Ever walked through York and thought, “I bet there’s some mad Roman stuff under my feet right now”? Well, turns out you’re absolutely right — and now, there’s a fun way to find it. A brand-new self-guided adventure called the Romans Quest is turning the city into a puzzle-filled playground, and it’s launching on April 4th, 2025.
This is perfect for kids in key stage 2 (which is year 3 and over) who will learn about the Romans as part of the National Curriculum, but also for visiting friends, or just those who fancy doing something different that isn’t sitting in a pub (though don’t worry, there’s still a pub involved). Here’s everything you need to know.
Explore York like a Roman detective
York Quests, the team behind the popular Ghost Quest game, are back — and this time they’re digging even deeper into the city’s history. With Romans Quest, you’ll be following a trail of clues through York’s streets, looking out for hidden Roman relics and solving mini puzzles as you go.
The story taps into York’s Roman roots — back when it was called Eboracum. You’ll meet virtual characters like Constantine the Great, learn about the mysterious Lost Legion, and see the city through ancient eyes. But don’t worry, it’s not like a boring school trip. It’s more like a walking escape room… just with fewer padlocks and more secret history.
What to expect on your quest
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s involved:
- 🏁 Start point: St. Sampson’s Square, York
- 🗓️ Launch date: 4 April 2025
- 🕐 Duration: Around 1 hour
- 🚶♂️ Distance: 1.2 miles (1.9 km)
- 💷 Price: £10 per player
- 👶 Kids under 8: Free
- 🐶 Dog-friendly: Yep
- ♿ Accessible: Step-free route
- 🍫 Reward: Chocolate at the end (vegan options too!)
- 🍻 Bonus: Drinks discount at the final pub stop
- 💸 Promo: 10% off in April with code APRIL10
It’s all run via your smartphone, so no printed maps or weird headsets. Just grab a phone, some mates, and maybe a snack for the road.
Why it’s more than just a walk
Sure, you could just Google “Roman York” and read a blog. But that’s like reading about a rollercoaster instead of riding it. Romans Quest is about getting hands-on — spotting clues carved into old buildings, teaming up with mates to crack riddles, and actually seeing the layers of history hiding in plain sight.
Plus, it’s designed for everyone. Families, history nerds, date nights, solo wanderers. Even the dog can come along. And because the whole thing’s step-free, it’s accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs too.
Ryan Willis, the head ‘Riddler’ at York Quests, summed it up like this:
“We wanted to create an experience that’s not only fun but also challenges players to work as a team and notice the intricate details of the streets and buildings around York that are often missed.”
A cheeky chocolate prize and a pint at the end
Let’s be honest — we all love a reward. When you finish the quest, you’ll get a chocolatey treat (and yes, they’ve thought of vegans too). After that, the final stop is a cosy York pub, where quest-finishers can get a discount on drinks. So even if you flunk a puzzle or two, you’ll still end on a high.
Planning ahead? More quests are on the way
If this all sounds fun, keep your eyes peeled. York Quests has plans for more games and tie-ins with local independent businesses, so this could be the start of a whole series of puzzle walks through time.
Fancy giving it a go? You can book or learn more at yorkquests.co.uk. Just don’t forget to use APRIL10 for that cheeky discount.
