I tried the new Race Across the World The Experience – fans of the BBC TV show will love it

The Sun

5 hours ago

WHO doesn't want to Race Across the World like they do in the TV series? To ditch the 9-5 to go on an epic quest and see incredible destinations along the way?
But let's face facts, most of us can't take months out of our lives to do that. So I tried out the best next thing, the new Race Across the World The Experience - and fans of the show (just like me) will love it.
5
5
On one of the hottest weekends of the year, myself and a team of three willing friends, met at the game's starting point: London Liverpool Street.
As a fan of the BBC series Race Across the World that sees contestants racing across multiple countries without using flights or smartphones for a huge cash prize, I was desperate to try out the UK version that launched this spring in both London and Manchester.
Just like the series, the experience is a race against the clock to get from one checkpoint to the next.
But unlike the show, you get there by solving lots of puzzles, which are sent through WhatsApp - which is very against the rules of the show, but essential for the experience.
To begin, I simply typed 'ready' into my screen and despite having no idea what to expect, sent the message, and the experience began.
The first stop was a cafe where I told the man behind the counter I was 'with the race', and he handed over very first task, which was one of the few physical puzzles.
It was very maths-heavy, so I wasn't off to a great start and had to take a step back while my friends took over.
The answer led us to the very first checkpoint, where the clock began to tick.
There are three legs throughout, with options to take different routes along the way varying in complexity and cost.
Along the way you have to solve riddles that will guide you to the checkpoint, and keep an eye out because the answers are simple but easy to miss, like a name on an engraving or plaque.
I went on my first Disney cruise with classy champagne bars, watercoasters and West End-style shows
5
WhatsApp is crucial as you text the answers throughout to confirm you're in the correct location and not aimlessly wandering about.
If you don't know the area around Liverpool Street very well, the experience is still very doable as long as you pay attention to what you see.
Just like in the TV series, you need 'money' to continue. Each route you choose takes cash out of your budget which initially is £30.
To top this up you'll have to 'work', although there's no pulling pints in a London pub - instead, this is done is by solving tricky brain teasers.
On the weekend we did the race, it happened to be one of the hottest weekends of the year but you do get breaks and plenty of time to enjoy them too.
After reaching each checkpoint, the clock stops to give your team an optional break and at each is a venue where you get an exclusive discount off drinks and snacks.
My team and I stopped in at one of the pubs to enjoy a cold drink and some much-needed shade.
5
If you are a large group, you can be split into teams to play against each other with different start locations, but will end in the same place.
If you choose to play as a whole team instead, you will be put against other teams with similar times to you.
At each leg the game will update you on how you do in comparison, and it does a lot to stir the competitive spirit - by the end, my team and I had set ourselves a fast pace in order to come out on top.
At the very end, we got our results and were pretty chuffed to find ourselves at the top of our leader board, and in the top 17 per cent of overall racers.
The race can take up to three hours which doesn't include breaks.
We completed the experience in just under two hours, but with our breaks, were out around three and a half.
The website says that you can play the game multiple times, as there are route variations - but these aren't guaranteed to be different when you book.
And one of the downsides is that the physical puzzles at each checkpoint also remain the same so you'll know the answer to those if you play more than once.
But it is also running in Manchester so you can give the other experience a go in a different city.
Tickets for Race Across the World The Experience are £50 per person. But the cost is reduced the more people you book, for example, a team of eight adults is £200, which works out as £25 each.
The opening times are during Monday–Saturday from 9am to 7.30pm (last entry at 7.30pm) Sunday 9.30am to 4.30pm (last entry at 4.30pm).
Other things Sun Travel has tried are the viral Dubai chocolate ice cream, and even travelling to America for Crumbl Cookies.
Dress for the occasion
Wear comfy shoes and bring some water and snacks too if you don't want to take advantage of the checkpoints.
Consider playing work puzzles
Play work puzzles throughout the game even if you have money in your budget- the more money you have at the end, the better, as this counts towards your result.
Check your spelling
You have to send answers to the puzzles through WhatsApp and when you do, double check the spelling. We were caught out by auto correct and receive a fault which affected our score.
It's in the details
Input everyone's phone number before the experience begins so the whole team can read the questions throughout the game. Lots have images and prompts, so if you want a good time, this is key.
Running or walking?
Speaking of, decide at the very start what your game-plan is, whether you want to win the race or take your time so everyone's on the same page.
5