London Eye Spy: a challenge for junior agents

Attention spies! Your mission – should you accept it – is to board a secret spy vessel in London, codename: The Eye, and locate an agent gone rogue before the time runs out.

By Selina Whitby
Published: May 22, 2025
London Eye

The briefing  

Agent X has gone rogue (that means they’ve turned from a goodie into a baddie) and they’ve escaped with top secret intel. Namely: the recipe for the King’s favourite biscuits.  

We’ve traced their last known location to a capsule on the London Eye. Your mission is to board The Eye and scan the city collecting clues. Locate their whereabouts before the time runs out! 

Quick – the King is about to have his cup of tea. 

What you’ll need for your mission 

An agent name: Pick your favourite number and stick 00 in front of it.  

Equipment:  

  • Your super spy vision or a pair of binoculars.  

  • A grown up – yes unfortunately they have to tag along too. But, they're very useful for holding snacks and obtaining the next item on your equipment list which is... 

  • ...A London Pass – flash this to get entry to all the places you’ll be investigating!    

Secret spy clothes: Undercover tourist attire only. Shorts, t-shirt – preferably an ‘I love London’ one – and a map flapping in the wind.  

Time limit: You’ll have 30 minutes to complete your mission – enough for a full rotation of the spy capsule. Stay alert, stay safe, stay in the capsule (well, let’s be honest, you can’t get off). 

London Eye Spy: a challenge for kids

Just a casual tourist doing some sightseeing – nothing to see here!

Phase 1: Locate potential suspects 

Agent X is undercover and trying to blend in with the crowd while they’re on route to their next location. Can you spot any of these common disguises? Which one do you think is our agent? 

A tourist with a selfie stick 
The classic way to blend in. It’s not a selfie stick, it’s a tracking device for a getaway vehicle. Are they doing a silly pout? It could be Agent X. 

An ice cream seller 
A common way for hungry agents to lay low while eating all the mint choc chip. One minute they’re making a Mr Whippy, the next they’re hopping onto a speedboat. Are they being stingy with the scoops? It’s a clear sign. 

A giant pigeon 
This masterful disguise is one only a top agent would use. Can you see any particularly big pigeons? Do they look like they’re hailing a taxi? It could be the one.  

Phase 2: Log enemy movement 

Once you’ve identified a possible suspect, you need to look out for an undercover vessel – they’ll be using this to get to their hideout. Look around now – what can you see? 

Suspicious boat on the river 
Any Thames Clippers sailing beneath you? Spies use these to whizz across the water, mainly because of the onboard café.    

A sightseeing bus 
See an open-top Big Bus bus? Spies love to hide amongst the tourists and then leap out when they get to their secret hideout.  

A Santander Cycle
Spot a rack of red bikes? Any minute now, Agent X might jump onto one of these to weave through traffic. 

Phase 3: Identify spy hideouts 

Crack the codes and locate these places where our agent could be heading. Scrutinise them all with your super spy vision– what’s the best hideout and why?  

HET DARSH – clue: a very sharp building. Could be used as a spy antenna. 

TS PLAU’S – clue: a dome that could double as a spy HQ, or a posh fruit bowl. 

GIB NEB – clue: tick tock. This timely location has chimes that could be used as signals. 

EHT HGREINK – clue: found in burgers, could be used for salad-themed surveillance.  

Mission complete! 

You’ve come to some clever conclusions junior spy, so who could it be? The giant pigeon riding a Santander Cycle to the Gherkin? The ice cream seller speeding away in a boat to St Paul’s? 

Well come on then, your time is nearly up! Get ready to depart the capsule and head straight to the hideout. Good luck agent and well done. 


Enjoyed this?  

Check out our cat’s tour of Tower Bridge or read our interview with the Tower of London’s Ravenmaster.  

Step up your sightseeing with The London Pass®. We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems, and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   

See more, do more, and experience more with The London Pass® – just choose a pass to get started!    

Selina Whitby
Content Lead

Selina is a copywriter and seasoned backpacker who has visited over 50 countries if you count Vatican City, which she does. Her most memorable travel experiences include tubing in Vang Vieng, doing New Zealand’s Nevis Bungee with a fear of heights, and taking a nine-hour flight with a toddler. On her bucket list is Rio Carnival in Brazil, walking the Camino de Santiago, and flying First Class (when she wins the EuroMillions).

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Kew Gardens
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Top Facts about Kew Gardens

