London Sherlock Holmes: Crack the Case Walking Adventure

London Sherlock Holmes: Crack the Case Walking Adventure offers a unique way to explore the city while stepping into the shoes of a detective. For just under $10 per person, you get approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes of engaging puzzle-solving along historic streets and notable landmarks. Starting at the BBC Broadcasting House and ending at the Sherlock Holmes Museum, this self-guided adventure invites you to uncover secrets hidden in London’s tapestry of streets.

What we love about this experience is how it combines interactive storytelling with self-paced exploration—giving you the chance to pause and soak in the sights at your leisure. Plus, the puzzles are inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved characters, adding a literary twist that fans of Sherlock Holmes will appreciate. The second highlight is how the tour encourages discovery of lesser-known spots along the route, making it feel more like an authentic local adventure than a typical sightseeing tour.

A potential drawback, however, is that some puzzles have been described as “weird” or “really hard,” which might frustrate casual puzzle solvers or those who prefer straightforward routes. The game’s difficulty level seems to vary, and a little patience could be needed if you get stumped. Also, since entry to attractions isn’t included, you’ll want to budget for any additional tickets if you choose to visit museums or other sites beyond the adventure.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy a blend of history, literature, and interactive fun. If you’re confident navigating with your phone, love solving riddles, or are a Sherlock Holmes enthusiast, you’ll find this adventure rewarding. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate engaging at their own pace and discovering some hidden corners of London.

Key Points

• Interactive and flexible: Use your phone to solve puzzles at your own pace, with the ability to pause and resume.
• Literary connection: Inspired by Sherlock Holmes, offering insights into Arthur Conan Doyle’s world.
• Self-guided discovery: Explore iconic and lesser-known locations around London without a guide.
• Affordable price: At around $9.26, it offers good value for a fun, educational activity.
• Puzzles vary in difficulty: Some challenges might be complex, so patience and curiosity help.
• No included attraction tickets: Entry to the museum and other sites is not included, so plan accordingly.

A Detailed Look at the Sherlock Holmes Adventure

This self-guided walking adventure begins at the BBC Broadcasting House, a fitting starting point given its historical significance in British media. Here, you receive your first clue, kicking off your detective story. From this point, the game guides you through various locations across central London—each with its own puzzle. The route takes you past the Langham Hotel, a grand hotel often associated with London’s luxury, and Queen Anne Street, a quiet yet historically interesting neighborhood.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the way it intertwines sightseeing with brainteasers. For example, at Harley Street, famed for its medical history, you’ll receive a clue that connects the location’s past to the Sherlock Holmes theme, adding a layer of educational interest. Stops like Smile Time Dental Lab and Upper Wimpole Street may seem mundane at first glance, but the game’s clues turn them into intriguing puzzle spots.

As you progress, you’ll visit University College Hospital, and later, Chiltern Street, a charming area with boutique shops and cafes. Each stop offers a chance to pause, explore, and enjoy the local vibe—whether it’s admiring facades, people-watching, or reading about the area’s history. Several reviewers praised the “fijn weetjes” (nice facts) integrated into the game, which add context and depth to the locations.

The route continues through Sherlock Mews—a street seemingly named for the detective himself—and culminates at the Sherlock Holmes Statue outside Baker Street. The final stop is the Sherlock Holmes Museum, a must-see for fans. While entry isn’t included, many appreciate the connection to the famous fictional detective once they arrive, and the museum itself is a popular London landmark.

What to Expect at Each Stop

BBC Broadcasting House: Your starting point, where the game kicks off. Expect a brief 5-minute stop to receive your first challenge. The building’s Art Deco architecture provides a striking backdrop.

The Langham, London: Known for its historic grandeur, here you’ll get a clue related to the hotel’s past and its connection to London’s elite. A good spot for a quick photo or a coffee break if you wish.

Queen Anne Street & Harley Street: These adjacent streets are quieter but full of character. The clues involve local architecture and history, making them ideal for those interested in London’s medical and social past.

Smile Time Dental Lab & Upper Wimpole Street: Smaller, nondescript locations, but the puzzles make even these spots interesting. Expect some brain-teasers related to the local history.

