World Book Day Hunt

Feb 19, 2026

Step Into our Outdoor Adventure in Staines this World Book Day!

This Feb half term and March, Visit Staines is proud to host the Official World Book Day® Treasure Hunt—a high-tech, outdoor adventure for the whole family. They’re inviting families to get outside and step inside the books using the power of Augmented Reality (AR).

World Book Day® is a charity on a mission to help every child take part in the life-changing magic of reading. This hunt supports that goal by making books accessible, interactive, and—most importantly—fun!

The experience is built around three exciting challenges:

  • The Hunt: Use their hunt map to find 10 “Book Zones” hidden in shop windows across Staines upon Thames.
  • The Reveal: They’ve kept the characters a mystery! Scanning each window marker triggers a surprise on your phone, revealing which of their 10 3D characters has been hiding there.
  • Secret Selfie Journey: Every stop offers a unique AR selfie frame. Within each one, a hidden letter is tucked away. Families must find all 10 to solve the puzzle and win prizes!

Want even more books? Scan ANY STOP to unlock a competition entry form and be in with a chance to win 1 of 10 £50 National Book Tokens Gift Cards! And as an extra treat, Visit Staines will give one lucky entrant a £30 Voucher to spend at Waterstones in Staines!

This hunt is completely free to play and requires no app downloads.

Simply bring a smartphone and your sense of adventure!

Mark your calendars: The hunt begins on 13th February and runs until 15th March. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s waiting for you!