Founded in 1840, The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, commonly known as Kew Gardens, is one of the most extensive and important botanical gardens in the world. It's a stunning sanctuary less than 30 minutes from central London, offering a perfect escape from the city buzz. Housing the "largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections" globally, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is also one of London's most popular attractions. Kew Gardens has more than 50,000 different plants in its living collection and over 7 million preserved specimens. It's not just a pretty space; it's a veritable treasure trove of plant-based knowledge, with over 750,000 volumes and illustrations contained in its library. Discover more about this historical botanical landmark with some of our favourite facts about Kew Gardens below. A stroll through time A little tidbit on the history of Kew Gardens: It's been around for quite a while! 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It has its own police force For over 150 years, Kew Gardens has had its own police force responsible for on-site security. Established in the mid-1840s, it initially consisted of part-time gardeners and veterans from the Crimean War. The Kew Constabulary originally possessed the same powers as the Metropolitan Police. This meant they were permitted to exercise their force in most London parks, including Battersea Park and Parliament Square. As of 2022, the Kew Constabulary has 20 members of staff and one vehicle, making it one of the smallest police forces in the world.  4. Suffragettes burned the Tea House down On 20 February 1913, Suffragettes Lilian Lenton and Olive Wharry burned down the Tea House at Kew Gardens in one of several arson attacks in the capital. After being caught, they were sentenced to 18 months at Holloway prison. During their incarceration, they both went on hunger strike. They ended up being released within a month. 5. The tube station has its own pub Getting to Kew Botanical Gardens is even more fun knowing that Kew Gardens station has its very own pub! Previously called The Railway, The Tap on the Line pub reopened in 2013. There is still a door near the bar that leads directly to platform one, but it's no longer open to the public. 6. It includes part of the old London Bridge In 1968, the American entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch bought the 19th-century London Bridge and attempted to move it to Arizona’s Lake Havasu. He thought he was buying Tower Bridge, but alas, no. Around 200 granite blocks didn't make the trip across the Atlantic. Four of those blocks were taken by Kew Gardens and placed on the banks of the big lake near the Sackler Crossing. Consider adding the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to your itinerary during your trip with The London Pass®. You'll make great savings on combined admission vs. paying at the gate, and your pass includes entry to dozens more top attractions in the city! 7. Commemorative coins Kew Gardens celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2009 and to commemorate this event, the Royal Mint released a commemorative 50p coin. Only 210,000 Kew coins were minted. This resulted in them soaring in value, selling for over 100 times their monetary worth. 8. Climate control Discover 10 different climate zones at the Princess of Wales Conservatory. From the dry tropics and wet tropics to eight smaller micro-climates, the conservatory ensures that each set of plants' needs are met. 9. Rare heist In 1987, the world's smallest water lily (Nymphaea thermarum) was discovered in Mashyuza, Rwanda. Conservationists saved the plant from extinction after it was grown from seeds at Kew Gardens. In 2014, one of these rare water lilies was stolen from the Princess of Wales Conservatory. 10. An explosive history During the Second World War, the Great Pagoda became the perfect place to test the aerodynamics of bombs in secret. Around 30 high-explosives dropped onto the gardens during the Blitz and the Herbarium, Temperate Houses, Palm House and Waterlily House suffered damage. Experience everything London has to offer with The London Pass® Planning your London trip? With The London Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. ✈️ Buy The London Pass® ✈️
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Reasons to Visit London in the Autumn

Planning your trip to the English capital? Keep reading to find out why you'll want to avoid the crowds and take in London in the Autumn While some of you may be mourning the end of long and hot Summer days, we're excited to welcome Autumn! The days are shorter, the air is crisper and despite the odd rain-shower, we've got the lowdown on why you'll want to visit London in the Autumn. From autumn walks through London's parks and cosy pubs to outdoor ice-skating and more, there's plenty going on in London during the Autumn season. So what are you waiting for? Head out and enjoy it! Beat the crowds London's top attractions tend to be busy all year round, however, during the Autumn months, the tour groups aren't as regular an occurrence and it is noticeably quieter. Whilst the city is a buzzing hive of tourist activity during the Summer months, a quieter vibe descends upon the city once September rolls around which means less time queuing at attractions such as Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe, and fewer crowds to weave through in the museums so you get more time to see the exhibitions and artefacts. Layer up Flex your fashionable muscles and layer up for the chilly Autumn weather! Arguably the most stylish time of year, immerse yourself like a London local with your chic trench coats and knee-high boots! Spooktacular Fun While us Brits may not be automatically associated with big Halloween celebrations, you'd be surprised! With a whole month dedicated to the macabre, ghost tours and family-friendly events around town, there's plenty going on through October to celebrate the spooky season. Don't forget to pop by the London Zoo for their annual "Boo at the Zoo" spooktacular with arts 'n crafts, animal demonstrations and hands-on fun! Autumn Walks Whether you're strolling along the River Thames, walking through the leaves in Hyde Park or admiring the chestnut trees in Greenwich Park, there's no shortage to outdoor activities in the Autumn. With plenty of green spaces dotted around the city, London's parks and gardens appear to be doused in a golden hue; paired with the crisper temperature, outdoor strolls are an almost compulsory activity if you plan to visit London in the Autumn. Bonus: take a stroll down to the river and hop on a City Cruise boat tour to take in the riverside sights, bathed in a golden Autumn hue. Wildlife Watching While we're outdoors - Autumn is a great time of the year to sneak a peek at the wildlife in some of London's green spots. Head over to the London Wetland Centre to see wading birds, ducks, water voles, bats, lizards and otters enjoying the Autumn sunshine. Cultural Season When the weather cools down outside, it's time to head indoors and enjoy the range of cultural events during the city's autumn season. From exhibitions and plays to musicals and more, there's plenty of culture to indulge in this Autumn. Don't forget to check out London Pass Concierge where London Pass holders can enjoy exclusive discounts and deals. Image via Tower of London facebook Outdoor Ice-skating Strap on those skates because it's time to hit the ice! Every autumn and winter, iconic attractions around the city set up outdoor ice-skating rinks so you can glide along the ice in the grounds of stunning landmarks such as the Tower of London and the Natural History Museum. Don't forget your gloves! Museum Wandering If you're visiting London in the Autumn, there is a chance it can drizzle outside, so if you want to warm up, head to one of London's iconic museums and prepare to lose yourself wandering through all the art and artefacts. Whether you're visiting the mummies at the British Museum, warming up with tea and scones at the V&A or coming face to face with portraits at the National Portrait Gallery, it's easy to spend hours wandering the halls. Cosy pubs Us Brits have made a hobby of going to the pub so it's no surprise that in spite of the change in weather, you will still find us gathering with friends down the local pub. The best part about heading to the pub during the Autumn is that the inside becomes a cosy, warm and inviting sanctuary from the cooler outdoors and most pubs start serving heart-warming tipples such as mulled wine and hot toddies.
Vanessa Teo

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