Geocaching In London

London is a city packed with secrets, stories, and surprises - and geocaching is one of the best ways to uncover them. Whether you’re a local looking for a new adventure or a visitor eager to see a different side of the capital, geocaching in London offers a unique blend of urban exploration, history, and outdoor fun. This guide highlights the best places to go geocaching in London, offers practical tips for city caching, and answers the most common questions to help you get started.

1. Sign Up & Download the App → Register for a free account on Geocaching.com or via the official Geocaching® app.
2. Pack Your Urban Caching Kit → Essentials include your smartphone (or GPS), a pen, spare battery, hand sanitiser, and small SWAG for trading.
3. Choose Your First Cache → Use the app’s map to find nearby caches. Filter by difficulty and terrain to suit your experience level.
4. Navigate & Search → Follow the app’s directions, use hints and recent logs, and be discreet - London is full of “muggles” (non-geocachers).
5. Sign & Log Your Find → Sign the physical logbook, log your find online, and replace the cache exactly as you found it.

• Stealth Matters → In busy areas, act naturally and avoid drawing attention. Pretend to tie your shoe, check your phone, or take a photo if you need to search longer.
• Respect Private Property → Only search in public areas or where the cache description confirms access is allowed.
• Check Opening Hours → Some caches are in parks or near attractions that close at night.
• Use Public Transport → London’s Tube, buses, and trains make it easy to plan multi-cache adventures across the city.

• Urban Micros → Tiny containers hidden in creative spots - behind signs, under benches, or in phone boxes.
• Multi-Caches → Take you on a trail of clues around famous landmarks or themed routes (e.g., Sherlock Holmes, Harry Potter).
• Virtual & EarthCaches → No physical container, but you’ll answer questions or take photos at historic or geological sites.
• Puzzle Caches → Solve a riddle or code online to reveal the coordinates.

London boasts a vibrant geocaching community, offering a packed calendar of regular meetups, CITO (Cache In, Trash Out) events, and the renowned annual London Calling Mega Event. These gatherings are much more than just a chance to log finds-they’re the heartbeat of London’s geocaching scene, bringing together enthusiasts from across the city, the UK, and even further afield.

Regular meetups are held in parks, pubs, and notable city locations, providing a relaxed environment for cachers to share stories, swap tips, and welcome newcomers. Many of these events are listed on the GAGB events calendar and are open to all, making them an ideal way to connect with the local community.

CITO events are a unique blend of geocaching and environmental action. London’s geocachers regularly organise these clean-up days in partnership with local groups and councils, focusing on improving parks, riverbanks, and green spaces. Participants help collect litter or undertake small conservation projects while searching for caches, making a positive impact on the city’s environment as they play. These events also support wider community initiatives, such as Scout and Guide environmental badges, and are a great way to give back while enjoying the outdoors.

The highlight of the year is the London Calling Mega Event, which has quickly become one of the UK’s premier geocaching gatherings. Hosted at iconic venues like Central Hall Westminster, London Calling draws hundreds-sometimes thousands-of geocachers from around the world. The event features a packed programme:

• Lab caches and themed trails (such as Sherlock Holmes adventures)
• Talks, workshops, and competitions
• Exclusive event-only caches and trackables
• The GPS Adventures Maze-an interactive exhibition unique to mega events
• Merchandise, geocoins, and souvenirs
• Side events and social activities across the city

London’s geocaches are scattered across its famous landmarks, hidden green spaces, and quirky corners. Here are some of the most popular and rewarding areas to explore: