Masters of cryptic trail games HiddenCity return with a new challenge inspired by the notorious nemesis of Sherlock Holmes.
Teams of up to four are invited to solve a series of clues that will take them on an immersive tour around Fitzrovia, Marylebone and Mayfair.
Starting at The Royal Institute of British Architecture in Portland Place, the journey spans Mayfair street art, historic watering holes and architectural landmarks. Cryptic clues, delivered via text message, lead savvy teams to Moriarty's secret meeting place — but prepare to take some wrong turns along the way. Each hint leads you to a new location, tucked away but well within walking distance.
Teams will be asked a question about their surroundings. Eagle-eyed spies who reply with the correct answer will be rewarded with clues to the next location. The trail takes between two and four hours depending on the speed and sharpness of your wits — and you can even choose to take a break to consider a clue over a pint.
Based on Arthur Conan Doyle's last Sherlock Holmes novel The Final Problem, Moriarty's Game brings the fictional mysteries of 1981 into real life modern London. Poisonous plants, pipes and numerical puzzles feature. Expect drama and intrigue as you interact with the infamous criminal mastermind through the secrets of your surrounding and coded clues.
The clues start out easy, but grow increasingly cryptic. Our favourite part was being led through parts of the city we'd never seen before, and scrutinizing familiar places for clues. We played on a Saturday, which meant dodging some crowds, but some of the most thrilling moments were turning up in a busy cafe or shop and informing the staff — with as straight a face as we could muster — that we were here for the game, and looking for something Sherlock left behind. Without giving away the many surprises that await, this tricky trail is an invigorating and original London day out for tourists and locals alike.
As pubs feature on the trail, Moriarty's Game is for over 18s only.
| What | Moriarty's Game, HiddenCity review |
| Where | RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London, W1B 1AD, | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Regent's Park (underground) |
| When |
01 Mar 17 – 01 Sep 17, Now booking until 1 September |
| Price | £60 for a team of up to four people |
| Website | Click here for more info and to book |
