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.

Questions? Check our FAQ or email us: Here — we're here to help!

How to Enter

Entrants must submit their answer via the secure link provided in the clue emails we send, before the published closing time.

Free Hunts: No payment required - enter via one of the "Enter Free Hunt" buttons on the site.

Only one entry per person. Each participant must use their own unique email address.

Paid Hunts: Pay the stated entry fee (e.g., £2.50) via the secure PayPal button on the "Enter Hunt" form, then submit your answer via the link in the clues email.

All entries judged equally regardless of method.

Clues & Delivery

Each hunt consists of 3 cryptic clues leading to one real British landmark, hidden gem, or historical figure.

Clues delivered exclusively via email (never posted publicly on Facebook or elsewhere to keep it fair).

All valid entrants receive:

Clue 1: Exactly 15 mintes after entries close.

Clue 2: 20 minutes after Clue 1.

Clue 3: 20 minutes 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 will be accepted or valid after this.

Answer must be submitted by the final deadline (e.g.,24 hours after Clue 3 or as stated). Late entries disqualified.

Judging & Winner Selection

Prize awarded to the first fully correct entry (exact location, or name with correct spelling) received and verified before the deadline.

Judging based solely on accuracy and timestamp — 100% skill-based, no chance involved.

The hunt runs on a published schedule. Entries sent on time are treated equally, regardless of early or late submissions within the window.

We aim for a winner every hunt.

Runner-up Prize (if applicable)

Runner-up Bonus (eg: £25) goes to the second-fastest correct entry by timestamp.
Paid via PayPal within 48 hours, with full proof shown in the Winners section.

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).

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?

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

Follow us for news, updates, and hunt announcements on our Facebook page.

Not quite ready to dive in?

Register for email updates — be the first to hear about new hunts, prize details, and launch announcements.

(We hate spam too — only hunt-related emails!)

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