The Hunt for the Cheshire Cat by HiddenCity

London streets turn into a puzzle board. The Hunt for the Cheshire Cat by HiddenCity is a team walk where clues land on your phone and you solve your way across central sights. I like the WhatsApp-style clue flow that keeps everyone active, and I like the choose-your-pace format where you can pause and restart your momentum anytime.

The main thing to consider is that progress can feel a bit murky, since there are no obvious checkpoints to show how much is left. If your group prefers a very clear finish-line countdown, you might feel a little stressed near the end.

Key points to know before you go

• Phone-required puzzle trail: You need a UK, US, or CA mobile number, and clues come to your phone.
• Team size works well for groups: Play in teams of 2 to 6, and big groups can split into head-to-head teams.
• Designed for a 3 to 4 hour walk: Expect a steady, city-crossing route between the Strand and Waterloo.
• Pause when you want: You can pause the game and continue later at your own rhythm.
• Built-in breaks for food and drinks: Plan on taking short pit stops during the hunt.

A Wonderland-Style City Hunt That Feels Like a Game, Not a Lecture

This isn’t a sit-down tour. It’s a story-driven treasure-hunt style experience where you act like part of the plot while you walk. You’ll solve a trail of clues sent to your phone, and the answers nudge you toward the next location and the next riddle.

What makes it appealing is the balance between structure and freedom. You have a route and a storyline, but you also get to set the tempo. In groups, that usually means one person can focus on puzzling, while others spot directions, compare ideas, and keep the team moving.

And since it’s built around puzzles and playful challenges, it works for different travel styles. If you like sightseeing with a purpose, you’re covered. If you like social games, it naturally turns into teamwork and friendly rivalry.

Price and Timing: Is $40.90 Good Value for Central London?

At $40.90 per person for about 3 to 4 hours, you’re paying for a guided-by-tech adventure, not for transport or admission to a single landmark. The value comes from three things: you’re getting a timed walking route, a puzzle challenge, and scheduled chances to stop for food and drinks.

Because the experience is phone-led, you’re not spending extra time herding people around. You also get more active participation than a classic walking tour. That matters in London, where a half-day can otherwise turn into a lot of standing still and listening.

As for timing, it’s typically booked in advance, with an average booking window of about 22 days. If you’re traveling during peak season or on a weekend, booking earlier is a smart move, especially if you want a specific team size or start time.

From The Coal Hole to Waterloo: The Route’s Real Sweet Spot

You start at The Coal Hole, 91-92 Strand, London WC2R 0DW, and you end in Waterloo, London SE1. That starting area puts you near the Strand corridor, while Waterloo is a major transit hub, which makes it easier to plan your next stop after the game.

The hunt spans central London, so expect steady walking and a route that takes you between busy areas rather than just looping in one tiny pocket. Some groups love this because it feels like you’re covering ground and getting a broader snapshot of the city, not only the “usual hits.”

The best part of having a fixed start and end is that it reduces decision fatigue. You’re not trying to guess where to go next or how to connect sights. The game does that for you.

How the Phone Clue System Works (and Why Your Number Matters)

To play, you need a mobile phone number from the UK, US, or Canada. The experience uses a mobile ticket, and the clues come to your phone as you progress.

In practical terms, that means two things for your planning:

• Make sure your phone is charged and you can receive messages.
• If you’re traveling as a group, pick who will hold the phone and read the clues aloud, so the whole team stays in sync.

A big reason this style works well is that it naturally creates teamwork. People compare ideas, question each other’s assumptions, and rally around the next task. It also helps keep the walk from feeling like “finding streets” the whole time, because you’re always working on the next clue.

Teams of 2 to 6: Perfect for Couples, Families, and Birthday Groups

The experience is designed for teams of 2 to 6 players, and large groups can be split into multiple teams that effectively compete head to head. That format is ideal if you’re traveling with friends or extended family and you still want everyone to participate rather than watch from the sidelines.

From the way the experience is described, it also adapts to mixed-age groups. One family example included kids from early school ages through older teens, and the general takeaway was that everyone stayed engaged. Still, younger kids may need patience, because puzzle hunts require attention and a willingness to keep trying even when you’re stuck for a minute.

If you’re traveling as a couple, it can be a fun shared brain workout. If you’re a family, it’s often easiest when adults act like clue-finders and kids take on some of the puzzle-solving roles.

What You’ll Actually Do: Riddles, Puzzles, and Light Roleplay

The core action is a sequence of puzzles and riddles tied to the story. You’ll be uncovering secret locations, working through clues, and solving tasks that feel more like games than trivia.

The storyline includes staff roleplay and story-style interaction, which turns the hunt into something more playful than a normal route. That matters because it helps you feel like you’re in a chapter, not just walking between coordinates.

