United Kingdom>Greenock>The Greenock Blitz 1941
City exploration game

The Greenock Blitz 1941

The Greenock Blitz 1941 image 1
Play at your pace · usually 65 min 1.5 km Greenock App-guided
Play in
English

The experience

About this quest

This Questo Discovery game takes you on a tour of Central Greenock, a town on the West Coast of Scotland and describes the days and nights of the 6th/7th May 1941 when Nazi Germany attacked it with its bombers. 

Looking at the photographs of the damage caused, you will hear stories from those that survived the attacks as well as look at how the town has changed as a result.

Your host is Vincent Gillen, a local Social Historian, who has written extensively about the Greenock Blitz and WW2.

Is this for you?

Who it's for

Inverclyde locals, people with Greenock family roots and WW2 enthusiasts can walk the central streets hit by the May 1941 raids, with local historian Vincent Gillen sharing survivors' stories and then-and-now damage photos. The route covers 1.5 km in around 80 minutes. Anyone after a light-hearted family outing should pick something else, as the story of bombing and loss sets a sombre tone.

What makes this quest special

Highlights

  • Discover why there is a corner of the Municipal Buildings missing.

  • Follow the path of the bombs as they dropped on the town.

  • Listen to first hand accounts of the night and look at historical photographs of how the town looked prior to the attacks.

From your phone to the streets

A walk that turns into an adventure.

  1. 1

    Open the app. You’re on your way.

    Choose your pass, then open your quest in the Questo app. It guides you from the starting point.

  2. 2

    Get outside. Follow your curiosity.

    Discover real places and their stories on foot. Stop for a coffee or a photo, then pick up where you left off.

  3. 3

    Crack a clue. Share a little victory.

    Look around for answers, solve puzzles and enjoy the “we got it!” moments.

Your walk, at a glance

Greenock

A · Start

Clyde Sq, Greenock PA15, UK

B · Finish

99 Dalrymple St, Greenock PA15 1QJ, UK

Get directions to the start

Start and finish only. Discover the stops as you play.

Along the way

Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included

The people behind the adventure

Created by Vince G.

A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.

Made by Vince G

Good to know before you play

  • No attractions ticket(s) required
  • Route may be affected by temporary ongoing construction work

A little clarity before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is there a map of the places hit in the Greenock Blitz?
The app guides you on foot through central Greenock in order: Clyde Square, Cathcart Square, Duff Street, Terrace Road, Station Avenue, Rue End Street, Dellingburn Street, Cartsburn Yard, The Beacon, Brymner Street and William Street. At each stop you hear what happened there in May 1941.
Can I see pictures of the Greenock Blitz damage?
Yes. Along the route you look at photographs of the damage caused by the raids of 6 and 7 May 1941, compare them with the streets in front of you and see how the town changed as a result.
Is this a free thing to do in Greenock?
Yes, the game is free to play. You walk at your own pace with your phone, start whenever you like and can pause and carry on later, so there is no group to join and no guide to meet.
Where does the Greenock Blitz walk start and how long does it take?
It starts at Clyde Square and finishes on William Street, looping round central Greenock. Most players take around 80 minutes for the 1.5 km, including the puzzles. Temporary construction work may affect parts of the route, so allow a little extra time.

Your next story starts outside.

Your next adventure is an app away.

Get the Questo app. Pick a quest, follow the clues and make the city your playground.

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