University College Hospital & Westmoreland Street: Larger institutions with stories behind their facades. The clues may involve historical medical figures or notable events.

Chiltern Street & Sherlock Mews: Trendy areas with boutique shops and unique street names, perfect for a quick stroll and photo ops.

Sherlock Holmes Statue & Baker Street: The iconic locations where the story wraps up. Expect a short walk through famous London streets before reaching the Sherlock Holmes Museum.

Authenticity and Puzzles: What Reviewers Say

While most reviewers enjoyed the experience, some noted that certain puzzles could be confusing or overly difficult. Julcsi_S commented that “some questions made no sense,” and that the game “needs updating.” However, the overall sentiment remains positive, with others appreciating the “fijne weetjes” and the fun walk.

One reviewer, Andreas_K, highlighted that “it was very enjoyable, fun, and interesting,” and they “learnt a lot,” showing how the game can be both entertaining and educational. Joe_S found it a “pretty fun way to explore London,” mentioning that while some puzzles required “a lot of thought,” they were comprehensible.

The fact that the game allows you to pause and resume at any time adds flexibility—especially if you want to take breaks or explore specific spots longer. This makes it ideal for families or travelers who prefer a relaxed pace.

Pricing, Value, and Practical Tips

At $9.26 per person, this activity offers a very good bang for your buck. You’re paying primarily for the interactive experience and the self-guided exploration—not for entrance fees or guided tours. Since entry to the Sherlock Holmes Museum isn’t included, consider whether you want to visit afterward, as it could be an added expense.

The duration is roughly 50 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes, but that depends on how quickly you solve puzzles and how much time you spend soaking in the sights. It’s flexible, making it suitable for a quick afternoon activity or part of a larger day of sightseeing.

All you need is your phone with the provided access code, and you’re set. Group discounts are available, which could make this fun for families or friends traveling together.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Sherlock Holmes-themed adventure is ideal for literature fans, puzzle enthusiasts, and travellers interested in London’s streets beyond the typical tourist spots. If you enjoy a bit of challenge paired with sightseeing, and are comfortable navigating with your phone, you’ll find this engaging. It’s especially good for those who like to explore at their own pace and prefer interactive activities over traditional guided tours.

However, if you prefer guided storytelling or want a more structured experience, this might not be the best fit. Also, those looking for in-depth historical tours of London’s landmarks might find this a bit light on detail.

Final Thoughts

This experience offers a clever mix of city exploration and puzzle-solving within London’s iconic streets. The self-guided format provides flexibility, and the Sherlock Holmes theme adds a charming literary touch. While some puzzles can be tricky, the overall journey is fun, engaging, and allows for personal discovery of lesser-known corners of the city.

It’s a solid choice for adventurous travelers, families, or Sherlock fans who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of brainwork. With its reasonable price and flexible timing, it’s an affordable way to make your London visit more interactive and memorable.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?
The tour lasts approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on how quickly you solve puzzles and explore.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at BBC Broadcasting House and ends at the Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street.

Is a guide included?
No, this is a self-guided experience, so you use your phone and the app to navigate and solve puzzles.

Are attraction tickets included?
No, entry to the Sherlock Holmes Museum and other sites is not included, so plan for additional tickets if you wish to visit them.

Do I need a group to participate?
No, it’s a private activity, so only your group participates. You can also book group discounts if needed.

What age is suitable for this adventure?
Most travelers can participate, but the puzzles may vary in difficulty. Kids and adults alike who enjoy riddles should find it fun.

Can I pause and resume the game?
Yes, you can pause and resume at any time, offering flexibility for breaks or changing plans.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking around London’s streets.

Is this activity suitable for people with mobility issues?
While most locations are accessible, some may involve walking on uneven streets or steps, so plan accordingly.

How does the price compare to other London activities?
At under $10, it is quite affordable, especially given its interactive, self-guided nature. It’s a good value for a fun, educational city adventure.

To sum it up, if you’re after a lighthearted, interactive way to explore London’s streets with a literary twist, the Sherlock Holmes: Crack the Case adventure is worth considering. It’s especially perfect for those who love puzzles, stories, and discovering hidden corners of the city at their own pace. Just be prepared for some challenging questions, and enjoy your detective journey through London.