United Kingdom>Portsmouth, UK>The Sea-Wolves of Portsmouth Harbour
City exploration game

The Sea-Wolves of Portsmouth Harbour

4Player rating
Play at your pace 1.3 km Portsmouth, UK App-guided
Play in
English

The experience

About this quest

This 18th-century naval scavenger hunt takes you through Old Portsmouth to rescue a kidnapped captain. 

Players dodge press gangs, avoid (or not) the temptations of spiced rum, and decode cryptic architectural clues, puzzles and riddles across historic sites like the Dolphin, the Cathedral, the Sally Port, the Round Tower, the Square Tower and the secret location where you stage a rescue attempt! 

Go at your own pace and feel free to pause and take on refreshments or race against the clock!

Is this for you?

Who it's for

Friends, couples and families with older children who like a playful mystery will enjoy chasing a kidnapped 18th-century captain past press gangs, the Cathedral, the Round Tower and Square Tower, solving medium-difficulty architectural riddles. It is a 1.3 km walk of about an hour, with pubs along the way for a break. With rum, press gangs and pub stops, it suits teens and adults more than young children.

What makes this quest special

Highlights

  • On this quest you will spot hidden clues in old stone walls, solve funny riddles, and explore cool coastal fortresses.

  • You'll need to resist (or not) the delicious smell of spiced rum walking past local pubs, use your eyes to crack combination codes and visual puzzles and celebrate your win at the end in a warm and cosy historic tavern.

From people who played this quest

Good times. In their words.

4.00 / 5

4 player ratings

Selected player reviews. Original words and ratings.

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

Portsmouth, UK

A · Start

41 High St, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2LU, UK

B · Finish

62 High St, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2LY, UK

Get directions to the start

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

The people behind the adventure

Created by Questor creator.

A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.

Made by Questor creator

Good to know before you play

  • Mystery
  • Horror & Haunts
  • Step Into the Story
  • Hidden History
  • Squad Challenge
  • This quest features interactive puzzles you’ll solve in the real world.
  • Difficulty level: Medium 🟡🤔
  • Ensure your phone is fully charged or bring along your trusty power bank

A little clarity before you go

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Old Portsmouth treasure hunt start and finish?
It starts at The Dolphin Pub & Kitchen and runs as a loop through Old Portsmouth, passing Portsmouth Cathedral, Point Battery, Spice Island, the Round Tower, the Square Tower and the Horatio Nelson Statue before finishing at The Wellington.
How long does the quest take?
Most players take about an hour, including walking and solving puzzles. The route covers around 1.3 km. You can go at your own pace, stop for refreshments, or race against the clock if your group likes a challenge.
Is it suitable for kids?
It works best for families with older children. The difficulty is medium, with cryptic architectural clues, riddles and puzzles solved in the real world, and the story involves press gangs, spiced rum and some haunted touches, so younger children may find it less suited.
Can we play as a group, and do we need to book a time?
Yes, it is set up as a squad challenge for friends, couples and families, and it is free to play. There is no time slot to book and no group to join, so you can start whenever suits you.
Can we pause the quest and carry on later?
Yes. You can pause at any point, for example to take a break in one of the pubs on the route, and continue when you are ready. Make sure your phone is fully charged or bring a power bank.

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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