Moriarty’s Game: The Professor’s Invitation by HiddenCity

Explore London's West End with Moriarty's Game, a self-guided Sherlock Holmes-themed scavenger hunt that takes you to hidden spots and iconic landmarks.

Discover Sherlock Holmes’ London with Moriarty’s Game: The Professor’s Invitation

If you’re seeking a unique way to experience London, this Moriarty’s Game by HiddenCity offers an engaging twist on sightseeing. It’s a self-guided, mobile-based adventure that combines puzzle-solving, storytelling, and exploration in the vibrant streets of London’s West End. With an average rating of 5.0 from hundreds of reviews, this experience clearly hits the mark for many travelers, especially those who love a good mystery or want to see parts of the city beyond the typical tourist paths.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is how it puts you at the center of a Sherlock Holmes-inspired story, where you’ll solve riddles and uncover hidden corners of Marylebone and nearby neighborhoods. We also love that it’s flexible—you can go at your own pace, pause when needed, and customize your adventure depending on your group’s interests. However, it’s worth noting that this is a mobile-based game, so a smartphone and some patience with puzzles are essential.

This tour is best suited for families, friends, or solo travelers who enjoy interactive activities and have a love for London’s literary history. While not a traditional sightseeing tour, it offers a fun, immersive experience that combines adventure with cultural discovery—perfect for those sick of the usual museum visits or hop-on-hop-off buses.

Key Points

  • Flexible pacing: You can pause and resume the game, making it perfect for breaks or relaxed exploration.
  • Hidden spots: Visit locations in the West End not found in guidebooks—great for discovering lesser-known corners.
  • Story-driven experience: Solve puzzles set by Moriarty himself, making the adventure feel like a scene from a Sherlock Holmes mystery.
  • Suitable for groups: Play in teams of 2-6, ideal for families or friends wanting to work together.
  • Authentic London neighborhoods: The route covers Marylebone and ends in Mayfair, showcasing some of London’s most charming streets.
  • Affordable and accessible: At around $40.50 per person, it offers good value for a 3-4 hour adventure that combines sightseeing with entertainment.

A Deep Dive into Moriarty’s Game: The Professor’s Invitation

This experience, provided by HiddenCity, is designed for those who prefer their sightseeing with a side of brainteasers and storylines. The game is set in London’s West End, primarily within Marylebone, a neighborhood full of character, history, and local charm. The experience lasts about 3 to 4 hours, which makes it a perfect afternoon activity—long enough to feel substantial, but not so lengthy that it becomes tiring.

The starting point is at The Marylebone, located at 93 Marylebone High St. From there, your team receives clues via your phone, guiding you to various landmarks, secret locations, and quiet streets. The game weaves in Sherlock Holmes themes, particularly involving Moriarty, Holmes’ notorious nemesis, creating a narrative backdrop that adds intrigue to each puzzle.

The route is carefully curated to showcase sites that are often overlooked by typical travelers. This focus on lesser-known locales means you’ll get a more authentic feel for the neighborhood, beyond the usual tourist hotspots. Many reviewers have appreciated the way the experience took them through small streets and out-of-the-way places, giving a fresh perspective on familiar surroundings. One reviewer, JohhHomebuyer, noted, “We enjoyed looking at all the sites along the way and seeing some of the small streets and out-of-the-way places.”

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start in Marylebone: The adventure kicks off in a lively area filled with boutique shops and cafes. As you begin, your team will encounter the initial clues that set the story in motion. The puzzles are designed to be accessible but engaging, requiring observations and some lateral thinking.

Landmark and Hidden Location Visits: Throughout the game, you’ll visit landmarks that only keen-eyed explorers may notice. Although specific sites aren’t detailed, the route’s emphasis on secret locations and small streets means you’ll likely see quaint courtyards, historic pubs, and architectural gems. These are the kind of spots you might miss on a typical city walk.

Break Points for Refreshments: The tour includes designated stops where you can take breaks—grab a coffee or snack at your own expense. This makes the experience flexible, letting you relax and soak in the atmosphere without rushing.

