Updated on March 12, 2023
Disclosure: this The Secret City York experience was gifted for the purposes of this review. ALL opinions shared in this post are my own.
The Secret City is a fun and interactive way to explore York city centre. Search for clues, answer the riddles and see if you have what it takes to solve a murder!
This review covers everything you need to know about The Secret City York including what to expect, and why you should add it to your York sightseeing list!
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The Secret City York Review
I recently had the opportunity to try out one of the interactive trails of York by The Secret City.
These trails take you through the quiet side streets of York while following along with a story. You will need to search for clues and solve the riddles to progress on your journey.
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about this fun and unique way to explore York city centre!
What is The Secret City?
The Secret City is an interactive trail around York city centre. You will be guided through the streets of York in search of clues and answers to solve the riddles.
Follow the route outlined through instructions sent to you via messenger apps from one destination to the next and discover parts of the city you never even knew existed!
Enjoy the route at your own pace, plus, at various spots on the route, a local pub or cafe will be highlighted as the ideal place to pause and refuel.
You don’t need to download or print anything, you simply need a mobile data connection, and then instructions will be sent directly to your preferred messenger application. Then you are ready to go!
You will follow a carefully curated route that will guide you down York’s secret streets. Just meters from the bustling hubbub of the busy streets, you’ll have parts of York all to yourself! Along the way, you will be provided with fun facts about the places you spot.
The Secret City York is like your own map to the forgotten parts of York!
How do you play The Secret City?
The Secret City is played via online messenger apps. You can choose to use either WhatsApp or Telegram. Some games also work via text message, but not all of them due to the unreliability of sending long text messages.
Playing the game is really straightforward. Once you book your game you will receive a message with a code which you simply respond with to load your game. You can do this prior to the day you play your game.
Once you are ready to play, follow the Google Maps link to the start point. Read the instructions sent to you via the message. These will explain how to request hints or directions and how to add additional team members.
You can add up to five team members if you are playing via Telegram or WhatsApp so you will all receive the messages to your own phones. I love this feature so you’re not all trying to crowd around one tiny screen! I added James to the game, and it was so easy – I just forwarded the message to him as instructed then he followed the setup instructions and it all worked smoothly.
Once you’re set up, you’re good to go! Simply follow the instructions that are sent to you via message. When you’ve worked out the answer, reply to the message and you’ll get your next set of instructions!
Tips for playing The Secret City
Once you have solved a few clues on your trail, you fall into a rhythm and get a good feel for the distance between the answers you are hunting for. At one point we wandered past the answer we were looking for. We realised we had gone wrong as we had walked quite some distance from our last clue!
If you do find you’ve wandered in the wrong direction, you can simply retrace your steps back to the last clue and re-read the instructions to make sure you end up in the right place.
Don’t fall into the trap of believing that all the answers will be easy to spot (that’s what we did!) Instead, make sure you take the time to properly search for the answers.
In areas where there might be obstructions (such as flooding), an alternative route can be requested, so you don’t get stuck anywhere!
You can request hints and directions; however, you will receive penalties for this so make sure you hunt thoroughly before requesting a hint! You also get penalties for wrong answers. You will receive one penalty free hint, directions, or wrong answer, but after that, 10 minutes will be added to your team time for each use.
What do I need to know before I go?
Before you start your adventure, you don’t need to research much information. All you need to do is get yourself to York city centre, and The Secret City will provide you with:
- Instructions to activate your game
- The exact starting point of your trail in the form of a Google Maps link
- A clear breakdown of how the game works including how to ask for hints and directions if needed
- Instructions for adding additional team members
- Suggested pubs or cafes to pause the game if you want to stop for food
All this information is provided directly via messenger at the start of the game. Any additional information you may need can be easily found on the website at the time of you booking. This includes:
- How long the trail will take
- The window of time in which you can start your game
- Start and end locations of the trail
- The walking length of the trail
How difficult is The Secret City?
The Secret City is a great balance between being challenging, without being frustrating – which is a fine line with cryptic clues!
If you think logically, the clues are straightforward but will require a bit of brain power to suss them out. Plus, if you get really stuck, you can ask for a hint to help you out!
As with any treasure hunt, make sure that you read the clues carefully. If you’re feeling stuck, re-reading the clue will help you unlock the answer.
Also, you’ll want to keep your eyes open! Some of the clues are a little bit sneaky to spot so you’ll miss them if you’re not paying attention. (We learned from experience!)
How long does The Secret City York take to play?
