When we were invited to try out Go Quest Adventures in Birmingham, we jumped at the chance. Having previously enjoyed a similar adventure trail around Rutland, we were eager to see how the experience would translate to a bustling city. As a family of five—me, Simon, Lillie (16), Ollie (14), and Albie (11)—we love activities that get us out exploring and working together. This adventure did not disappoint!
Getting Started: How It Works
The Go Quest Adventures app was simple to use and well-designed for group participation, requiring a quick registration setup before starting the quest. One of us took on the role of the ‘leader,’ answering questions and submitting clues on one phone while the rest of the family had the app downloaded to follow along. This meant no one was left out, and we could each contribute to solving the puzzles and finding clues without crowding around a single screen.
We started the self-guided treasure hunt at a designated point in Birmingham City Centre. The app led us step-by-step, providing clues and interactive challenges to solve before we could unlock the directions to the next location. If we got stuck, there was the option to ask for hints or skip a particularly tricky puzzle. However, we were determined to conquer the challenge as a team since we are quite a tenacious bunch!
Exploring the City and Finding Hidden Gems
Despite thinking we knew Birmingham fairly well, the quest took us to some unexpected spots, including charming areas near the canals with their scenic walkways, historic bridges, and vibrant atmosphere that we hadn’t explored before.
One highlight of the adventure was the suggestion to visit the Birmingham Library—something we might not have done otherwise. We took a break to explore the library, venturing out onto its balcony, where we were treated to panoramic views of Birmingham, including the historic architecture and the bustling cityscape below. It offered a peaceful moment amidst the adventure and a stunning perspective of the city’s charm. It was a lovely hidden gem and added an extra touch to the experience.
The self guided city tour also introduced us to streets and landmarks we had previously overlooked. It felt like a fun mix of sightseeing, puzzle-solving, and exploring the city’s highlights, all rolled into one.
Family Fun and Teamwork
The Go Quest Adventure took us just over three hours to complete (including our stop at the library). It was the perfect amount of time to enjoy a family adventure without anyone losing interest, though you can go as fast or as slow as you like; you can even pause the quest if you want to stop for lunch.
One particularly tricky challenge tested our patience, nearly causing us to hit the ‘pass’ button, but we persevered and eventually cracked the code. The sense of achievement we felt as a team made the effort worthwhile!
Proud Moments and Leaderboards
One of the best parts of the day was finding out we had placed 3rd on the app’s leaderboard! Completing the quest gave us a real sense of accomplishment, and it sparked conversations about which Go Quest Adventures we’d like to tackle next. There are plenty of other locations to try, including:
- Bath
- Belfast
- Brighton
- Bristol
- Cambridge
- Cardiff
- Chester
- Derry
- Douglas, Isle of Man
- Edinburgh
- Exeter
- Glasgow
- Inverness
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- Manchester
- Newcastle
- Nottingham
- Oxford
- Plymouth
- Sheffield
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Windsor
- York
It’s a fun and engaging way to explore a city while working together as a team.
Would We Recommend It?
Absolutely! Whether you’re looking for a family activity, a gift idea, or something unique to do with friends, Go Quest Adventures stands out with its engaging puzzles, seamless interactive treasure hunt app experience, and the perfect balance of exploration and teamwork, setting it apart from other city challenges. It’s perfect for families with kids of all ages and even adults who enjoy a challenge. The self-guided nature means you can go at your own pace, take breaks, and really enjoy the journey while solving puzzles and discovering hidden trails along the way.
So, if you’re ready to explore the city of Birmingham in a whole new way, put on some comfy shoes, download the app, and start your quest. It’s a fun way to spend time together, see the city streets, and uncover hidden gems you never knew existed. We’re already planning our next quest!