Two long weekends. Two cities. One decent story to tell afterwards.

Posted on May 1, 2024

May gives you two long weekends — both wide open, with no obligations and plenty of daylight.

You could do what you always do: same mates, same pub, same four conversations on repeat.

Or — if you’re up for something just as relaxed, but with a bit more purpose — we’ve got you.

The Mayday Challenge

Here’s the challenge: complete two treasure hunts in two different cities this May.

One each long weekend? Go for it.
Both in the same weekend? If you’re feeling ambitious.

Either way, you’ll end up with a proper adventure — and a few good stories too.

Each game is self-guided, takes a couple of hours, and gives you a solid excuse to explore somewhere new. The clues are cryptic but doable. The maps are digital. And Captain Bess — your sarcastic pirate guide — sends messages to your phone, keeps you moving, and occasionally questions your decision-making.

She means well. Mostly.

How it works

You can start in Edinburgh, but we have games across the UK. The two nearest routes to Edinburgh are Glasgow and Newcastle both easy to get to on the train.

Turn it into a day trip. Or a whole weekend. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Or go back somewhere you know, and see it differently.

Either way, it’s better than wandering aimlessly until someone gives up and suggests a Pret.

So what’s the reward?

You’ll end up with:

• a bunch of good stories
• a smug sense of achievement
• and at least one photo that becomes someone’s profile picture for the next six months.

Not bad, as bank holidays go.