FAQs

Who is this activity for?

This mission is an interactive self-led experience best played in a small group.

The game has been developed for families with children aged 8 to 12 years old, but younger children and older players will still enjoy this fun mission! An adult is required to be present throughout the experience.

Just one £5 ticket is required to play with a group of up to 6 people.

How does it work?

The mission begins in our foyer and then takes players around our new exhibition MI5: Official Secrets and comprises a series of challenges which need to be solved to proceed to the next stage. Each challenge highlights records, photographs and stories featured in the exhibition helping you to learn about the history of MI5 along the way.

The mission is introduced through a short video from the head of the Ministry of Time Travel and our welcome staff will help you get started.

What should I bring?

The mission requires the use of an adult’s smartphone (with a data plan or connected to The National Archives WiFi).

How long does it take?

The experience will take about 30 minutes, but the duration will vary in length based on the speed of the players.

What do I do when I arrive?

You should arrive at The National Archives on your selected date and ten minutes in advance of your booked slot. You will be sent instructions by email 30 minutes before you scheduled start time explaining how to begin your mission.

The adventure is self-initiated and self-led, so please begin at your set time.

Parts of the mission will bring your group into contact with The National Archive staff stationed around the building.

What if I get stuck?

Welcome staff are available at all times to assist you with any issues you may experience or questions you have.

Can you provide audio transcripts?

The videos you need to watch onsite can viewed with captions. If you require transcripts of the audio elements of the game, please let our welcome staff know and they will happily provide this for you.

I have other questions...

If you or your child would like to understand more about what happens in the mission before booking/arriving, please let us know by emailing boxoffice@nationalarchives.gov.uk, and we can supply you with an overview.

Terms and conditions

You confirm that as the person registering for the event you are over 18 years of age and that the phone and email account used to play The Spies in Time Mission belongs to someone over 18 years of age.

You agree that anyone under 18 is accompanied and supervised by an adult over 18 years of age through out the mission.

Mission credits

Performers: Afia Abusham and Toby Peach
Filmmakers: DMLK Video
Sound Designers: DMLK
Digital Programming: Su Hurst
Graphic Design: Gareth Edwards
Director and Narrative Design: Toby Peach

Ministry of Time Travel: Spies in Time - July