End in Mayfair: The game culminates in one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods, rich with historic buildings and high-end shops. The transition from Marylebone to Mayfair is a satisfying journey through different facets of London’s character.

What Makes This Unique?

Unlike guided tours where a guide speaks and you listen, this experience puts you in control. The puzzles and story arc make it feel like you’re living a Sherlock Holmes mystery rather than just sightseeing. Many reviewers, including JohhHomebuyer, enjoyed the “fun” and the “great sites” the game took them to, emphasizing how it turned their walk into an adventure.

The storytelling aspect is enhanced by the game’s design; Moriarty sends clues that feel personal and immersive. Plus, the ability to split into multiple teams and compete makes it perfect for larger groups or families wanting a playful challenge.

The Practical Side: Cost, Duration, and Accessibility

Priced at just over $40 per person, this experience offers notable value—especially considering the length and depth of the activity. For 3 to 4 hours, you get a combination of sightseeing, puzzle-solving, and storytelling that many traditional tours only touch upon in a fraction of the time and at a higher cost.

The experience is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM, giving flexibility for different schedules. To participate, you’ll need a UK, US, or CA mobile phone number, and the tour is private for your group, ensuring a personalized experience. It’s accessible for most travelers, including service animals, and located near public transport, making it easy to reach.

The Reviewers’ Voice

The overwhelmingly positive ratings—a perfect 5.0 based on 366 reviews—highlight how much travelers appreciated the mix of engaging puzzles, scenic routes, and the chance to uncover hidden London. JohhHomebuyer mentioned, “We loved it. The game took us all over a couple of neighborhoods in London and to several cool places. We enjoyed looking at all the sites along the way and seeing some of the small streets and out-of-the-way places along the route.” This authenticity and focus on lesser-known sights are key strengths.

Who Would Love Moriarty’s Game?

If you’re a Sherlock Holmes fan, this is an obvious choice—imagine solving puzzles set by Moriarty himself. For adventure lovers and puzzle enthusiasts, it offers a playful challenge that breaks away from traditional sightseeing. Families with children or groups of friends will find it a fun, interactive way to explore. It’s particularly suited for those who prefer experiencing a city actively, rather than passively observing from a bus or guided tour.

However, keep in mind that this is a mobile game, so some patience with navigation and puzzle-solving is required. It’s also best if you enjoy stories and mysteries, as this experience is rooted in narrative.

The Sum Up

Moriarty’s Game: The Professor’s Invitation by HiddenCity provides a refreshing take on exploring London. It combines the magic of storytelling with the thrill of discovery, all wrapped in a flexible, mobile-based format. The experience is well worth the price for those who want to see the city through a different lens—solving riddles, uncovering secret corners, and stepping into a Holmes-inspired plot.

This tour is ideal for groups who enjoy a challenge, have a love for London’s neighborhoods, or want a story-driven experience that goes beyond the surface. It’s perfect for a leisurely afternoon or a fun way to kick off a sightseeing day. With excellent reviews and a focus on lesser-known sites, it offers real value for curious travelers eager for an authentic and interactive adventure.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for families and friends of all ages, especially those who enjoy puzzles and stories. Just keep in mind that some puzzles may require patience and observation.

What do I need to participate?
A mobile device with a UK, US, or CA phone number is necessary, as the game is accessed via your phone. You’ll also need a good internet connection to receive clues and updates.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and how often you take breaks.

Can I pause the game and continue later?
Absolutely. The game allows you to pause at any time, making it convenient to fit around your schedule.

Are there any restrictions on group size?
You can play in teams of 2-6 players. For larger groups, splitting into multiple teams is recommended to keep the fun competitive.

Is there a specific starting point?
Yes, the adventure begins at The Marylebone, located at 93 Marylebone High St.

What are the opening hours?
The tour is available Monday through Saturday, from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed on this experience.

In summary, Moriarty’s Game offers a cleverly crafted, story-driven way to explore London’s lesser-known streets while challenging your puzzle-solving skills. It’s a perfect choice if you’re after a memorable, interactive adventure that combines the love of literature, mystery, and urban discovery—all on your schedule.