Do I need a tour guide, or is this truly self-guided?

Completely self-guided. The GPS app on your smartphone leads you through the route with puzzles and instructions. You explore independently at your own pace—no human guide accompanies you.

What's the story behind Maggie Dickson and the Hangman's Hood?

Maggie Dickson is a real historical figure from Edinburgh—she was hanged in the Grassmarket but mysteriously revived in her coffin. The game reimagines her search for the cursed hood used in her execution, blending fact with interactive adventure as you explore the city's closes and courtyards.

Is this just walking with a story, or are there actual puzzles?

It combines both. Expect riddles, photo challenges, and logic puzzles woven into the narrative. You'll need to solve clues to unlock the next waypoint and advance the story—it's not passive sightseeing.

How much walking is involved, and what surface are we on?

Approximately 2 hours of walking through Edinburgh's historic centre on cobblestones, closes, and public streets. The terrain is uneven and can be slippery in wet weather; good footwear and a waterproof jacket are recommended.

Can I do this with children, or is it too dark/scary?

Yes, families with teenagers are welcome. While the Maggie Dickson narrative has gothic elements, the game is designed as an interactive adventure story rather than a horror experience. Younger children (under 10) may find the riddles challenging.

What do I need to bring, and how does the GPS app work?

Bring a smartphone with an active internet connection and the game app (download before you start). Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential. The app uses GPS to guide you between checkpoints and present puzzles and clues at each location.

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Secrets of Edinburgh Self-Guided Exploration Game Tour

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Cultural ToursWalking ToursAdventure ToursCity ToursEducational Tour

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About this activity

A self-guided GPS-based exploration game that blends Edinburgh's haunting history with interactive puzzles as you hunt for a cursed executioner's hood through the Royal Mile, hidden closes, and historic courtyards. Solve riddles, complete photo challenges, and uncover local legends while navigating Scotland's capital at your own pace.

Edinburgh’s cobblestones have seen their share of ghosts, but Maggie Dickson is something else entirely. Hanged in the Grassmarket and buried in a coffin, she woke up hours later—much to the shock of everyone, herself included. Now she’s back once more, on the hunt for the Hangman’s Hood used in her execution.

Said to be cursed and dangerous in the wrong hands, the hood is still out there, lurking in the city’s closes and courtyards. Join Maggie as she stalks the Royal Mile, slips into hidden wynds, and follows whispers from both the living and the dead. Help her find the hood before it falls into the wrong hands—or before she runs out of second chances.

You came to explore. You stayed to save the story.

What is the Secrets of Edinburgh Exploration Game?
The Secrets of Edinburgh Exploration Game is a self-guided, GPS-based City Game that takes you through the historic heart of Scotland’s capital. It is an interactive way to experience the city, combining sightseeing with puzzles, riddles, and photo challenges that will test your wits while you uncover Edinburgh’s captivating stories. Along the way, you will discover fascinating facts about its rich history, cultural traditions, and hidden corners. Whether you are visiting for the first time or rediscovering your own city, this game offers an exciting adventure for solo explorers, couples, families, or groups of friends.

Important Information

Difficulty level: intermediate
Duration: 2 hours
Tickets: 1 ticket per group (1–4 people, for more players buy additional tickets)
Choose a start date/time when booking, but start the game whenever you want
Required: smartphone with internet connection

What makes this game unique?
This self-guided city game transforms Edinburgh into your playing field, revealing both iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Highlights include the bustling Grassmarket set beneath the towering Edinburgh Castle, the colorful charm of Victoria Street, the atmospheric Greyfriars Kirkyard, the legendary Royal Mile, and the intriguing Mary King’s Close hidden beneath the city streets. You can enjoy the experience alone for a personal challenge or as part of a team for a shared adventure. Solve clever puzzles, crack tricky riddles, answer thought-provoking questions, and complete fun photo tasks to collect points, gain extra clues, and ultimately solve the final mystery. You have the freedom to pause the game anytime and resume later, making it easy to combine the experience with sightseeing, shopping, or a coffee break. Compete for a spot on the leaderboard or play in team-building mode for a friendly competition.

How to play
Once you book, you will receive an email with a direct play link. Head to the start location at the Statue of Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott and begin your adventure whenever you choose. The game runs directly on your smartphone, with no app download needed. You can pause at any time and continue later, giving you complete flexibility over your journey.

Get ready to uncover Edinburgh’s secrets in an unforgettable GPS-based adventure that blends history, culture, and thrilling gameplay.

Highlights

✓Follow the true story of Maggie Dickson, hanged and miraculously resurrected in the Grassmarket
✓Hunt for the legendary cursed Hangman's Hood through Edinburgh's most atmospheric closes and wynds
✓GPS-guided route with integrated puzzles, riddles, and photo challenges
✓Discover hidden corners and lesser-known historical facts beyond typical tourist routes
✓Flexible 2-hour adventure—start anytime, explore at your own speed

Insider tips

★Wear comfortable walking shoes; Edinburgh's cobblestones are uneven and slippery when wet—bring a waterproof jacket
★Download the game app or access it online before starting to avoid connectivity issues in narrow closes
★Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds on the Royal Mile and get better photo challenge shots
★The Grassmarket and Royal Mile are most atmospheric at dusk; time your game to coincide with golden hour

Good to know

•One ticket covers 1–4 people per group; ideal for families, couples, or small friend groups
•Intermediate difficulty level—expect brain teasers and local knowledge questions, not just navigation
•GPS-based: smartphone with active internet connection required throughout the tour
•Self-paced exploration means you control the experience; 2 hours is the recommended duration but you can take longer
•Game takes you through working streets and public spaces; no special access or permits needed

Who it's for

History enthusiasts keen on Edinburgh's darker, lesser-known talesCouples seeking a unique date activity combining culture, mystery, and explorationFamilies with teenagers who enjoy interactive puzzles and story-based gamesSolo travellers and small groups wanting flexible, self-guided city discovery

Best time to visit

Visit October–April when Edinburgh's grey skies and historic atmosphere intensify the ghostly narrative. Early morning (8–10 a.m.) or early evening (4–6 p.m.) offers fewer crowds and atmospheric lighting; avoid midday in peak summer when the Royal Mile is congested with tour groups.