Two people enjoying The Mystery of Southsea's Laughing Sailor

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About

Turn the streets of Southsea into a 'whodunnit' treasure hunt adventure!

Discover Southsea's amazing history and secret hidden gems
Combine your skills to crack the clues and unravel the epic tale
Experience a one-of-a-kind adventure to treasure with your friends
Includes 4 historic taverns en route

In the summer of 1910, Southsea's iconic laughing sailor became the victim of a terrible crime, after a mysterious figure smashed the machine and silenced his laugh forever. Was it an act of revenge? Nobody knows. But the villain left a trail of clues, and this is where you come in...

The pages of your Mystery Guide™ take you on an exciting puzzle adventure through the heart of Southsea, as you follow the maps, unlock the clues, and unravel the epic tale. Plus, an exciting twist awaits… Make it to the end and you'll be struck by an amazing 'wow' moment when the case is solved and the villain is revealed before your eyes!

Simply grab your Mystery Guide™, head to the start, and set off at a time that suits you. Don't let the villain get away... Your time to start is now!

Details:
Distance - 4.5 km
Duration - 3+ hours

This is a self-guided treasure hunt which begins at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, Museum Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2LJ. Please note: The museum is closed on Mondays. Simply show the staff a copy of your payment receipt, and they will issue you with The Mystery of the Laughing Sailor activity book. Bank holidays may affect opening times.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

From £9.99

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.9 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      2184
    • Very Good
      158
    • Average
      26
    • Poor
      9
    • Terrible
      9

    Recent Reviews:

    • Andy M
      Fun way to spend an afternoon
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 26th July 2025
      Great way to spend an afternoon discovering about a place. We did the reading treasure hunt and discovered lots of new and interesting things despite living close by for a long time. Enjoyable. Read full review
    • N Williams W
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      A fun day out
      5 of 5 stars
      Monday, 28th July 2025
      Well we thought we knew Canterbury! But we were proved wrong! What a great day out we went to places we've never been before It gets your grey matter going . It's a brilliant idea and we saw 4 other... Read full review
    • Stephen D
      Chorley, United Kingdom
      Plymouth Pleasure Hunt
      4 of 5 stars
      Monday, 28th July 2025
      Fantastic way to wander around a city and see all the details you will miss by just being a normal tourist. Great to see things on buildings which would miss, but are then also explained within the... Read full review

    Map & Directions

    Southsea Treasure Hunt: The Mystery of Southsea's Laughing Sailor

    Type:Walking Tour

    Starts at Portsmouth Museum & Art Gallery, Museum Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2LJ

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 2382 reviews2382 reviews

    Opening Times

    The Mystery of Southsea's Laughing Sailor (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025)

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