When you book your The Secret City adventure, it will state how long your trail will take. We played A Fatal Feud, which estimates it will take between 2.5-3.5 hours to complete.
We absolutely flew round the trail and completed the whole thing in 1 hour 46 minutes. However, we did have the advantage of being familiar with York, so we were able to quickly navigate the route from one location to the next.
In hindsight, I would have preferred to take a little longer on the trail so we could spend more time admiring the pretty streets we were discovering!
We were also playing the game without children, who may need a little more time to track down the clues.
Is The Secret City suitable for families?
The Secret City doesn’t have any minimum age requirement for players. However, their website typically recommends the trail for ages 18+ simply because the recommended rest stops include bars and pubs.
However, I wouldn’t rule out The Secret City as a family activity! Kids would certainly enjoy answering the riddles and solving the clues along the trail.
At the points where bars were recommended, there were often cafes nearby that families may prefer to visit with children. Plus, the stops are optional so can be skipped if you don’t want to visit them.
The only thing I will highlight is that the trail we did followed a murder storyline. While it wasn’t gruesome in any way, it may not be suitable for very young children.
Is The Secret City suitable for couples?
The Secret City is a great activity for couples visiting York. James and I played the trail together and it was a fantastic date experience with a difference!
The trail works especially well with two people as one person can be following the written directions while the other person kept their eyes peeled for clues.
It is an activity that requires some good teamwork to succeed, but luckily the clues aren’t so difficult that they lead to frustration!
Why The Secret City York?
If you are looking for unique things to do in York, The Secret City is ideal! This fun and engaging story leads you down many of York’s secret streets the tourists never usually see.
Not only do you get to explore hidden parts of York, but your search for answers will require you to look closely at some of the many tiny details we’d usually just pass by without noticing. You’ll be surprised by the little details you’ve never spotted before!
Each of the clues leads you to a new area and highlights some new fact you never knew. Every stop rewards you with hidden gems and fun facts about York which is the real treasure you unearth on this trail.
And the gripping story and seamless user experience makes it all the more exciting!
Ending the game
When you solve the last clue on your trail you will be led to the final stop on your route. This last stop brings together all the clues you have unearthed during the trail and reveals the solution.
The trail cleverly leads you to a historic sight in the city that relates to the true events that inspired the story. There is an information board you can read to discover more of the background that led up to the real-life murder.
I love the way that this final stop brings everything together in one place. The story is so immersive that you forget it is based on real events. So, when you arrive at your final stop, you’re reminded that the tale is based in fact, and you can see exactly what it was that triggered the historic feud.
This real-life setting made the trail even more unique and memorable!
Pros and Cons
Here are a few pros and cons from our The Secret City York experience.
Pros:
- The trail we completed was based on a true event in York’s history. I loved this because it was fascinating to follow the route and watch the story unfold, before arriving at the final destination that reveals the truth. It was well written and really engaging throughout the whole route.
- I love that there are optional stops recommended along the route! You not only get the chance to discover new parts of York, but new pubs and cafes too!
- All the information provided was clear and we had no difficulty setting up the game and following the instructions.
Cons:
- The trail was expected to take 2.5-3.5 hours, but we completed the route in under two hours. This was largely because our prior knowledge of the city helped with navigating. But we were surprised to finish so quickly! I’d recommend you take your time and enjoy the trail thoroughly. It’s not a race after all!
- Our visit to York coincided with a large event, which meant that York was exceptionally busy! York is usually a busy city, but it was packed when we were there! This didn’t have a huge impact on the experience as much of the trail is in quieter streets, but part of the route is in the main area. It was here that we had trouble spotting the answers to a clue because the crowds were so big. I’d suggest avoiding big events and bank holidays when booking The Secret City if you’re keen to avoid the crowds, but overall it didn’t have a significant impact on our game experience.
The final verdict
In my opinion, The Secret City certainly lives up to its name. It took us on an adventure through the secret streets of York that I’ve never seen before!
The story was really well written and drew us into the tale that was unfolding, and the clues were just the right level of challenging.
I especially loved the culmination of the story which brought the whole tale together with a little-known York landmark, which played a significant role in the true events which happened over 500 years ago!
Overall, The Secret City York was a fun and immersive experience that introduced us to a whole new side of York and a fascinating event in the city’s history. If it weren’t for the trail, we would never have known about it!
If you are looking for something new to do in York, The Secret City trails are the ideal way to discover some unexpected sights! I’d certainly recommend trying one on your next trip to the city!
How to book your The Secret City adventure
So, if you’re ready to try out The Secret City for yourself, visit the website and pick your adventure!
