Treasure Hunts in Leeds
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From the magnificent Victorian arcades to hidden medieval gems, our city is packed with fascinating stories and unexpected discoveries. And what better way to uncover them than on an exciting treasure hunt?
Whether you’re a local looking to see your city with fresh eyes or a visitor wanting to explore beyond the tourist trails, we’ve rounded up the best treasure hunts Leeds has to offer. Get ready to solve clues, discover hidden gems, and maybe even find actual treasure!
Contents
Quick Guide to Leeds Treasure Hunts
Before we dive into the details, here’s what you need to know: Leeds treasure hunts range from £9.99 to £41.49, with options for everyone from couples to large groups of up to 250 people.
Most routes take 2-3 hours to complete, though you can often go at your own pace and make a full day of it. Don’t worry about the weather – many hunts can be postponed if the forecast isn’t looking friendly!
Our Top Picks
The Local’s Favourite: Treasure Hunt Leeds
Perfect for: Getting off the beaten path while hitting the highlights
Want to explore Leeds like a local while having a blast? This hunt takes you through the city’s most beautiful spots – from the magnificent Corn Exchange to the historic Kirkgate Market – while avoiding the tourist crowds.
The Details
- £23.99 for up to 6 people
- WhatsApp-based (no apps needed!)
- 2-mile pushchair-friendly route
- Flexible start times
What makes this hunt special is its blend of famous landmarks and hidden gems. You’ll discover sneaky art projects, hear the story of how M&S started as a penny bazaar, and explore peaceful corners of the city many locals don’t even know about.
Plus, you can pause whenever you fancy a coffee or shopping break – it’s your adventure!
The History Buff’s Choice: Mystery Guides
Perfect for: Those who love a good story
“In 1911, The Great Houdini arrived in Leeds to perform a dangerous escape in return for a set of solid gold handcuffs… but moments before his act, they vanished!” Ready to solve this historical mystery?
The Details
- £19.99 per hunt
- Self-guided adventure
- 3.25km route
- Perfect for adults and older kids
What sets this hunt apart is its rich storytelling and sophisticated puzzles. You’ll piece together real Leeds history while hunting for those legendary handcuffs, with two historic pub stops along the way for good measure!
The Family Favourite: Treasure Trails
Perfect for: A budget-friendly family adventure
Calling all mystery solvers! There’s a legendary golden flute hidden somewhere in Leeds, and we need your help to find it. This trail cleverly weaves local history with fun challenges that’ll keep both kids and adults engaged.
The Details
- £9.99 for digital trail or £11.99 for printed version
- Suitable for ages 6-106
- Wheelchair and pushchair friendly
- Monthly £100 prize draw entry included
What’s special about this hunt is its flexibility – download it instantly or get a printed version delivered to your door. Plus, if you get stuck, there’s a handy text message service to keep you moving. Perfect for those “just one more clue!” moments!
The Choose-Your-Own-Adventure: City Days Leeds Hunts
Perfect for: Those who want options (lots of them!)
Fancy combining your treasure hunt with a food adventure? Or maybe you’re more interested in Leeds’ medieval history? City Days offers different themed routes to match your interests.
The Details
- £15 per person (2-8 players per team)
- Multiple themed routes available
- Built-in break points for food and drinks
- Escape room-style options available
The real gem here is the variety. Choose from classic treasure hunts, escape room-style adventures, or even food hunts where you’ll collect local delicacies along the way. It’s like having three different adventures rolled into one! An ideal creative date idea for Leeds that can be planned with your beloved in mind.
Tech-Savvy Explorer: Wild Goose
Perfect for: Corporate groups and team building
Want to add some healthy competition to your exploration? Wild Goose’s GPS-based adventure lets teams compete in real-time while discovering Leeds’ best bits.
The Details
- From £15 per person
- Teams of 4-6 (up to 250 people total!)
- Interactive app-based challenges
- Great for large groups
You’ll love the interactive elements – teams can share photos and communicate through the app as they complete challenges. Did you know Leeds gave the world M&S and Jelly Tots? You’ll uncover fun facts like these while solving puzzles and completing photo challenges.
Practical Tips for Your Leeds Treasure Hunt
When to Go
- Weekday mornings tend to be quieter for exploring
- Saturday afternoons are livelier but more crowded
- Sunday mornings are perfect for family hunts
- Allow extra time if you want to explore shops and cafés
Weather Watch
Don’t let the Yorkshire weather put you off! Most hunts can be:
- Postponed if the forecast looks grim
- Partially completed indoors through the arcades
- Paused for a coffee break if you need to warm up
Making the Most of It
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bring a portable phone charger
- Take a bottle of water
- Consider combining with lunch or dinner plans
- Take advantage of photo opportunities!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hunt is best for families with young children?
Treasure Trails is your best bet for younger kids, while Mystery Guides works better for teenagers and adults.
Can we stop for food and drinks during the hunt?
Absolutely! Most hunts are designed with break points in mind. City Days even includes food stops as part of some routes.
What happens if we get stuck?
Don’t worry – each hunt has its own help system, from text message clues to in-app hints. You won’t be left puzzling for too long!
Do we need to download any apps?
It varies. Treasure Hunt Leeds works through WhatsApp, while others like Wild Goose have dedicated apps. We’ve detailed the tech requirements for each hunt above.
Let us know if you come across any other treasure hunt/scavenger hunt games for Leeds. We will get them added to this list!
