Team vs team
Use your own phones and join a team. Any teammate’s answer advances everyone. Beat the other teams on the leaderboard.
City exploration game
Oxford and the Thief of Time
4.52Player rating
A DIFFERENT WAY TO SEE THE CITY
Play at your pace · usually 69 min 3.2 km Oxford, UK App-guided
Play in
EnglishFrench
The experience
About this quest
In the heart of Oxford, time slips from your grasp—literally. You are the heir to Alfred Du Pont, the world’s most brilliant watchmaker, and bearer of his final creation: a mysterious timepiece etched with sigils and secrets. But moments after arriving, it’s stolen. Was it chance… or destiny?
As you race through ancient lanes and hidden courtyards, following clues left in the city’s architecture and whispers of your family’s past, one thing becomes clear: the watch was never just a watch.
Grab your friends or family, and begin a real-world chase through Oxford’s mysteries. Solve puzzles, discover forgotten places, and see if you can catch the one who stole time itself.
Is this for you?
Who it's for
Friends and families with older children who like escape rooms and treasure hunts will enjoy this story-led chase. You play the heir to a watchmaker whose final timepiece is stolen, then follow clues in the city's architecture past Balliol, Christ Church and Merton on a 3.2 km loop of about 70 minutes. If you want a guide explaining college history, or plan to play after dark, pick another walk.
From people who played this quest
Good times. In their words.
4.52 / 5
58 player ratings
Selected player reviews. Original words and ratings.
Most relevant starts with detailed five-star reviews. All ratings remain available.
From your phone to the streets
A walk that turns into an adventure.
- 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
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
Crack a clue. Share a little victory.
Look around for answers, solve puzzles and enjoy the “we got it!” moments.
CHOOSE YOUR PASS
How many are playing?
Get this questNo booking slot · play any dayFull refund until you start playing
BRING YOUR WHOLE GROUP
One city. Rival teams. Great stories together.
A school trip, a team day or friends out together. Turn your next outing into a little friendly competition.
Everyone for themselves
One player per phone. Solve clues on your own and race for the top spot on the final leaderboard.
Can a team share one phone?
Yes. Play together on one phone per team, or use your own phones and join the same team in the app. We recommend your own phones so everyone can take part.
Your walk, at a glance
Oxford, UK
A · Start
Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AZ, UK
B · Finish
Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AZ, UK
Start and finish only. Discover the stops as you play.
Along the way
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
The people behind the adventure
Created by Chris Poole.
A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.
Made by Chris PooleWHAT MAKES A QUEST DIFFERENT
Your adventure, with a playful twist.
1 / 4
Experience
- This quest
- Discover places through stories and clues in the app
- Guided walking tour
- Hear stories and ask a guide questions
2 / 4
Pace
- This quest
- Pause for a photo, a café or a longer look
- Guided walking tour
- Usually follows the guide’s schedule
3 / 4
Company
- This quest
- Explore with your own people or on your own
- Guided walking tour
- Private and shared group tours are available
4 / 4
Guidance
- This quest
- Directions and challenges in the Questo app
- Guided walking tour
- Live interpretation from a guide
Features and terms vary by experience. Check the details before booking.
Good to know before you play
- We recommend not playing at night
A little clarity before you go
Frequently asked questions
What is the story behind the stolen watch in this Oxford quest?
You are the heir to Alfred Du Pont, a brilliant watchmaker, and carry his final creation: a timepiece etched with sigils and secrets. Moments after you arrive in Oxford it is stolen, and you chase it through old lanes and courtyards, reading clues in the buildings and in your family's past.
Does the route pass Oriel College?
Yes. Oriel is one of the stops, reached late in the walk after UNIV and Merton and just before The Gate and The Bridge. You don't need to find it yourself: the app leads you from place to place and sets a puzzle at each stop.
Which Oxford sights will we see on the way?
The route takes in Balliol, the Exam Hall, Christ Church, The Bear, UNIV, Merton and Oriel, along with a clock face, a tower, a rooftop statue, a lantern, a gate and a bridge. Each stop comes with part of the story and a puzzle based on what is in front of you.
Where does it start and how long does it take?
The walk starts and finishes at The Heads, so you end up back where you began. It covers 3.2 km and takes about 70 minutes, though you can pause at any point, stop for a break, and continue later from where you left off.
Is it suitable for children, and do we need to book a time?
It suits older children who enjoy puzzles and treasure hunts, playing alongside adults. There is no time slot to book: start whenever you like, with no guide or group to meet. One ticket covers your whole group. Play in daylight, as the quest is not recommended at night.
Is Oxford and the Thief of Time self-guided?
Yes. The Questo app guides you between locations without a tour guide or fixed departure. You can start when it suits you and pause if needed.
Where does Oxford and the Thief of Time start and finish?
It starts at The Heads, Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AZ, UK and finishes at The Chalkboard, Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AZ, UK. The route is approximately 3.2 km and includes 15 location-based puzzles.
How many accesses does our group need?
This classic quest sells access per device and player. Each person who wants to solve clues on their own phone needs their own access.
Keep exploring
Every quest. One year.
Explore the annual passGive them a story
A day out, gifted.
Explore Questo giftsKeep exploring Oxford, UK
More adventures in Oxford, UK
HISTORY AND CULTURE IN OXFORD, UK
A history-led way to explore Oxford, UK
Oxford and the Thief of Time is for visitors who want more context than a casual walk, but more freedom than a scheduled guided tour. The quest uses a route through Oxford, UK to connect clues, places and stories.
The route starts at The Heads and finishes at The Chalkboard over 3.2 km, with 15 challenge locations. Typical duration: 69 min; 3.2 km walking route; 15 challenge locations
Choose this for active, private discovery at your pace. Choose a guided historical tour or museum when expert live interpretation or curated exhibits matter more. Playable languages: English, French.
