape room style hunt with physical items and clues that you carry with you. You break codes along the way to unlock new items in your backpack.
Gemma
Sherlock's Secret Challenge
Playing detectives and retracing history in beautiful Edinburgh
Such a fun way to spend time with friends. I loved this treasure hunt in particular because it involved so many skills - observation, deduction, creative thinking and huge amounts of curiosity. And it seemed like the perfect level of difficulty - challenging and rewarding. Highly recommend!
Jane B
Sherlock's Secret Challenge
GREAT EXPERIENCE
We did this tour with our research group and had a lot of fun solving the different puzzles. It was a great way to explore the area around Calton Hill. I highly recommend the tour, especially for families, groups of friends or even with colleagues. Thank you for this great experience.
Isa
The Pirate's Riddle: An Outdoor Treasure Hunt
Great family activity
Absolutely loved it, great experience, extremely well organised, quality materials and fun for all the family.
SCEH
Sherlock's Secret Challenge
Fun and Fabulous Tours
Really enjoyable and interactive experience! A perfect amount of walking round Edinburgh to see new parts of the city but not be too tired!
Would definitely recommend for people of all ages and interests.
Jonny O
Fantastic Creatures of Edinburgh, and where to find them!
Ingenious!
What a treat! Great puzzles, lots of things to see on the way, ingenious interactive elements - highly recommend! And Sabi was lovely too 🙂
Mike H
Sherlock's Secret Challenge
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