Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 36 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk worth booking?
Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk is a 1.5-hour experience in Manchester, United Kingdom, from $6 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 36 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (36)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $6 per person
A serial killer stalks Manchester's canals. A ghost named Loky needs your help to stop him. In this self-guided mystery walk, a chain letter pulls you into a supernatural hunt through the city's darkest corners, where real crime meets a chilling ghost story. Follow coded clues past Albert Hall, through Marron Place and its grim crime record, and down to the canal towpath where Loky met his end. Each puzzle brings you closer to The Pusher, and further from safety. The route passes the Peterloo massacre site, the haunted Palace Theatre, the self-playing piano of the Royal Exchange, and the Devil's footprint at Chetham's Library. Real ghost sightings and unsolved canal deaths fuel every stop. With 13 stops across just over an hour through central Manchester, this is the city's most atmospheric ghost walk, best played after dark when the canals are quiet. Download the Questo app, start whenever you dare, and find out what haunts Manchester's waterways.
What you get
About this experience
A serial killer stalks Manchester's canals. A ghost named Loky needs your help to stop him. In this self-guided mystery walk, a chain letter pulls you into a supernatural hunt through the city's darkest corners, where real crime meets a chilling ghost story. Follow coded clues past Albert Hall, through Marron Place and its grim crime record, and down to the canal towpath where Loky met his end. Each puzzle brings you closer to The Pusher, and further from safety. The route passes the Peterloo massacre site, the haunted Palace Theatre, the self-playing piano of the Royal Exchange, and the Devil's footprint at Chetham's Library. Real ghost sightings and unsolved canal deaths fuel every stop. With 13 stops across just over an hour through central Manchester, this is the city's most atmospheric ghost walk, best played after dark when the canals are quiet. Download the Questo app, start whenever you dare, and find out what haunts Manchester's waterways.
What's included
Included
- Clues and a map in the app from Quay Street to Manchester Cathedral
- Best played after dark for maximum atmosphere
- Self-guided mystery walk with 13 stops through central Manchester
- The Pusher serial killer storyline with ghost allies and coded puzzles
Not included
- Live tour guide (this is a self-guided activity)
What you'll see and do
Albert Hall
Hello, traveller! Here comes your journey in Manchester, paved with many secrets and mysteries! Get ready for your first destination: the Albert Hall. Initially built with religious purposes, Albert Hall decided that it likes to have fun, so the grand and ornate chapel has been restored into a stunning music hall. While you are on the dancefloor and enjoying one of the most atmospheric music events in the UK, keep an eye out for a mysterious question that may pop up!
Pass by without stopping
Manchester Town Hall
If you pass near a stunning, imposing building from the heart of the city on your way, then most likely you are at Manchester Town Hall. This Victorian, Neo- Gothic building designed by architect Alfred Waterhouse in 1877, houses ceremonial events with a grandeur specific only to Manchester. Here you will come across the Manchester Murals, illustrating the history of the city in an artistic manner and you will have the chance to get acquainted with influential figures including Dalton, Joule and Barbirolli (in the form of magnificent statues, of course). Investigate further the place and solve the mystery challenge so you can advance.
Pass by without stopping
Rochdale Canal
Ready, set, action! You are cruising down the Rochdale Canal, trying to figure out which dark secret can such a peaceful place hide from the eyes of the world. On your way, you meet with many boat-enthusiasts that enjoy the scenery of Manchester. In the later part of the eighteenth century, a sudden appeal for building canals gathered pace in the UK, and Manchester was not one to leave behind. Climbing over the Pennine moors rather than tunnelling through them, you will certainly enjoy the view! Somewhere hidden in the view, you will undoubtedly uncover a story dreading to be read.
Pass by without stopping
Manchester Cathedral
Before going further, let’s stop for a prayer at Manchester Cathedral! In 1421 Henry V signed a royal charter granting permission for a collegiate church to be built and later on, a new Manchester diocese was created through this historic church that became known as the famous cathedral we now see today. Nevertheless, it is said that the origins of Manchester's first churches are obscure...but nothing can stay hidden forever, especially from the curiosity of an explorer like you!
Pass by without stopping
Chetham's Library
Now that you are closer to the end of your game, it is time to put a bookmark on Chetham's Library, a living icon of Manchester. Housed in a beautiful sandstone building dating from 1421, initially built to accommodate the priests of Manchester, it evolved during the years to become the oldest free public library in the English-speaking world. While you are leafling through the 100,000 volumes of printed books, somewhere in the small print lies the key that will give the answer to your question.