There are currently three York trails to choose from:
- A Fata Feud (the trail we did) – you’re transported back to 1491 and hot on the trail of a murderer. Follow the clues to the suspects and see if you can track down whodunnit. Based on a true story.
- The Drowned City – discover ancient York in this trail that combines the history and mythology of the city. See if you have what it takes to solve the clues and save the city from certain doom.
- Quirks and Snickets – this cryptic trail takes you through the forgotten parts of York city centre. Follow narrow streets and snickleways to discover a side of York you never knew existed.
Other The Secret City adventures in Yorkshire can be found in Harrogate and Sheffield.
Other things to do when visiting York
If you love to unearth the hidden side of the city and you want to explore more trails in York, why not try one of these other options on your visit:
- If you loved The Secret City York, you’ll also enjoy Treasure Hunt York. This is another interactive hunt where you search for clues and test your wits to see if you can join the pirate crew.
- Can you track down the 22 York cats on the York Cat Trail?
- Explore the magical side of York on this Harry Potter themed tour.
- If you are travelling with young kids, Wizard Walk of York is a fun trail full of magic and games. No spooky stories on this one! Ideal for children between the ages of 5-10.
- Have you strolled down York’s secret streets? Discover the Snickelways of York and see what you’ve been missing!
- If you’re planning a winter visit, make sure you don’t miss York Ice Trail, a magical two-day ice trail through the city.
- See the sights with the convenience of a hop on hop off bus tour.
- Discover the creepy side of York on this Witches and History Old Town walking tour.
- For more ideas, check out some of my favourite things to do in York or these romantic things to do in York for couples.
Before you go
So, if you’re looking for unique things to do in York, you should absolutely add a The Secret City adventure to your list! Be sure to bookmark or pin this page using the pin below so you can revisit this review!
And if you want more York inspiration ahead of your visit, download your free York Quick Start Planning Guide for a list of the top 10 attractions in York, plus a guide to where to stay, when to visit and more!
Plus, you’ll get four bonus travel planning printables you can use when it comes to planning and packing for any trip!
Until our next adventure,
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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
Hannah this is soooo cool! I love that there are few different options so you can try again. I don’t know as much about York, so I have a feeling it would take us longer than 2 hours… but it sounds like it would be a fun date!
I had a look and they have options in other cities… even in the USA. Just none in Canada so far. I’d love that kind of thing here.
I wouldn’t actually mind taking a bit longer to complete the trail to fully appreciate all the effort that has gone into crafting the story! I’m definitely going to return and try one of the other trails soon! I hope something similar makes its way to Canada so you can enjoy these interactive trails too!
I loved that you highlighted the pros and cons… gives a nice perspective and a dose of reality! Great work, well done!
I’m so glad you like the guide and found it helpful! Thanks for reading!
That’s an amazing way to discover a city and walk though it’s history. I would love to visit just to play secret city.
The Secret City is such a fun way to explore York! Especially as the historical events unfold along the trail! I hope you get chance to try it for yourself!
That sounds like a great day out
We had so much fun exploring new parts of York and following the trail! It was a great opportunity to try something new – we had a blast!
I had never heard of this game up until now. I think it’s a great and fun way to explore the city. I love it!
The Secret City is such a fun way to get to know a place. I hope you get a chance to try it out!
I NEED to do this! What a fun way to see York in a new way, and get to explore! As a mystery novel lover, this would be right up my alley.
Ooh this would be ideal for you if you love a mystery! It is such a fun way to discover new parts of York! I hope you get an opportunity to try it out!
This sounds like such a fun concept. What a great way to get to know a new city – or even one you’re familiar with but learn new things about it. Looks like there’s some other great cities to try this out in too, I’ll have to think about this next time I visit one of them
The Secret City is such a fun way to explore a city! I think it is an ideal way to discover somewhere new, or see a new side to a city you already know well! I hope you get an opportunity to try one out soon!
What an innovative idea, would love to do this! York is one of my favourite cities and it looks like a great way to explore.
These interactive trails are so fun and a unique way to see destinations! It was a great opportunity to discover so many new places in York! I hope you get the chance to try out a trail!
This is really interesting! I’ve never been to York before so I’ll have to save it for a future trip – I love interactive tours. Thanks for sharing
Interactive tours are so much fun, aren’t they? The Secret City was such a wonderful way to see another side of York! I hope you get an opportunity to try it out!
This sounds like an amazing way to explore a city through a different lens. Thanks for the tip!
