Race Across The World Experience Hits Edinburgh Spring 2026

Key Points

• An interactive strategy game titled Race Across The World: The Experience, based on the hit BBC TV show Race Across The World, will launch in Edinburgh this spring.​
• Players navigate Edinburgh’s streets on foot in teams of 2-8, solving escape room-style puzzles, managing a virtual budget, and making strategic choices over 2-3 hours.
• The experience features three unique legs with checkpoints at iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, Circus Lane, and the Scott Monument, where teams solve physical puzzles and unlock city secrets.
• Scoring is based on completion time and remaining budget, with live leaderboards for daily, weekly, and all-time champions.
• No maps, no public transport allowed; entirely on foot, emphasising teamwork, strategy, and discovery of hidden gems.​
• Accessible options include wheelchair-friendly routes, adaptations for sight and hearing impairments, and free tickets for carers.​
• Private team experience, suitable for friends, family, colleagues, or dates; large groups (over 14) accommodated via email to raceacrosstheworld@citydays.com.​
• Already successful in London (Liverpool St. and West End) since spring 2025 and planned for Manchester in summer 2025.
• Player testimonials praise it as a fun, competitive day out revealing unknown city parts, with elements like clock pauses at checkpoints.​
• Bookings available now via the official site raceacrosstheworldexperience.com/edinburgh/; comfortable shoes recommended regardless of weather.​

Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 25, 2026 – An exhilarating interactive adventure inspired by the popular BBC television series Race Across The World is set to arrive in Edinburgh this spring, offering participants a chance to race through the city’s landmarks and hidden alleys in a high-stakes team challenge.

What is Race Across The World: The Experience?

This official live adaptation distils the essence of the award-winning TV show into a 2 to 3-hour private team foot race across Edinburgh. As described on the official website raceacrosstheworldexperience.com/edinburgh/, participants “weave through the famous cobbled streets, decide your route and adapt to unexpected twists, strategy, teamwork and adventure!”​

Teams of 2-8 players compete without maps or public transport, relying solely on wits, physical puzzles, and shrewd budgeting. The experience comprises three unique legs, navigating from iconic landmarks to lesser-known gems, with checkpoints serving as hubs for escape room-style challenges.

When and Where Does the Edinburgh Experience Take Place?

The event launches in Edinburgh this spring 2026, with bookings now open via the dedicated site. Specific start locations remain central, mirroring successful London iterations at Liverpool Street Station and the West End.

Checkpoints include renowned spots such as Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, Circus Lane, and the Scott Monument, as reported in What’s On Edinburgh coverage. These venues act as pivotal stops where teams solve clever puzzles to progress, often unlocking discounts or clues at partner pubs and cultural hotspots.

How Do Players Navigate and Compete?

Navigation is entirely on foot, with players choosing routes that impact their journey, time, and score. A virtual in-game budget allows purchases of clues, shortcuts, or directions, echoing the TV show’s no-fly, budget-conscious ethos.

As noted in the official FAQs,

“You’ll race entirely on foot, and how you get to and from checkpoints will be decided by your in-game choices. You’ll also solve physical puzzles, ‘buy’ directions using in-game currency and discover hidden gems along the way.”

Scoring combines completion time with leftover budget, feeding into live leaderboards for daily, weekly, or all-time supremacy.

Teams race privately but may spot rivals, fostering competition without direct interaction beyond leaderboard rivalry. Players can pause the clock at checkpoints for rests or refreshments, accommodating various paces from leisurely strolls to sprints.​

What Makes This Experience Accessible and Inclusive?

Organisers prioritise inclusivity with multiple route options, including wheelchair-accessible paths, colour-blind optimised visuals, audio-free alternatives for hearing impairments, and device-tailored interfaces. Free tickets for accompanying carers are available upon emailing raceacrosstheworld@citydays.com.​

No prior local knowledge is needed, and the experience suits ages 10-100, with adaptations ensuring broad participation. As per the site,

“Multiple route options catering to a broad range of needs including but not limited to: wheel-chair accessible routes, routes optimised for those with sight impairments such as colour blindness, audio-free routes for those with hearing loss.”​

How Has the Experience Performed in Other Cities?

Launched in London in spring 2025 at Liverpool Street Station, the experience quickly gained traction for blending TV thrill with urban exploration. A West End variant followed, racing through Mayfair, Oxford Street, and Covent Garden.

Manchester’s version opened in summer 2025, praised for unique challenges building resilience, per player reviews. Testimonials from London and Manchester highlight discoveries of “parts we didn’t know existed,” competitive fun, and replay value: “Such a brilliant day out… Highly recommend for a couple as a date or even a family day out.” Another enthused, “A fantastic experience full of interesting puzzles and tasks. Loved the concept and cannot wait to do another one.”

Who is the Experience Ideal For?

Ideal for friends, families, colleagues, or couples seeking a competitive yet social outing, it replaces traditional team-building with authentic adventure. Large groups over 14 can book smaller teams, contacting raceacrosstheworld@citydays.com for arrangements.​

Solo players are excluded, as “it’s all about teamwork,” but groups book via one lead, splitting into teams post-purchase. Reviews position it as “a one-day adventure for you and your friends” and “every work social sorted from now until forever.”​

What Should Participants Prepare For?

Comfortable shoes are essential due to significant walking, irrespective of weather. Arrive 15 minutes early at the central start point; no running is mandatory—leisurely paces are encouraged.​

The official guidance states:

“No matter the weather though, wear comfortable shoes – there’s a fair bit of walking involved, and you don’t want aching feet to dash your hopes of topping the leaderboard.”

Devices are used for interaction, so familiarise with personal settings.​

Why is This Launch Significant for Edinburgh?

Edinburgh’s edition promises to “unlock hidden parts of the Capital,” as per the Edinburgh Evening News headline, spotlighting the city’s labyrinthine streets and secrets. By partnering with landmarks, it boosts local venues while immersing racers in Scottish culture.

This expansion follows the TV show’s fervent fanbase, with BBC promotions like contestant appearances at UNBOXD Live amplifying buzz. As What’s On Edinburgh details, it offers “the chance to live out their Race Across The World dreams by navigating the streets of Edinburgh, working as a team, outwitting their competitors.”​​

The experience not only entertains but educates on Edinburgh’s heritage, from castle ramparts to quaint lanes, fostering deeper city appreciation. With spring 2026 bookings live, enthusiasts are urged to secure spots before leaderboards fill with early champions.