FAQ
Everything you need to know about our self-guided London walking trails
How do I start the game?
Once you’ve booked a SideWalks self-guided London walking tour, you’ll receive a gamecode by email.
To begin your trail:
- Download the Telegram Messenger App
- Open Telegram and message PLAY [your gamecode] to SideWalkerBot
- All team members need to do this (it’s not case sensitive)
What happens after I activate my gamecode?
You’ll be invited to a Telegram group chat for your team.
There, you’ll receive instructions, choose a team name, and click the “begin” button to start your self-guided walking trail.
Do I need to complete the walk all in one go?
No — this is a walk, not a race! Feel free to pause for a drink, rest, or detour to explore something interesting.
When you’re ready, just return to where you left off and carry on.
How long is my gamecode valid?
Your gamecode is valid for 90 days from the date of booking.
You can use it once per team, any time during that period. If you need to extend it, drop us a line at contact@sidewalks.co.uk
Do I need mobile data or Wi-Fi?
Yes — the game runs via Telegram, so you’ll need a working mobile connection or Wi-Fi along the route.
Are the trails based on true stories?
Most trails mix real historical facts (shown in italic) with fictional storytelling.
- RipperTrail is 100% factual
- SherlockTrail is entirely fictional
- Other trails blend fact and fiction in playful ways
What if I get lost or miss a message?
SideWalks self-guided London walking tours have these in-game commands you can use at any time:
- /ROUTE – Get directions via Google Maps
- /HINT – Get help with a tricky clue
- /SKIP – Skip the current puzzle
- /DIVERT – Step-free route (if available)
- /RESEND – Replay the last stage’s messages
- /LANGUAGE – Change Language
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome and will enjoy hunting for the visual clues. Whether they want to follow the story is up to them!
RipperTrail contains historical details some families may prefer to skip (you’ll get the choice).
Are the routes step-free?
100% step-free: SherlockTrail, GrailTrail, RipperTrail
Step-free options: SpyTrail, AlchemyTrail
Please note: London has unavoidable kerbs, steps, and slopes in some areas.
Are there toilets along the way?
Yes — all routes pass public toilets and venues in the Community Toilet Scheme.
Download the Toilets4London App to find nearby facilities.
Can I play at night?
You can play any time, any day — but we recommend aiming to finish within daylight hours as some routes take you into Parks and Gardens that close at dusk.
Can I get a refund?
Refunds available if you haven’t activated the game.
Once a game is started, refunds are only granted in exceptional circumstances (at our discretion).
Who is responsible if something goes wrong?
Participation is at your own risk. Please walk with care, follow road safety, and look after your team.
SideWalks accepts no liability for injury, loss or damage during play.
Who owns SideWalks?
SideWalks is the trading name of Sidewalk Trails Ltd, Company No. 14811403.
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