Discovering Glasgow in a Fun New Way: A Treasure Hunt Adventure
This review covers a newer way to explore Glasgow—an interactive treasure hunt that combines puzzle-solving with sightseeing, all from your phone. Priced at just over $33 per group (up to six people), this activity promises about three hours of entertainment, learning, and discovery. The idea is straightforward: follow cryptic clues, navigate beautiful maps, and uncover the city’s lesser-known corners at your own pace. I love that it’s a flexible experience—no need to print anything, and you can start when you want. It’s particularly appealing for groups who want to steer clear of traditional tours and instead enjoy a more relaxed, playful approach.
Two aspects I find especially compelling are the ease of use—since everything is digital and on WhatsApp—and the ability to customize your day. Whether you want to turn it into a pub crawl or just stroll through the River Clyde, you’re in control. That said, one thing to consider is that you’ll need a smartphone with mobile data, which can be a minor hurdle if you’re traveling without international roaming or a local SIM card. Still, the reviews consistently highlight how much fun and educational value this activity provides, making it a standout choice for anyone curious to experience Glasgow from a fresh perspective.
Key points / Takeaways

- Flexible start times allow you to fit the treasure hunt into your schedule comfortably.
- No printing or downloads required—everything is accessible via WhatsApp, making it super straightforward for travelers.
- Educational and entertaining, with guides like Captain Bess sharing fascinating facts and stories along the route.
- Ideal for groups of friends, couples, or even college students looking for a memorable day out.
- Affordable price point offers good value, especially considering it lasts around three hours with engaging clues and routes.
- Accessible for moderate physical fitness levels, with many interesting sights around Glasgow’s Merchant City and River Clyde, suitable for most travelers.
Navigating Glasgow with a Puzzle

This treasure hunt offers a refreshing alternative to conventional sightseeing. It takes you on a thoughtfully planned route through Merchant City—a vibrant hub of cafes, shops, and historic architecture—and along the River Clyde, revealing hidden gems and quirky details often missed on regular tours. You’re invited by “Captain Bess,” a friendly virtual guide who sends you a series of treasure maps and cryptic clues straight to your phone. This setup turns the city into a giant puzzle, encouraging you to look more closely at your surroundings.
What makes this experience stand out is the interactive nature. Instead of passively listening to a guide, you’re actively searching for answers, which adds a playful challenge. If you get stuck, hints are available—an important feature that keeps frustration at bay. Several reviews mention how much they enjoyed the process, often saying it was “very fun” and a great way to learn about Glasgow’s history, architecture, and local legends.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Glasgow.
The Route and Its Highlights

The journey begins at Accounts29 Royal Exchange Square, a lively part of the city packed with history and character. From there, the clues lead you through various notable spots, giving a good overview of Glasgow’s core. Expect to see beautiful architecture, intriguing shop windows, and perhaps some street art, all while solving puzzles. Many reviewers appreciated the balance of fun and learning, with one saying, “even in the rain, it was very fun,” highlighting how adaptable the activity is to weather.
One reviewer admired the high-quality design and engaging clues, mentioning they did the same hunt in Edinburgh and found this one just as good. The clues are challenging enough to make you think, but not so hard that you’ll give up—perfect for a leisurely exploration. Plus, the entire experience is private, so your group can enjoy it without distractions or interruptions.
Experience and Education in One
One of the most praised aspects of this treasure hunt is the storytelling from Captain Bess. She shares interesting facts and stories as you go, turning what could be a simple walk into an educational adventure. Several reviews note that they learned a lot about Glasgow’s history and culture, often discovering places they wouldn’t have thought to visit on their own.
For example, the clues may lead you into shops or areas with windows that catch your eye or provoke curiosity. You can choose to linger or move along—there’s no rush. This flexibility is great for those who prefer a relaxed pace or want to incorporate a few drinks or snacks along the way.
Price and Practicalities

At around $33 for a group of up to six, this treasure hunt offers strong value. Considering it lasts about three hours, you’re paying for a personalized, memorable experience rather than a fleeting tour. The cost includes a shareable link to the game, and since it’s all digital, there’s no need to print or download anything. For travelers who enjoy interactive experiences and want to see the city at their own pace, this is a particularly cost-effective option.
Keep in mind you’ll need a smartphone with mobile data—a minor consideration for most travelers, but worth noting if you’re off-grid or in areas with patchy coverage. The activity is available daily from early morning to evening, providing plenty of flexibility.
Who Will Love This?

This treasure hunt is best suited for curious couples, groups of friends, or even college students looking for a fun day out. It’s ideal for those who enjoy solving puzzles and want an active, engaging way to explore Glasgow’s less touristy spots. If you’re interested in learning interesting facts and stories along the way, you’ll find this activity both entertaining and informative.
It also appeals to travelers who prefer customizable schedules—since you can start whenever you like—and those who enjoy a more relaxed, social pace. If you’re traveling with young children or mobility-challenged individuals, the moderate physical effort involved makes it accessible.
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Entering Glasgow’s Hidden Corners

The route is designed to reveal offbeat sights and local stories, often missed on standard tours. Many reviews mention the unexpected delights—like shops or streets that look ordinary but hide fascinating stories. The clues lead you into less obvious places, which adds an element of surprise and discovery.
The activity’s digital format means you can easily pause and take in your surroundings, as opposed to a timed tour where you’re rushed. It’s a perfect choice whether you want to pause for photos, pop into a pub, or just soak in the atmosphere.
The Practicalities: Booking, Meeting Point, and Duration

Booking in advance is recommended—most groups plan about 18 days ahead. The meeting point is at Accounts29 Royal Exchange Square, a central, easy-to-find location. The activity runs from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, giving plenty of flexibility to fit into your day.
The activity is designed for a moderate physical level—you’ll be walking around, but it’s not overly strenuous. Since it’s a private experience, only your group participates, making it more personal and tailored.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Glasgow Experience for You?

If you’re after a unique way to see Glasgow that combines fun, education, and flexibility, this treasure hunt is a winner. It’s especially well-suited for groups who want a personalized adventure without the constraints of a traditional tour, and who enjoy puzzle-solving and storytelling.
The price point makes it accessible, and the reviews highlight how much participants appreciated the hidden gems and interesting stories they learned along the way. Plus, the ability to create your own pace means you can turn this into a full-day exploration or a quick afternoon activity.
For those who love uncovering local secrets and enjoy a playful approach to sightseeing, this experience packs a lot of value into just a few hours. Overall, it’s a fantastic way to add a bit of adventure to your Glasgow trip.
FAQ
- What is included in the price?
You receive a link to the game that you can share with your group, along with the treasure maps and clues sent to your phone. - Do I need to print anything?
No, everything is digital—no printing required. - Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
It’s designed for groups up to six people, but the price is per group, making it ideal for small parties. - How long does the activity last?
Approximately three hours, but you can take your time since it’s flexible. - Can I start the hunt at any time?
Yes, you can begin whenever it’s convenient for you within the activity hours. - What do I need to bring?
A smartphone with mobile data is necessary; no other equipment is required. - Is it suitable for children or elderly travelers?
It requires moderate physical movement, so it’s suitable for most, but consider individual mobility levels. - Are there any restrictions?
Service animals are allowed, and it’s accessible near public transportation. - Is this experience private?
Yes, only your group participates, making it a personalized activity. - Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
All in all, this treasure hunt offers a fresh, engaging way to get to know Glasgow—perfect for curious explorers eager to combine sightseeing with fun puzzles. Whether you’re a local wanting a new perspective or a visitor seeking an authentic adventure, it’s a memorable way to spend a few hours.
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