Exploring Exeter can be as straightforward or as adventurous as you want it to be thanks to this innovative self-guided tour using the Go Quest Adventures app. For $39 per group, up to five people, you get an engaging experience that turns the city’s streets into a giant puzzle-solving playground. It’s perfect if you prefer to skip traditional guided tours and enjoy a more personalized, flexible way to discover the historic Devon city.
What we love about this experience is how it combines interactive challenges with insider stories—imagine wandering past 1,000-year-old walls and stumbling upon England’s last witches hanged, all while solving riddles. Plus, the ability to start whenever you like and go at your own pace is a major plus. The only thing to consider? You’ll need a charged smartphone with the app downloaded, so it’s best to plan for a daylight outing. This tour suits curious families, small groups of friends, or couples looking for a fun, active day exploring Exeter’s hidden corners.
Key Points
- Flexible Start Times: Begin your adventure whenever suits you within daylight hours.
- Self-Guided Exploration: No guides, no groups—just you, your team, and the city.
- Interactive Puzzles & Challenges: Engage with the history and secrets of Exeter through fun, brain-teasing tasks.
- Compact and Budget-Friendly: For $39, up to five people can enjoy a personalized experience.
- Discover Hidden Gems: Find overlooked sites like Britain’s narrowest street and a medieval bridge.
- Accessible & Family-Friendly: Children under 8 go free, and the activity is wheelchair accessible.
A Detailed Look at the Exeter Self-Guided Tour
Starting Point & Practicalities
The tour begins at a central meeting point where you’ll need to have downloaded the Go Quest Adventures app and redeemed your provided code. You’re responsible for bringing your own smartphone, which will serve as your guide and puzzle solver. The tour is designed to be completely self-guided, so you aren’t tethered to a schedule or a group, making it ideal for those who prefer control over their exploration.
The duration varies based on your pace, but most groups average between 2.5 to 3.5 hours. It covers approximately 2.3 miles, winding through both well-known landmarks and hidden corners. Rest stops are plentiful—there are plenty of cafes and benches for breaks, making it suitable for leisurely explorers or those with little ones.
What Makes the Route Special?
Throughout the trail, you’ll be weaving through streets lined with thousand-year-old walls, passing by the site of England’s last witches hanged, and discovering Britain’s narrowest street. The route ends in Northernhay Gardens, a pleasant spot to relax and reflect on your adventure. Highlights like the forgotten medieval bridge and the House That Moved add an element of surprise and satisfy curiosity about Exeter’s layered past.
Puzzle & Challenge Design
The app transforms Exeter into a giant, interactive escape room. You’ll find clues hidden in the architecture and street names, and solve puzzles that require a mix of observation, logic, and general knowledge. As one reviewer said, “It’s like an urban escape room—fun, challenging, and completely tailored to your own timing.” You earn points and can compete for the top of the leaderboard, adding a playful competitive edge.
Learning & Insider Fun Facts
The tour isn’t just about solving puzzles; it’s packed with insider stories. For example, you’ll hear about the last witches hanged in England and the story behind a medieval bridge long forgotten by most travelers. These tidbits bring the history alive and deepen your appreciation for Exeter’s rich past. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way the puzzles tied in with real history—made everything more memorable.”
Customizable & Family-Friendly Experience
Since the activity is private, you won’t be sharing your adventure with strangers, and you can include up to five players within one booking. Children under 8 are free, which makes it a good choice for families with younger kids who are able to read and follow clues. The pace is entirely up to you—whether you want a quick exploration or a leisurely walk with plenty of stops.
Potential Drawbacks & Considerations
While the flexibility is a major perk, the tour relies heavily on your smartphone and English language skills, so it might not be suitable for non-English speakers or those without a compatible device. Also, since entry into attractions isn’t included, if you want to go inside specific sites, you’ll need to plan extra time and budget for tickets.
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Why This Tour Offers Good Value
At $39 for up to five people, this experience is quite cost-effective, especially considering the personalized nature of the tour. It includes unlimited access for a full year, so if you’re visiting Exeter for a few days or want to revisit the route later, you’re covered. The informative puzzles and insider stories add educational value, making it more than just a walk—it’s an engaging, brain-teasing adventure.
Compared to traditional guided tours, you get absolute flexibility—no fixed start times, no large groups, and the ability to pause and explore or rest whenever you like. It’s perfect for independent travelers who enjoy a bit of problem-solving, families looking for a fun activity, or small groups wanting to create their own mini adventure. Keep in mind, though, that the tour is best enjoyed in daylight for clarity and safety, especially with younger children.
An Authentic, Family-Friendly Way to Discover Exeter
This tour is especially suited to those who value local stories and hidden corners over a cookie-cutter sightseeing route. The puzzles are designed to be engaging but not overly difficult, and the route showcases both highlights and lesser-known sites, giving you a well-rounded taste of Exeter’s history. Whether you’re a history buff, a puzzle enthusiast, or just looking for a different way to see the city, this self-guided adventure offers a blend of fun, education, and flexibility.
Final Thoughts
This Exeter City Walking Tour & Exploration Game offers a unique way to experience a historic city at your own pace. It combines interactive puzzles with local stories and hidden gems, making it perfect for curious travelers who want to actively engage with their surroundings. The affordability and flexibility make it a great value, especially for small groups or families.
While it requires a smartphone and some basic reading in English, the freedom to start anytime and go as slowly or quickly as you like makes it appealing for a wide range of travelers. It’s especially ideal for those who love combining sightseeing with a bit of challenge and storytelling, ensuring your visit to Exeter is memorable and fun.
If you’re looking for a personalized, interactive way to explore this historic city, this tour is well worth considering. It’s a fantastic option for families, couples, or small groups seeking an authentic, active, and slightly quirky adventure.
More Great Tours NearbyFAQ: Exeter: City Walking Tour & Exploration Game
Do I need my own smartphone?
Yes, you’ll need a compatible device with the Go Quest Adventures app downloaded and your code redeemed to participate.
Can I start the tour whenever I want?
Absolutely. The tour allows you to begin at any time during daylight hours within the 365-day validity period.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 8 go free, and the puzzles are designed to be accessible for younger participants who can read and follow clues.
How long does the tour take?
On average, expect around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, but it depends on your pace and how many stops or rest breaks you take.
What if I want to visit inside attractions?
Entry into attractions isn’t included, so if you choose to go inside, you’ll need to buy tickets separately.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for different mobility needs.
Can I do this with a small group?
Yes, the price covers up to five people within a private group, making it ideal for small parties.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.
Is the app available in other languages?
No, the app is only available in English, so reading proficiency is necessary.
Where does the tour end?
The route concludes back at the starting point, allowing for easy continuation or rest.
This self-guided tour offers a fresh way to experience Exeter, blending history, fun challenges, and the freedom to explore at your own speed. Whether you’re a history lover, puzzle enthusiast, or family seeking an active day out, it provides a memorable and engaging adventure.
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