Edinburgh Hosts Race Across the World Experience Scottish First 2026

Key Points

• Edinburgh is set to host Race Across the World: The Experience this spring, marking a Scottish first.​
• The experience is based on the hit BBC show Race Across the World and is operated by urban adventure company CityDays.​
• Edinburgh joins York and Bristol as three new UK cities added to the roster, following success in London and Manchester.​
• Participants will navigate Edinburgh’s streets in teams, solving physical puzzles at checkpoints, visiting cultural hotspots, renowned pubs, and landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, and the Scott Monument.​
• Teams receive a budget to manage, which can be spent on clues to aid navigation.​
• The mission spans 4-5km through central Edinburgh, divided into three legs, lasting 2-3 hours.​
• The fastest team with the most budget remaining wins daily or weekly champion status.​
• Aimed at groups of friends, colleagues, or families.​
• Tom Rymer, founder of CityDays, expressed delight at bringing the experience to Edinburgh with new puzzles, characters, decisions, and discoveries.​
• Jane Sharp, VP formats and licensing (operations) at All3Media International, highlighted the partnership’s success and fans’ appetite for adventure across five cities in under a year.​

Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 24, 2026 – Edinburgh is poised to host Race Across the World: The Experience this spring, becoming the first city in Scotland to welcome the official interactive adventure inspired by the popular BBC television series. Operated by CityDays, the urban adventure firm behind similar successes in London and Manchester, the event promises teams an immersive race through the city’s historic heart, blending physical challenges, strategic budgeting, and discovery of hidden gems.

What is Race Across the World: The Experience?

The experience recreates the essence of the BBC’s Race Across the World, where contestants travel without flights or smartphones, relying on wits and limited funds. As detailed in coverage by Deadline News, players in Edinburgh will form teams to “navigate the streets of Auld Reekie, working as a team and outwitting their competitors to unlock the hidden secrets of the city and cross the finish line.”​

CityDays, the operator, structures the activity as a competitive foot race with no maps or public transport allowed, mirroring the show’s high-stakes travel format. According to the official Race Across the World Experience site, participants tackle “three thrilling legs” across the city, reaching checkpoints for physical puzzles and surprises. This setup has proven popular in existing locations, with reviews praising the blend of exploration and competition.

Which Cities Are Hosting the New Experience?

Edinburgh stands out as the Scottish pioneer, selected alongside York and Bristol for the spring 2026 launch. License Global reported that “CityDays brings Race Across the World: The Experience to Edinburgh, Bristol and York this spring after London success,” emphasising the expansion following strong performance in the capital and Manchester.​

As per Deadline News, these three cities join an expanding roster, with All3Media International noting six routes across five cities launched in under a year. The Edinburgh route targets local appeal, weaving through iconic sites to boost tourism and group outings.

How Does the Edinburgh Route Work?

Teams will race 4-5km through Edinburgh’s core over 2-3 hours, split into three distinct legs. Deadline News outlined that participants visit “cultural hotspots, renowned pubs and landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket and the Scott Monument.”​

A key element is the managed budget, spendable on “valuable clues to help navigate the next leg of the journey,” as reported in the same article. Immersive Rumours coverage confirms the format involves “navigating iconic landmarks and hidden gems” to checkpoints with physical puzzles.

What Challenges Await Participants?

Challenges demand teamwork, strategy, and quick thinking, with physical puzzles at each checkpoint testing agility and problem-solving. The Deadline News piece specifies teams must “solve physical puzzles across checkpoints,” while outsmarting rivals to preserve budget and time.​

Reviews from London iterations, such as those on Feverup, highlight the intensity: “wear comfy shoes… Such good fun,” with participants noting competitive encounters and clock-stopping breaks at partner venues. CityDays’ site stresses “no maps, no public transport—just you and the city beneath your feet.”

Who Can Participate and What Are the Prizes?

The experience suits “groups of friends, colleagues or families,” accommodating teams of 2-8, with options to split larger groups for head-to-head races. Deadline News confirms its broad appeal, while CityDays materials note accessibility features.

Victors are those completing fastest with the most budget left, earning “daily or weekly champions” status and leaderboard glory. As per the official site, teams compete live or against all-time scores.

What Have Key Figures Said About the Launch?

Tom Rymer, founder of CityDays, enthused in Deadline News:

“Following huge success in London and Manchester last year, we are delighted to be bringing the Race Across the World Experience to three brand new cities across the UK, including Edinburgh. New puzzles, new characters, new decisions and new discoveries, all coming soon over three new thrilling legs.”​

Jane Sharp, VP formats and licensing (operations) at All3Media International, commented in the same report:

“Race Across the World celebrates new discoveries and new destinations – so we are thrilled to continue our successful partnership with CityDays as three new cities – Bristol, York and Edinburgh – open routes for Race Across the World: The Experience this spring. With six routes launching across five cities in under a year, it’s fantastic to see how adaptable the experience is – and just how strong fans’ appetite for adventure has become.”​

Earlier, in London launch coverage by Inside Kent Magazine, Rymer stated:

“We are beyond excited to bring the Race Across The World experience to life in London. It’s a dream come true for fans of the show, offering them the chance to dive into the heart-pounding action and strategy that has made the show a hit. What makes this experience truly special is the unique combination of exploring London’s hidden spots while working together in a race against time. We can’t wait to see who comes out on top!”​

Why is This a Big Deal for Edinburgh?

As a Scottish first, the launch positions Edinburgh as a hub for innovative tourism experiences. The Edinburgh Reporter echoed Deadline News, stating

“Edinburgh is set to be the first Scottish city to host the Race Across the World: The Experience when it arrives this spring.”

It aligns with ongoing efforts to unveil “hidden secrets,” from Calton Hill archaeology to “stay like a local” campaigns, enhancing Auld Reekie’s draw for adventure seekers. With the BBC show’s cult following, this could draw visitors, supporting local pubs and sites visited en route.​

How Does It Compare to Existing Locations?

London’s City of London and West End routes have garnered 4.9/5 stars, with reviewers like Claire C. calling it “absolutely fabulous” and Alison R. advising comfy shoes for the fun pace. Complete Travel described the West End version as condensing the show’s thrills into hours, including photo challenges and clock pauses.

Manchester followed in 2025, per LinkedIn updates from Tom Rymer, building to this UK-wide expansion. Edinburgh’s version promises fresh content tailored to its unique landmarks.​

When and How Can You Join?

Bookings open soon for spring starts, with details via CityDays and the official site. Past launches used waitlists, as noted in Hello Rayo for London.

Ideal for team-building or family days, it fosters the discovery ethos of the original series, now Wikipedia-listed for its global races. Expect high demand given prior sell-outs.​