The Hunt for the Cheshire Cat by HiddenCity

London becomes a game board for a few hours. HiddenCity’s Hunt for the Cheshire Cat is a 3 to 4 hour, story-driven walking challenge that sends you a trail of clues straight to your phone as you move between central spots. I especially like the puzzle-and-riddle format and how the phone clue trail pushes you off the usual sightseeing route.

The one caution I’d flag is pacing and clarity. There are times when you might wish for visible progress checkpoints, because some groups felt confused about how much was left and that stress affected the ending.

Key highlights that matter before you go

• Phone clue trail keeps you moving, with tasks designed to make you think on the go
• Team format (2-6 players) makes it ideal for friends and family, with built-in head-to-head play for larger groups
• Pause when you want so you can slow down, regroup, or take a bathroom break without ruining the game
• Pit stops for food and drink are baked into the route, and staff at those stops help keep the story going
• Central London to Waterloo route means big scenery, lots of sights, and a satisfying finish line
• English only, so plan your group accordingly

Why the Cheshire Cat hunt beats a standard walking tour

This isn’t a bus tour, and it isn’t a stop-by-stop guided lecture. You are solving your way across central London, with the city acting like the set. Instead of just hearing about London, you’re actively reading clues, making guesses, and moving from one point to the next.

I like that the format works for mixed groups. You can keep it competitive without making it feel like a sports event. Teams of 2 to 6 players can share the thinking, and larger parties can split into separate teams to race each other to the finish.

It also has that light mystery energy that makes people talk to each other, even when you’re just trying to figure out a riddle. If your group enjoys wordplay, lateral thinking, or solving small problems together, this style of game is a good fit.

Starting at The Coal Hole, then walking to Waterloo

Your hunt begins at The Coal Hole, 91-92 Strand, London WC2R 0DW. From there, you work your way across central London and eventually end in Waterloo, London SE1.

That end point matters more than it sounds. Waterloo is practical because you can usually connect onward easily to other parts of the city. And because you are walking a real route, you’re more likely to see London in motion, not just in snapshots.

Timing is also worth planning. The start point lists opening hours as Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, during the operating window shown for the activity. If you’re scheduling this on a weekday, give yourself extra buffer so you do not feel rushed at the start.

How the phone clue trail really works in practice

The core of the experience is simple: you get story instructions and clue messages on your phone, then you translate them into real-world actions. You are uncovering secret locations, unraveling riddles, and solving puzzles as you go.

You’ll want to treat your phone like your game controller. A UK, US, or CA mobile phone number is required to take part, which means you should confirm your group has working mobile numbers before you meet up.

What I’d plan for mentally is that puzzles often need teamwork. One person might catch what another person misses. This is a good activity if your group enjoys brainstorming. It is also good for people who want structure while still having freedom, since you can generally go at your own pace.

One practical note from how the game feels: some groups felt there were not enough cues about how far along they were. If your team likes certainty, you might want to set an internal agreement, like checking in every 15 to 20 minutes and comparing where you think you are in the story.

The roleplay and pit stops, where the story breaks for real life

Along the route, the experience includes built-in break points for food and drinks. That matters in London. Without those natural pauses, a 3 to 4 hour walking puzzle can turn into a cranky sprint.

At the pit stops, staff also play along with the story, and that character adds energy. A big theme from the feedback is that the staff at those stops are friendly and welcoming, and they do not seem bothered by groups popping in, asking questions, or taking their time.

Even if you do not buy food at every stop, those built-in pauses help you reset. You can recharge water, grab a snack, and then come back to the clues with better focus. That is a small thing that makes a big difference for puzzle fatigue.

Team play: how 2-6 players changes the vibe

This activity is designed for teams of 2 to 6 players. That sweet spot helps because it keeps communication manageable. Fewer people means less confusion when you are comparing answers, but enough people means you can still split tasks like reading clues and testing ideas.

For larger groups, you can split into multiple teams to play head to head. That competitive edge can be fun for birthdays and multi-family outings because everyone has a clear role. It also reduces the feeling that the whole group is waiting for one person to solve the clue.

There is also a private tour setup, meaning only your group participates. In practice, that usually makes it feel less awkward. You can run your own pace and focus on your hunt rather than sharing the experience with strangers.

Difficulty level: fun challenge, but not always effortless

This game is built around puzzles, riddles, and activities, so it will not be purely sightseeing. Some groups love that challenge and leave energized. Others find it tougher than expected, especially if you expected a lighter scavenger walk.

I think the key is your team’s puzzle comfort level. If your group enjoys crosswords, logic games, or wordplay, you will probably feel confident. If your group prefers straight-forward directions and minimal thinking, you might need more patience and teamwork.

Also, the pace can stretch. Even though the activity lists 3 hours as a duration, some groups report finishing later depending on how often they take food and drink breaks and how long they spend stuck on clues. Plan for a longer, relaxed afternoon if you want it to stay fun, not frustrating.

Who should book this Cheshire Cat hunt?

This works especially well for:

• Friend groups who want a shared challenge and some laughs while walking
• Families with kids old enough to handle puzzles and stay engaged during a walking route
• Couples who like riddles and want a route that feels more interactive than standard tours

It also suits people who want to see central London but do not want the typical “look at this building, now move on” rhythm.

On the flip side, it may not be your best pick if your group hates puzzles or if you want guaranteed structure with lots of obvious progress markers. Some teams can feel stressed when they cannot tell how much is left.

Price and value: is $40.90 per person worth it?

At $40.90 per person for roughly 3 to 4 hours, you are paying for more than walking. You’re paying for:

• the phone-based clue system
• the story and puzzle design
• team play mechanics
• pit stop experiences and staff interaction at those points

In London, where paid activities add up fast, this price can feel reasonable if your group actually likes the game format. If you and your group would enjoy solving riddles together, you’re getting a lot of value per hour compared to more passive sightseeing.

If your group expects a traditional tour with a guide’s commentary at every stop, the value might feel lower. This is still a city walk, but the brainwork is the main event.

Practical tips so your hunt stays smooth

A few things will make your experience easier from start to finish:

• Bring a charged phone and plan to keep it powered, since you’ll rely on your messages for clues
• Agree on teamwork rules early, like taking turns reading clues and testing answers
• Pack comfy shoes, because it is a walking puzzle across central London to Waterloo
• Plan for breaks, since food and drink stops are part of the route design
• Choose a strategy for stuck moments, like spending a set time on one clue, then moving to the next step if you can

If you’re traveling with kids, I’d treat it like an adventure, not an exam. Keep the tone light, help when they get stuck, and let the story do its job of keeping everyone engaged.

Should you book the Hunt for the Cheshire Cat?

I’d book it if your group likes puzzles, enjoys teamwork, and wants an active way to see central London. The combination of phone clue challenges, story elements, and route walking tends to create a shared “we solved that” feeling, especially when you finish together at Waterloo.

I would think twice if your group is easily stressed by uncertainty or if you want obvious progress signals and a very predictable ending. A few teams felt let down by the finale and others struggled when they were not sure how much remained.

Overall, this is a fun, city-walking game that can turn a regular day into a mystery outing, with pit stops for real-life breaks and staff who help keep the tone playful.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for The Hunt for the Cheshire Cat?

The start meeting point is The Coal Hole, 91-92 Strand, London WC2R 0DW, UK. The activity ends in Waterloo, London SE1.

How long does the experience take?

The duration is listed as approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Do I need a mobile phone number to play?

Yes. A UK, US, or CA mobile phone number is required to take part.

What language is the experience in?

The experience is offered in English.

Is it a private activity?

Yes. It is private, so only your group will participate.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.