We head to the Hayward Gallery cafe for a bite to eat and receive our first clue
When: 29th December 2011 (see website for upcoming hunts)
Where: London (other hunts available in Newcastle, Brighton and York)
£: 16 per team
What is it?
Wondering what to do between Christmas and New Year, and feeling as though a good walk would be beneficial after copious amounts of mince pies, we decided to have a Contrary Life outing around London. Not being brave enough for sales shopping we found a website that offers treasure hunts around the city and decided to give it a whirl.
The cost was £16 for a team, which is a little more than we’d ideally like to pay but did promise an afternoon/evening of fun with the possibility of exploring bits of London we may not have been to yet. Our starting point was at Concrete, the Hayward Gallery’s cafe/bar. We decided to ease ourselves into the mission with a glass of mulled wine and a bite to eat whilst texting for our first clue.
We look out across the river to find the answer to the next clue
The clues are sent to your phone and you have to text the correct answer to each clue before receiving the next one. Hints are available if you get a bit stuck. Luckily we know London quite well so didn’t find it too hard, but if you are unfamiliar with the city it may be a little more tricky.
The hunt took us to various locations around central London from major attractions to tiny basement bars. One of the answers to our clues involved tasting some unusual tequila and another took us to an old Thames water gate which we had never noticed before.
The hunts are timed and you are given penalties for asking for hints. There are breaks to allow for drinks and a sit down if needed. However, we weren’t concerned with the time and took part just for the fun of it, which I think was the best approach.
As there is no limit on the number of team players I would suggest getting a small team together so that you can split the cost of taking part, this way it makes for a reasonably priced day or evening out. Our hunt did include a free drink too, plus discounted drinks in one bar.
More info: www.inthehiddencity.com