Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk

3.9 (36 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

36 reviews

3.9

Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Haunted Manchester: The Pusher Canal Murder Mystery Walk, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

A serial killer stalks Manchester's canals. A ghost named Loky needs your help to stop him. In this self-guided mystery walk, a chain letter pulls you into a supernatural hunt through the city's darkest corners, where real crime meets a chilling ghost story.

Follow coded clues past Albert Hall, through Marron Place and its grim crime record, and down to the canal towpath where Loky met his end. Each puzzle brings you closer to The Pusher, and further from safety.

The route passes the Peterloo massacre site, the haunted Palace Theatre, the self-playing piano of the Royal Exchange, and the Devil's footprint at Chetham's Library. Real ghost sightings and unsolved canal deaths fuel every stop.

With 13 stops across just over an hour through central Manchester, this is the city's most atmospheric ghost walk, best played after dark when the canals are quiet.

Download the Questo app, start whenever you dare, and find out what haunts Manchester's waterways.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Walking Tours Nightlife Ghost Tours Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Written guide: German, English, French
Operated by: Questo

Ages: Adults (1–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Clues and a map in the app from Quay Street to Manchester Cathedral
Included: Best played after dark for maximum atmosphere
Included: Self-guided mystery walk with 13 stops through central Manchester
Included: The Pusher serial killer storyline with ghost allies and coded puzzles

Not included

Not included: Live tour guide (this is a self-guided activity)

Itinerary

Albert Hall

Passing by

Hello, traveller! Here comes your journey in Manchester, paved with many secrets and mysteries! Get ready for your first destination: the Albert Hall. Initially built with religious purposes, Albert Hall decided that it likes to have fun, so the grand and ornate chapel has been restored into a stunning music hall.

While you are on the dancefloor and enjoying one of the most atmospheric music events in the UK, keep an eye out for a mysterious question that may pop up!
Manchester Town Hall

Passing by

If you pass near a stunning, imposing building from the heart of the city on your way, then most likely you are at Manchester Town Hall. This Victorian, Neo- Gothic building designed by architect Alfred Waterhouse in 1877, houses ceremonial events with a grandeur specific only to Manchester.

Here you will come across the Manchester Murals, illustrating the history of the city in an artistic manner and you will have the chance to get acquainted with influential figures including Dalton, Joule and Barbirolli (in the form of magnificent statues, of course). Investigate further the place and solve the mystery challenge so you can advance.
Rochdale Canal

Passing by

Ready, set, action! You are cruising down the Rochdale Canal, trying to figure out which dark secret can such a peaceful place hide from the eyes of the world. On your way, you meet with many boat-enthusiasts that enjoy the scenery of Manchester.

In the later part of the eighteenth century, a sudden appeal for building canals gathered pace in the UK, and Manchester was not one to leave behind. Climbing over the Pennine moors rather than tunnelling through them, you will certainly enjoy the view! Somewhere hidden in the view, you will undoubtedly uncover a story dreading to be read.
Manchester Cathedral

Passing by

Before going further, let’s stop for a prayer at Manchester Cathedral! In 1421 Henry V signed a royal charter granting permission for a collegiate church to be built and later on, a new Manchester diocese was created through this historic church that became known as the famous cathedral we now see today.

Nevertheless, it is said that the origins of Manchester's first churches are obscure...but nothing can stay hidden forever, especially from the curiosity of an explorer like you!
Chetham's Library

Passing by

Now that you are closer to the end of your game, it is time to put a bookmark on Chetham's Library, a living icon of Manchester.

Housed in a beautiful sandstone building dating from 1421, initially built to accommodate the priests of Manchester, it evolved during the years to become the oldest free public library in the English-speaking world. While you are leafling through the 100,000 volumes of printed books, somewhere in the small print lies the key that will give the answer to your question.
Albert Square

Passing by

In the shadow of the grandiose Manchester Town Hall, there lies Albert Square, welcoming each day lots of tourists and locals alike to the wide array of restaurants and bars. This amazing public square was named after Prince Albert, prince consort of Queen Victoria, who also boasts the spectacular Albert Memorial.

The heart of Manchester in all its gothic style is above all, a place of discovery. So, follow your heart and for sure you will solve the challenge that lies within your grasp!
Royal Exchange Theatre

Passing by

Here comes your last, but not the least destination: the Royal Exchange Theatre. This is a place where the currency is brand new drama and reinvigorated classics and the boldest artists all gather together to trade ideas and experiences with the locals and travellers alike.

As you see, exchange remains at the heart of everything they make and do. On this note, you need to trade the final answer to your question in order to unlock the title of a true Questo explorer!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The game starts at St John's Gardens. 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.

End point

You will finish at the Manchester Cathedral.

Using your ticket

Thank you for booking with Questo. Your code is your booking reference number: the digits after "BR-".

Here's how to play it:

1. Activate your quest. Go to the unlock page on the Questo website (questoapp.com/unlock), enter your email and your code.

2. Download the Questo app on your phone (App Store or Google Play) and create an account with the same email used for activation.

3. Once you're logged in to the Questo app, open the Quests section. Your quest will be there, ready to be played.

IMPORTANT

Booked more than one ticket? You can invite the other participants right after activating, or later from the Quests section in the app.
If you don't see your quest in the Quests section in the Questo app, tap "Bought a quest somewhere else?" and enter your code again. You can also upload a screenshot of your booking confirmation there.

GOOD TO KNOW

The quest is available every day, at any hour. Go to the starting point and begin whenever you're ready.
Download the story and the map before you head out. After that, it works without internet.
Start with at least 50% battery.

Still have questions? Send us a message or talk to our customer support at: questoapp.com/chat