Newcastle: City Walking Tour & Exploration Game

If you’re considering spicing up your trip to Newcastle with something a little different, the City Walking Tour & Exploration Game by Go Quest Adventures might catch your eye. It’s a self-guided, app-based experience that promises to turn the city streets into a sort of giant puzzle playground. While we haven’t personally tried it, we’ve gathered enough info to give you a solid picture of what to expect.

What immediately stands out is the appeal of flexibility—you choose when to start, and you go at your own pace. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore with up to five people included in one ticket, and kids under 8 go free. That said, there are some points to keep in mind before you book, especially if you’re expecting a perfectly seamless experience.

This tour seems best suited for adventurous groups or couples who enjoy problem-solving, discovering hidden city spots, and don’t mind a bit of a challenge. If you’re after a guided tour with a guide, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to see Newcastle on your own terms, read on for the details.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Self-guided and flexible: start anytime, go at your pace, no printed materials needed.
• Interactive puzzles and challenges: adds an escape room twist to outdoor sightseeing.
• Includes top landmarks and hidden gems: from the Castle Keep to Grainger Town and Quayside.
• Cost-effective for groups: up to five players for one low price, kids under 8 go free.
• Requires a smartphone and some prep: comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothes, and a charged device.
• May have some navigation issues: one review pointed out the lack of a route map, which could make navigation tricky for some.

This tour transforms a walk around Newcastle into an interactive game. Using the Go Quest Adventures app, you’ll initiate your personal quest at the iconic Castle Keep, which gives the city its name. From there, it winds through Grainger Town and down to the lively Quayside and River Tyne area.

As you explore, you’ll encounter all sorts of quirky and interesting stops, like a vampire rabbit and a site connected to Newcastle’s railway history. Other highlights include learning how a local mayor saved St Nicholas Cathedral, seeing the city’s first building lit by light bulbs, and hearing ghost stories along the way. The route mixes well-known landmarks with lesser-known spots, making the experience both informative and fun.

Because it’s entirely self-guided, you get the flexibility to start whenever suits you and to pause for breaks or sightseeing along the way. The app allows you to try to beat the leaderboard if you’re competitive, or simply enjoy a relaxed exploration.

The core of this experience is solving puzzles and completing challenges as dictated by the app. You’ll need to pay attention to details, find clues, and work out solutions that will earn you points. The puzzles are designed to be engaging but not overly complex, allowing you to enjoy the challenge without frustration.

One review pointed out that the lack of a route map might make navigation tricky—they mentioned, “Stadsrondleiding is totaal mislukt. Waarom zit er geen routekaart bij, zodat je kunt zien waar je loopt.” So, if you’re someone who prefers clear directions, be prepared for some exploration and maybe even a bit of detective work.

The app is only available in English, so some reading comprehension is needed. Also, since the route is about 2.2 miles long, it’s a manageable walk but still requires some effort—comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are a must.

You’ll start your adventure at the Castle Keep (exact location provided in your email). Once you have your downloaded app and redeemed your code, the instructions will guide you through starting your quest. The app provides the detailed starting coordinates, making it straightforward to find.

The experience is designed with flexibility in mind, so you can play during daylight hours, which we think makes sense for finding clues and navigating safely. The tour usually takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours, but this depends on your pace and breaks—so plan accordingly.

You’ll want to bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a charged smartphone, and a pen to help with puzzles. The app is available in English only, so be prepared for that.

The biggest draw here is the personalized, self-guided format. That means you’re not stuck with a large tour group or a rigid schedule. It’s particularly attractive if you prefer to explore on your own terms or are traveling with a small group—up to five people for one price.

We also love the idea of adding a fun challenge to your sightseeing, turning a simple walk into an interactive treasure hunt. The variety of stops, from historical sites to quirky hidden gems, promises a well-rounded experience. Plus, the fact that kids under 8 go free makes it more accessible for families, although it’s not explicitly marketed as kid-friendly.

Another positive is that the app’s flexibility means you can start when you want and take breaks as needed. If you’re someone who likes to blend sightseeing with some light puzzle-solving, this may be perfect.

A notable downside, highlighted by at least one reviewer, is the lack of a route map, which could make navigation confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with Newcastle. Without clear directions, some groups might find themselves wandering or missing key points.

While the flexible approach is a plus, it could also be a double-edged sword: if you’re not comfortable navigating on your own or reading in English, it might be less enjoyable. The app’s language limitation could pose a barrier for non-English speakers.

Also, since the experience relies entirely on the app, technical issues—like a dead battery—could hamper your adventure. So, being prepared with a portable charger is a good idea.

In terms of value, this experience is quite reasonable. For a single ticket covering up to five people, it offers a fun, personalized way to see the city. If you’re eager for a more active, puzzle-based exploration rather than a traditional guided tour, you’ll probably find this engaging.

However, if you prefer guided commentary, detailed historical narratives, or a more straightforward sightseeing route, you might find this a bit lacking. It’s definitely more about interactive exploration than storytelling.

This tour is ideal if you enjoy self-guided adventures, puzzles, and discovering hidden spots without strict schedules. It suits groups of friends, couples, or small families who want a bit of fun and challenge during their day.

While not designed specifically for families with very young children, kids under 8 can join for free, making it worth considering for families with older children who enjoy light problem-solving. It’s also suitable for those who prefer outdoor activities and don’t mind navigating with a smartphone.

If you’re after a unique way to explore Newcastle that blends sightseeing with a playful challenge, this self-guided game might be a good fit. It offers flexibility, affordability, and a chance to discover both iconic landmarks and some of the city’s hidden corners.

That said, it’s not without its hiccups—some navigation issues and the lack of a route map could frustrate some. The key is to be prepared: bring your sense of adventure, some patience, and a fully charged phone.

Overall, for those who enjoy interactive exploration and are comfortable navigating independently, this experience offers a different, memorable way to get to know Newcastle. For travelers seeking in-depth guided commentary or a more structured tour, other options might serve better.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 8 are free, but the activity involves puzzles and reading in English, so older kids who enjoy problem-solving will get the most out of it.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, you can start whenever you want, as long as it’s daylight. The app allows a flexible start, so you’re in control.

How long does the tour take?
On average, expect around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, but this varies depending on your pace, breaks, and how much you stop to explore.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for different needs.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a charged smartphone, and a pen are recommended to fully enjoy the puzzles and navigation.

Will I need to print anything?
No, all instructions and clues are accessible via the app, so no printing is required.

Is the app available in languages other than English?
No, the app is only in English, so some reading comprehension is necessary.

In the end, if you’re looking for a fun, flexible way to see Newcastle with a bit of a puzzle twist, this tour offers a decent option. Just go in knowing it’s more about the adventure than a guided narration—and you’ll probably have a good time.