United Kingdom>Portsmouth, UK>Nelsons Footsteps
City exploration game

Nelsons Footsteps

4.5Player rating
Play at your pace · usually 55 min 2.1 km Portsmouth, UK App-guided
Play in
English

The experience

About this quest

Make history come alive as you explore Old Portsmouth. A historically themed, puzzle walking tour from Gunwarf Quays to Old Portsmouth. Do you have what it takes to help the Ghosts of Old Portsmouth and follow in the footsteps of Lord Horatio Nelson? 

You will learn more about the maritime history of Portsmouth throughout the ages. With plenty of opportunities along the way to stop for food or drink. 

This quest can be done at any time however the puzzles are much more difficult in the dark.

Is this for you?

Who it's for

Nelson and naval history fans can spend around 90 minutes walking 2.1 km from Gunwharf Quays into Old Portsmouth, solving medium-level puzzles at the Camber Docks, Royal Garrison Church and Long Curtain Moat while helping the local ghosts. It also suits families with children of about eight and up and visitors staying by the quays. Choose something else if you need a step-free route or want to play after dark.

What makes this quest special

Highlights

  • Starting at Gunwharf Quays, explore the historic streets of Old Portsmouth, uncovering hidden corners, forgotten places and stories from the past.

  • Follow a trail of riddles, puzzles and clues as you venture beyond the usual tourist route and discover the history behind the streets, buildings and landmarks around you.

From people who played this quest

Good times. In their words.

4.50 / 5

4 player ratings

Selected player reviews. Original words and ratings.

From your phone to the streets

A walk that turns into an adventure.

  1. 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. 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. 3

    Crack a clue. Share a little victory.

    Look around for answers, solve puzzles and enjoy the “we got it!” moments.

Your walk, at a glance

Portsmouth, UK

A · Start

Unit 17 North Promenade Building, Portsmouth PO1 3TE, UK

B · Finish

QVQW+2H Portsmouth, UK

Get directions to the start

Start and finish only. Discover the stops as you play.

The people behind the adventure

Created by Jenna.

A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.

Made by Jenna

Good to know before you play

  • Route is not accessible for wheelchairs due to uneven terrain and/or stairs
  • Horror & Haunts
  • Step Into the Story
  • Hidden History
  • This quest features interactive puzzles you’ll solve in the real world.
  • Difficulty level: Medium 🟡🤔
  • Best during the day
  • Minimum recommended age: 9+

A little clarity before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Nelson trail I can walk in Portsmouth?
Yes. This self-guided puzzle walk follows in the footsteps of Lord Horatio Nelson through Old Portsmouth and tells the city's maritime history along the way, with stops including the HMS Marlborough Figurehead, the Camber Docks, the George Hotel and the Royal Garrison Church. It is free to play on your phone.
Where does the walk start and finish?
It starts at the Jubilee Statue at Gunwharf Quays and finishes at Kings Bastion in Old Portsmouth, so it is not a loop. In between, the app leads you past the Torpedo, Lombard Terrace, the Portsmouth Cathedral Peace Garden and Long Curtain Moat, among other stops.
How long does it take and can we pause?
Most players take around 90 minutes to cover the 2.1 km, puzzles included. You can start whenever you like with no time to book, and you can pause and carry on later. There are plenty of places to stop for food or drink along the route.
Is it suitable for children?
It works well for families with children of about eight and up. The puzzles are medium difficulty and the story involves helping the ghosts of Old Portsmouth, a light haunted theme rather than a frightening one. Since it is free to play, the whole family can join in together.
Can we play it in the evening?
You can play at any time, but it is best during the day. The puzzles are solved in the real world around you and become much more difficult in the dark. The route is outdoors and includes uneven terrain and/or stairs, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Your next story starts outside.

Your next adventure is an app away.

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