Can YOU solve it? GCHQ releases its annual fiendish Christmas puzzle to test the James Bonds of tomorrow

For aspiring spies, it’s a secret mission with an unusual twist.

GCHQ has released its annual devilish Christmas puzzle to test the James Bonds of tomorrow.

But unusually for a Christmas card puzzle, participants must also search for hidden ‘Easter egg’ clues for an extra challenge.

The head of the intelligence service, Anne Keast-Butler, hopes the brainteaser will encourage children and adults to ‘think about what a career in cybersecurity and intelligence has to offer’.

Last year’s puzzle was downloaded 138,000 times in schools and homes around the world.

But do you have what it takes to crack the code?

There are seven puzzles in the spy chief’s Christmas card, which uses GCHQ’s locations in the UK, including Manchester, London, Scarborough, Bude and Cheltenham, as part of the puzzle.

Each of the seven puzzles leads you to a monument in Great Britain.

Use the names of these landmarks and the front of the map to discover which people will be at each of our GCHQ locations this Christmas.

There are also three hidden puzzles – or Easter eggs – on the front of the card for those who want an extra challenge.

Ms Keast-Butler, the first woman to lead GCHQ, said the puzzle was a great test of skills in code breaking, mathematics and analysis, all of which are part of the agency’s secretive work.

She said: “Puzzles have always been at the heart of GCHQ, and the skills required to solve them are as relevant in 2024 as they were more than 100 years ago.

‘This year’s Challenge includes seven puzzles, plus several hidden elements for those who want an extra test.

‘The puzzles are aimed at teenagers and young people, but everyone is encouraged to give them a try; they might surprise you.

‘The challenge is designed to be solved by a mix of minds and so is best tackled in groups of classmates, families or friends.

‘Whether you have an analytical mind, a creative brain or prefer technology, there is something for everyone.

‘As a mathematician, I am also passionate about STEM subjects and encourage young people to give it a try.

The Government Communications headquarters building in Gloucestershire

“I hope the map will inspire young people to explore these STEM topics and think about what a career in cybersecurity and intelligence has to offer.”

To help you get started, GCHQ today released a quote from their lead puzzler Colin with the message: ‘Can you find a secret message in Colin’s quote? Then you’re a star!’

Colin said: ‘We’re excited to release the fourth version of our Christmas Challenge for Young People, and we hope this year’s set of seven puzzles will be as devilishly fun as ever.

‘We want teams to work together to tackle the challenge, which requires a range of skills and creative thinking. And then see if you can find the Easter eggs we have hidden on the map. You may naturally find some parts more difficult than others. But as Anne Keast-Butler, our director, said, solving puzzles requires a real mix of minds and approaches, just like the work at GCHQ.

‘After all, with this challenge we hope to show young people that thinking differently is a gift.

‘We’d love to see how you take on the Challenge, so let us know by tagging us in a post on Instagram, X or LinkedIn @‌GCHQ.

‘Have fun puzzling!’

For all the answers see tomorrow’s Daily Mail.