
Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester
Traveler rating
3.8/5
Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester worth booking?
Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester is a 2.7-hour experience in Manchester, United Kingdom, from $6 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 3.8/5 (19)
- Duration
- 2.7 hours
- From
- $6 per person
Discover Manchester’s best sights by solving challenges and unlocking stories on your phone. Play the engaging exploration game, taking the role of a person that needs to save a woman from a lunatic asylum. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. Ready for an adventure? Highlights include: • Explore National Football Museum, Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester Central Library and lesser-known places. • Enjoy a uniquely crafted story brought to you by our talented writers. • Learn about the cute symbol of Manchester. • Discover the park where there used to be a lunatic asylum. • Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt. After your booking, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience, although several people can share a phone.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Manchester’s best sights by solving challenges and unlocking stories on your phone. Play the engaging exploration game, taking the role of a person that needs to save a woman from a lunatic asylum. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. Ready for an adventure? Highlights include: • Explore National Football Museum, Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester Central Library and lesser-known places. • Enjoy a uniquely crafted story brought to you by our talented writers. • Learn about the cute symbol of Manchester. • Discover the park where there used to be a lunatic asylum. • Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt. After your booking, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience, although several people can share a phone.
What's included
Included
- 24/7 customer support.
- A city exploration game available on your phone (Questo app).
Not included
- A tour guide.
- Entry tickets to attractions (not needed to complete the tour).
What you'll see and do
Manchester Cathedral
You will begin at Manchester Cathedral. Here you will be given your first clue to solve the challenge that awaits you, which will unlock the next part of the story and give you the directions to the next stop.
5 minutes here
National Football Museum
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at National Football Museum. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here · Admission not included
The Washhouse
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at The Washhouse. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Manchester Craft and Design Centre. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here
Manchester
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Manchester Bee Mural. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Stevenson Square. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here
Piccadilly Gardens
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Piccadilly Gardens. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here
Manchester Art Gallery
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Manchester Art Gallery. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here
Manchester Central Library
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Manchester Central Library. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at St Mary's RC Church. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here
The John Rylands Library
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at John Rylands Library. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Opera House Manchester. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here · Admission not included
Science and Industry Museum
You will finish at Science and Industry Museum. Here is where both the story and the city exploration game end.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Manchester
The game starts at Manchester Cathedral. 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 Science and Industry Museum.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- 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






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
19 verified traveler reviews for Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Manchester self guide
Fun way to explore Manchester at your own pace. Definitely recommend as the game/app guided us to places we would have probably missed.
via Viator
Fun app to explore a city
Great way to explore Manchester at your own pace while learning about different areas and the history of the city. Completed with my daughter and we just took our time.
via Tripadvisor
Not worth it... just walk around on your own
It was very difficult to follow the directions. If you don't know the area. It's very difficult to know which way a street is running. We gave up after the first location and never found the clue. Very confusing. We found it a waste of money.
Response from the operator: I'm sorry to hear you gave up after the first location because the navigation felt confusing. While the app does feature an exact map, step-by-step directions, and extra hints to guide you through unfamiliar streets, I'd still love to understand where things went wrong. Please email us at explore@questoapp.com so we can look into this and offer you a free quest to give us another try.
via Tripadvisor
Lots of issues. Unclear instructions for first time users and was sent the link to wrong quests.
I bought a quest/self-guided tour in Manchester. There were several to choose from, and the one I bought was called murder detective - yet throughout the experience (which took up the whole day 1pm-8pm), there was no murder, and the story was pretty confusing. I was unable to log in to start the quest despite being at the right location, and was unsure if there was meant to be a QR code or something (as instructions were unclear). Staff at the cathedral were unaware of the quest having a starting point there (and one lady was very rude). I finally worked out that I needed to use the customer contact chat option. This was very frustrating as the assistant kept sending me links to other quests (which I had no interest in and which started on the opposite side of the city). Part of the reason for this is the confusing/incorrect title for this quest. There is another one with ‘murder’ in the title for example. In the end I had to use the photo from the email confirmation to be sure I had the correct quest. After 45 minutes of confusion, I was able to start the quest. Later on, there were wrong directions given (eg right instead of left), and vague instructions (eg turn the corner - whilst at a t-junction - which way?). There was also a reference to a wall mural on the side of a building which was nowhere near and I had to use Google and retrace to find it. When I got there the building was joined to other shops either side and thus did not have external side walls. Lots of wasted time. I did stop at a coffee shop at the Art and Design centre, but by the time I arrived at the final point of the science museum it was shut.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. We’re truly sorry for the confusion and frustration you experienced. This isn’t the experience we aim to deliver, especially for first-time users. We appreciate you highlighting the unclear instructions, login difficulties, and issues with navigation—this helps us improve. We’re currently reviewing the quest title, storyline, and directions to make sure everything is accurate and easy to follow. We also understand the importance of timely and accurate customer support, and we’re working to improve that as well. Thank you again for your honesty, and we hope you’ll consider giving Questo another try in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Fun way to explore the city
Awesome tour some really great true crime tales from Manchester. A really cheap way to get lots of steps in and find out some fun facts and solve clues
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your great review. We're delighted you enjoyed exploring Manchester through the Murder Detective tour and that you found the stories, clues, and walking experience fun and engaging. We hope to see you again soon for another adventure in a new city.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $6 to $8
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- 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 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Manchester.
How much does Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester 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 Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester take?
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Plan for about 2.7 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 Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 across 19 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 Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester?
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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 Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester?
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Around 7 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 2.7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester 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 Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester?
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Included: 24/7 customer support; and A city exploration game available on your phone (Questo app). Not included: A tour guide; and Entry tickets to attractions (not needed to complete the tour). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester?
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The game starts at Manchester Cathedral. 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 Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester offered in?
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It is offered in 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 Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester?
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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 Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester 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 Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester 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.
What do travelers say about Murder Detective Self-Guided Tour in Manchester?
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Across 19 reviews averaging 3.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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