Sofa Sleuths Rules – Fair Play & Hunt Guidelines
These rules apply to every Sofa Sleuths armchair treasure hunt.
We run genuine skill-based prize competitions under UK law — success depends entirely on your ability to decode the cryptic clues, not chance. No element of luck is involved.
No purchase is necessary. Free entry, when available is just as valid as any paid option.
By entering any hunt, you agree to these terms — please read them carefully to ensure fair play for everyone.
Ready for a cosy mystery from your sofa?
These guidelines keep things transparent, fun, and fully compliant. Scroll down for full details on entry, clues, judging, prizes, and more.
How to Enter
Entrants must submit their guess via the secure link provided in the clue emails we send, before the published closing time.
Free Hunts: No payment required — enter via the free route (details in FAQ or entry form).
Paid Hunts: Pay the stated entry fee (e.g., £2.50) via the secure PayPal button on the "Enter Hunt" form, then submit your guess via the link in the clue email.
All entries judged equally regardless of method.
Clues & Delivery
Each hunt consists of 3 cryptic clues leading to one real British landmark or hidden gem.
Clues delivered exclusively via email (never posted publicly on Facebook or elsewhere to keep it fair).
All valid entrants receive:
Clue 1: Exactly 1 hour after entries close.
Clue 2: 24 hours after Clue 1.
Clue 3: 24 hours after Clue 2.
Everyone gets clues at the same time for fairness.
Closing Date & Time
Each hunt publishes a clear final closing date/time for entries (e.g., Sunday 15 February 2026 at 23:59 UK time).
No entries accepted after this
Guesses must be submitted by the final deadline (e.g., 48 hours after Clue 3 or as stated). Late entries disqualified.
Judging & Winner Selection
Prize awarded to the first fully correct entry (exact location named with correct spelling and wording) received and verified before the deadline.
Judging based solely on accuracy and timestamp — 100% skill-based, no chance involved.
The hunt runs for the full published duration. Clues are sent on schedule to all valid entrants, regardless of early correct submissions.
We aim for a winner every time.
Runner-up Prize (if multiple correct): Main prize to first by timestamp; £15 runner-up (example) drawn randomly from remaining correct entries using verifiable random.org. Paid via PayPal like main prize.
Prize Payment
Prize is the cash amount stated for that hunt.
Paid via PayPal within 48 hours of announcement.
Winners provides valid PayPal email (international accepted where possible).
No cash alternative, substitution, or transfer.
Winner Notification & Claim
Winners notified via entry email.
Must claim and provide PayPal details within 7 days, or replacement winner selected.
Questions about how a hunt works?
Email by clicking: here or check out our FAQ's.
We're happy to clarify hunt mechanics!
For eligibility, entry methods, prizes claiming, data handling, liability, and full legal terms, please see our separate Terms & Conditions page.
Ready to Start Sleuthing?
Ready to put your deduction skills to the test? Our cosy armchair treasure hunts are designed for fun from home — with cash prizes for the sharpest minds who crack the cryptic clues. No travel, just your wits!
See full details in our Rules page
Join fellow sleuths for hints, discussions, and community chat
Not quite ready to dive in?
Register below for email updates — be the first to hear about new hunts, prize details, and launch announcements.
(We hate spam too — only hunt-related emails!)
Takes under a minute
Follow us on Facebook
2026 sofasleuths.co.uk – Sofa Sleuths. All rights reserved.