Pass by without stopping
Albert Square
In the shadow of the grandiose Manchester Town Hall, there lies Albert Square, welcoming each day lots of tourists and locals alike to the wide array of restaurants and bars. This amazing public square was named after Prince Albert, prince consort of Queen Victoria, who also boasts the spectacular Albert Memorial. The heart of Manchester in all its gothic style is above all, a place of discovery. So, follow your heart and for sure you will solve the challenge that lies within your grasp!
Pass by without stopping
Royal Exchange Theatre
Here comes your last, but not the least destination: the Royal Exchange Theatre. This is a place where the currency is brand new drama and reinvigorated classics and the boldest artists all gather together to trade ideas and experiences with the locals and travellers alike. As you see, exchange remains at the heart of everything they make and do. On this note, you need to trade the final answer to your question in order to unlock the title of a true Questo explorer!
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Manchester
The game starts at St John's Gardens. After booking, we'll message you a code and activation link. Activate with your own email, then log in to the Questo app with that email. No message? Open the Questo app, tap "Bought a quest somewhere else?" and enter your booking reference number.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
You will finish at the Manchester Cathedral.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Questo
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Traveler reviews
36 verified traveler reviews for Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Ghost busted!
Beautiful experience, very succinct directions. Last question might need to be revised based on the actual number of pictured items.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the great review! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the experience and clear directions in Manchester. Thanks for the heads-up about the last question! City details change, and we'll update those pictured items right away so it's perfectly accurate. Please email explore@questoapp.com so we can offer you a free quest!
via Tripadvisor
Great fun !
We had a great experience! It was a good way to explore more of Manchester,
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the fantastic review! I am thrilled to hear that you had a great experience playing the Manchester Haunt Quest. Providing a fun and unique way to explore more of a city is exactly what we aim for, and I am so glad we could add some mystery to your time in Manchester! We would love to host you for another adventure. Please email us at explore@questoapp.com so we can offer you a free quest for the next time you travel!
via Tripadvisor
Enjoyable quest but take a torch!
An enjoyable quest which we completed in less than 90 minutes. A few minor points for others to note: Peaky Blinders is no longer in place and has been replaced by another venue. The canal gate was closed on the day we went as they were cleaning up the canal but we were able to make our way to the bridge and count the number of lamps on the side of the canal. If you go in the evening take a torch as you cannot see some of the items you need to count such as the number of shields on the cathedral.
Response from the operator: Thanks for the great review and the helpful tips! I am thrilled to hear you had an enjoyable time solving the mystery in under 90 minutes. I really appreciate you taking the time to share these specific updates from your route: Venue Change: Cities are always evolving. I will share this with our local creators so they can update the Peaky Blinders location right away and prevent any confusion for future players. Canal Gate: I love your problem solving skills! It is great that you were able to navigate around the temporary cleaning closure to find those lamps anyway. Evening Exploration: Bringing a torch is a fantastic recommendation. Exploring after dark definitely adds to the spooky atmosphere, but it certainly makes counting things like the cathedral shields a bit of a challenge! Your feedback helps us keep the games accurate and fun. We would love to host your next adventure whenever you are ready to explore a new city!
via Tripadvisor
Good and interesting
I enjoyed the background story, the facts and finding out more about Manchester. Very educating experience
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing positive experience with Questo. We are grateful that you enjoyed the game. Hope to see you explore more games with us.
via Tripadvisor
Spooky Manchester
This game shows you around the inner city of Manchester via a spooky investigation. I recommend to do it in the evening, the experience is quite authentic.
Response from the operator: We are happy to know that you had a great time and experience. Thanks for your review. Please share Questo to your family and friends. :)
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $6 to $9
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Questo, who run 335 experiences we rank across 154 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.8.
See everything Questo runsWhy this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Manchester.
How much does Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk cost?
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Prices start at $6 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Manchester usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Manchester is not rushed.
Is Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 36 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Manchester, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk?
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Around 13 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Manchester can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Manchester and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Manchester within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Manchester?
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On Outty we rank every Manchester experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Manchester Afternoon Walking Tour with local guide Gareth, Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Manchester, Step Inside the Game Show–The Crystal Maze Experience Manchester. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Manchester?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Manchester?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk?
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Included: Clues and a map in the app from Quay Street to Manchester Cathedral; Best played after dark for maximum atmosphere; Self-guided mystery walk with 13 stops through central Manchester; and The Pusher serial killer storyline with ghost allies and coded puzzles. Not included: Live tour guide (this is a self-guided activity). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk?
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The game starts at St John's Gardens. After booking, we'll message you a code and activation link. Activate with your own email, then log in to the Questo app with that email. No message? Open the Questo app. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk offered in?
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It is offered in German, English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Manchester. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
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