I first discovered Mystery Guides way back in 2023 when I was trying to figure out something fun we could do for Joel's birthday that year. I believe an ad for them came across my Facebook feed, and as soon I clicked into it, I knew I had found something very special!
The website for the Mystery Guides claims they turn any city into an escape room, but I would argue the activity is more like a scavenger hunt than an escape room. Either way, it is a whole lot of fun! The guide takes you to a starting point, usually in the city centre, and from there you start solving puzzles to lead you further along to solving the mystery. There are always 16 clues and then a final stop where all of the clues come together!
In each city, there is a fictional story that you are trying to solve, but it is woven in with true facts about the history of the place. You solve the clues using monuments, plaques, art, and other real-life items. We love it because it often takes you into little nooks and crannies you might never discover on your own, and you always learn something interesting!
We love these so much that we now have a goal of doing every single one they produce. It's the perfect way to explore and enjoy our new home country!
I will use this blog post to track all of the ones we have completed so far.
If you want to check them out and grab your own, you can do so here! https://www.mysteryguides.co.uk/
Completed Mystery Guides:
1. Bath: The Mystery of the Prince's Golden Statue
Completed on 07 August 2025, with Brian & Zach
2. Birmingham: The Mystery of the Fake Cheque Fiasco
Completed on 24 September 2025
3. Bristol: The Mystery of the Sabotaged Balloon
Completed on 01 December 2023, with Steve
4. Cardiff: The Mystery of Cardiff's Missing Masterpiece
Completed on 23 December 2025, with Steve [This one was a birthday gift from Amy & Ben!]
5. Edinburgh: The Mystery of the Midnight Body Snatcher
Completed on 31 July/01 August 2025
6. Leeds: The Mystery of Houdini's Golden Handcuffs
Completed on 21 March 2026, partially with Annie, John & Finn
7. Stratford Upon-Avon: The Mystery of Shakespeare's Lucky Quill
Completed on 06 April 2026, with Matthew
XOXO, Bethany