The Secret City is a wonderful way to see another side of York! I hope you get an opportunity to give it a go!
That’s very interesting to know! Thank you so much for this informative article! Would definitely visit York one day!
York is such a beautiful city! I hope you get an opportunity to visit and try out The Secret City trail one day!
This sounds like a really fun way to explore York. I would love the Harry Potter part
There are lots of cool trails available in York now! The Secret City is such a fun way to explore!
Oh my gosh, this looks super fun! I’ve never even heard of anything like this. I really enjoyed reading all about it, and you did a great job answering all my questions.
Hi Samantha! I’m glad you found the guide helpful and it addressed any questions you might have! The Secret City is a great way to see another side of York and it is so much fun, I hope you get an opportunity to try it out!
What a cool way to explore a new place! My kids would love to look for the 22 York cats! LOL
These interactive trails are so much fun! We had a lot of fun tracking down the clues and also the 22 cats! There are so many unique things to spot in York!
I had no idea that this was available! It looks like a really fun way to explore York and learn more about the city’s hidden areas.
I’ve found that there are a few of these tours starting to pop up and I absolutely love them! It is such a fun way to find the secret spots dotted around the city!
Wow sounds like an amazing way to explore York! Beautiful hidden details and true facts woven into the Architecture…wow what a fabulous way to explore alone or with others!
The Secret City is such a fun way to discover the hidden spots in York! It was fascinating following the trail and watching the tale unfold!
What a great way to see the city! So unique – it’s an awesome way to get some history while exploring.
The Secret City is such a unique way to explore and I love that it takes you to the ‘off the beaten track’ routes away from the main tourist hub. It’s fun to see there is even more to York to be discovered!
Secret City York sounds fun! And they must really know their stuff if they take you on secret York streets that even you didn’t know!
I’ve done a couple of trails like this now and I’m always amazed at how many parts of York I’ve never visited before! It’s why I love The Secret City so much – there is always something new to be discovered!
What a fun way to explore the city and learn about York! I would love to give this a try. Thanks for sharing!
The Secret City is such a fun way to explore places, no matter how well you think you know the place! I hope you get the opportunity to give it a go! Thanks for reading!
What an interesting idea! I love walking tours and my other half loves a good riddle, so I think this would definitely be up our street. I especially like that it was based on a historic event, that makes it even more special. Have saved for the future 🙂
Any riddle-lover will have so much fun doing a trail by The Secret City! It was a great day out for us and I love that it is based on true events too! It was fascinating to follow the historic trail through the city! I hope you get an opportunity to try it out soon!
What a unique way to explore York! Clues and riddles to get around is such a fun idea.
The Secret City is such a fun way to explore York! I discovered so many new places!
Oh wow! This is such an awesome way to explore a city and just a fun game to play! I love how they’ve mixed technology and made such a creative experience. Would be cool if more places did this, like a modern day treasure hunt.
The Secret City is such a fun way to discover new places (or places you think you already know well – I was surprised how many new things I discovered!) It is such a fun and interactive way to explore, I hope more similar experiences start to pop up in other places around the globe!
York is one of my favourite cities in the world and this sounds like such a unique way to explore it! Cool that the trail is based on true events of the city to really get to learn some interesting things. I’m such a geek when it comes to that stuff. I would love to do this some time with some friends!
York is such a special place, isn’t it? Every time I go, I always discover something new – no matter how well I think I know York! The Secret City is a great way to discover parts of the city I’ve never visited before. I loved that it was based on true events too! It made it so much more fascinating! I hope you get the opportunity to try it out soon!
This is great! I live in Sheffield and can’t wait to check out some new spots with this fun activity. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Melissa! I’m itching to try out the Sheffield tour! I started working for a company in Sheffield during lockdown but thanks to the pandemic I haven’t been to the office that much. Sheffield is a city I want to get to know better and The Secret City is a great way to discover new things. I thought I knew York pretty well, but I was proven wrong! I hope you get a chance to try out The Secret City soon! Thanks for reading!
I´ve never done any interactive trails – The Secret City around York goes to my travel bucket list! Thanks for the inspiration
I really enjoy interactive trails as you have more freedom than with a group tour, plus, they typically take you to some off-the-beaten track places. And they are loads of fun too! I hope you get an opportunity to try out The Secret City!
This sounds like so much fun. I really enjoy riddles and puzzles. We often do escape rooms so doing something similar but with the whole city at our finger tips seems like a great way to explore!
Ah I love escape rooms too! The concept is very similar, but I love that you get to go sightseeing in search of clues! It is so much fun!