Some groups also described the challenges as more thought-heavy than they expected. That’s not a bad thing, but it is a heads-up. If your group likes straightforward sightseeing, you may want to treat this as an activity first and a sightseeing walk second.

Built-In Food and Drink Breaks: Smart Stops Instead of Random Searching

One of the easiest ways to judge a walking game is how it handles downtime. Here, there are built-in break points for food and drinks, so you’re not guessing when you’ll be able to eat.

That is a big deal in London. Your energy drops fast when you keep walking with a “we’ll eat later” plan. Built-in breaks let you reset, hydrate, and keep the puzzles fun instead of frustrating.

These pit stops also become part of the experience rhythm. You’re not just sprinting from clue to clue. You get short pauses that help groups stay happy, especially on longer sessions.

Pace Control: Why Pausing Helps (and Why It Can Also Confuse)

You can go at your own pace and pause the game whenever you like. That flexibility is great if:

• your group has different walking speeds,
• you want to stop for photos without derailing the hunt,
• you need a restroom break without worrying you’ll fall hopelessly behind.

The tradeoff is psychological. One group issue was that there were no clear progress indicators or checkpoints, which left them uncertain about how much was left. In their case, that confusion increased stress, and they had to stop early and resume later rather than finishing in one go.

If you’re the type who likes to know how close you are to the finish, bring a calm attitude. Treat it like a game with unknowns, not a timetable with a scoreboard.

The Finale Question: When the Ending Might Feel Less Satisfying

Most of the experience is about the walk, teamwork, and the puzzle chain. Still, at least one group found the finale underwhelming.

That doesn’t mean the ending is bad. It just means you should calibrate your expectations. You’re paying for the journey and the problem-solving, not for a big cinematic climax.

If your group loves a dramatic payoff, it can help to talk it up as a finishing sprint, rather than expecting a perfect “wow” moment at the end.

Who This Hunt Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a puzzle-focused London activity,
• a fun group challenge that gets everyone talking,
• a way to see parts of the city you might otherwise skip,
• structured breaks instead of random stopping.

It can also work for mixed groups with kids, as long as you expect some kids may need encouragement when the riddles get tricky.

It may be less satisfying if your group hates uncertainty. If you need constant checkpoints, clear progress bars, or a predictable pace with guaranteed win-or-lose clarity, you might feel thrown off when the hunt doesn’t telegraph “how much longer” you have.

And if you’re only looking for classic landmark sightseeing, this is likely too game-like to be the main event. Think of it as active entertainment that also happens to be a city walk.

Practical Details That Make or Break Your Day

A few real-world points help you have a smoother hunt day:

• Use a reliable phone setup: You need the correct country phone number, and the experience depends on phone clue delivery.
• Plan for walking: It’s a 3 to 4 hour activity across central London, ending at Waterloo, so you’ll be on your feet for a while.
• Bring the right team mindset: Competition is built into large-group play, so expect teamwork and quick decisions.
• Expect wet-weather reality: One group completed the hunt on an especially rainy day and still had a great time, so come prepared with rain protection.

Also note that it’s private for your group only. That can be a plus if you don’t want to get blended into someone else’s energy.

Service Animals, Participation, and Getting There

The experience allows service animals and says most travelers can participate. It’s also listed as being near public transportation, which helps if you want to arrive early, grab a snack before you start, or make an easy exit when you finish near Waterloo.

If you’re planning your day around other London plans, Waterloo is convenient for onward travel by train. The end point is meant to connect you back to the city’s transit network, so you’re not stuck improvising transportation at the finish line.

Should You Book the Hunt for the Cheshire Cat?

Book it if you want a fun mystery-solving walk that uses your phone for clues, keeps you moving, and gives you built-in breaks for food and drinks. The strongest reason to choose it is how it turns London into an interactive puzzle game that works for friend groups and families.

Don’t book it if your group prefers highly structured sightseeing with obvious milestones and no uncertainty. The lack of clear progress checkpoints can feel frustrating if you like constant confirmation of how close you are.

My rule of thumb: if your group enjoys puzzles, comedy chaos, and teamwork, this is a great use of half a day in London. If not, you may be happier with a more traditional walking tour where the story and pacing are entirely human-led.

FAQ

How long does The Hunt for the Cheshire Cat last?

The experience runs about 3 to 4 hours.

Where do we start and where do we end?

You start at The Coal Hole, 91-92 Strand, London WC2R 0DW and end at Waterloo, London SE1.

Do we need a specific type of mobile phone number?

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

What size teams does the game use?

You play in teams of 2 to 6 players. Large groups can be split into multiple teams to compete.

Is the experience in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Can we cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.