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Chasing Dickens: A Writer’s Journey Through London

You came to London to write—but the words won’t come, and the nights grow longer. Then one evening, wandering through foggy streets in search of clarity, you see him: a man in a black top hat, with an intensity in his eyes that stops you cold. He looks just like Charles Dickens. You know it can’t be, but something about him feels real… important.

In this atmospheric walking quest, you’ll follow the figure through the streets that once inspired Dickens himself. Solve puzzles, uncover literary clues, and explore hidden corners of London’s Victorian past.

Perfect for curious minds, history lovers, and creative souls, this real-world adventure blends story, movement, and memory-making. Will this journey unlock the writer within—or lead you somewhere even more unexpected?

⚡ Instant🛡 Money-back⏱ 1 hrs🧩 12 puzzles
🌐 Play in 🇬🇧 English
Top rated4.6565 reviews
£8.49

per player · one-time · yours forever

An evening of adventure for less than two coffees

How many players?
1

Each player races on their own phone.

Instant access, unlock 24/7
Start whenever you like
It's yours forever, replay anytime
Get this quest

Full refund until you start playing · 12 stops · 1 hrs · 3.5 km

Staying a few days in London? All 15 London quests for £34.99 — pays for itself by quest #5. See the City Pass

Places you will visit

12

It will take you

48-78 mins

You will walk

4600 steps

Total distance

3.5 km

Highlights

  • Learn about Dickens’s extraordinary life, from child labourer to celebrated writer.

  • Explore the once brutal and crime-ridden streets of Clerkenwell and the stately legal district of Holborn where Dickens studied and worked.

  • Discover the darkened bars and inns where lawyers once jostled with scoundrels and Dickens met the colourful characters that would crowd his novels.

Bring your crew

Race to the finish.

Everyone plays on their own phone — race solo, as a couple, or with a crew of any size. First to solve every clue takes the crown.

Invite your whole crew — 2 friends or 200, split into teams.

Adventure

Your pace, no timer

Escape

Beat the clock

Plays offline at your own pace — live group races need a connection.

Final leaderboard

Sam47:12
2Alex51:38
3You58:05

The mission: Your story in London

You are an aspiring writer in London. 

Since you have been here, you haven’t been able to write or sleep. You go for a walk to calm your mind and see an intense young man in a black top hat and coat. 

He resembles Charles Dickens, the famous Victorian writer who first inspired you to write. You know Dickens is long dead, but you become convinced that this man holds the key to breaking your spell of writer’s block. You decide to follow him.

Good to know before you play

  • Best during the day
  • Kid friendly
  • Best for couples
  • Recommended activity for families

Tips & Recommendations

👟

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You will be walking throughout the city, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the experience.

🔋

Charge Your Phone

Make sure your smartphone is at least 60% charged. The quest runs through the Questo app, and you will be using it throughout.

🌤️

Check the Weather

This is an outdoor activity. Bring an umbrella or sunscreen depending on the forecast.

📸

Bring a Camera

You will discover photogenic locations and hidden gems perfect for capturing memories.

💧

Stay Hydrated

Bring water, especially during warmer months or longer quests.

👥

Play with Friends

While you can play solo, quests are more fun with friends or family. One ticket works for a group.

Ratings and Reviews

4.65

65 ratings

5 Stars
71%
4 Stars
23%
3 Stars
6%
2 Stars
0%
1 Star
0%
Reviews
Sort by

Lei

29 Jun 2026

Phil Race

04 May 2026
lovely balance of history and clues

Alban

07 Mar 2026

Pam Peacock

14 Feb 2026

TheDisenchanted

08 Dec 2025

Beat the best: Top London explorers

Oliver PeacockSeeker
3600 XP
TheDisenchantedRookie
3600 XP
DaveSeeker
3600 XP
Created by
Annemarie Lopez

Annemarie Lopez is a writer, cultural journalist, digital storyteller and editor based in London.

Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours

Flexibility

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Fixed schedules & no pausing

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Start, pause, and resume anytime

Privacy

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Crowds of up to 30 strangers

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Private experience for your group only

Pricing

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$30-$40 per person

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Affordable per-group pricing

Availability

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Requires advance booking

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Instant access 24/7/365

Experience

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Passive listening to a guide

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Active gamification; you solve the mystery

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