Chasing the Cheshire Cat through London is smart fun. This HiddenCity hunt turns a sightseeing day into a puzzle trail you control, with phone-delivered clues that keep you walking with purpose. I like the way it builds teamwork for groups of 2 to 6 and gives you chances to pause for snacks. One drawback to plan for: there is no obvious progress meter or checkpoints, so if your team misses a turn, you can feel stress instead of flow.

Starting at the Coal Hole near the Strand and ending in Waterloo, it is a very doable 3 to 4 hour outing that feels like a game, not a lecture. The format is family-friendly and works for friend groups who want laughs and light competition. Just make sure everyone has the required mobile phone number setup before you arrive, since that is part of how the hunt runs.

Key things to know before you go

• Phone-led clues: you follow a story by getting directions and riddles on your phone.
• Team format: play in teams of 2 to 6, and larger groups can split into multiple teams.
• You set the pace: pause when you want, with built-in break points for food and drinks.
• Good central London coverage: the walk ties together multiple areas with a trail that keeps moving.
• Clear start and finish: begin by The Coal Hole on the Strand and finish in Waterloo.

A London treasure hunt with actual game energy

The Hunt for the Cheshire Cat by HiddenCity is built for people who get restless on standard walking tours. Instead of listening and hoping you remember facts later, you are solving prompts, reacting to the story, and deciding where to go next.

I especially like that it is designed for teams. When you have 3 to 6 people, you can divide roles fast, argue about answers in a fun way, and still keep the momentum going. That team setup also helps kids, because the game does not feel like one person doing all the work.

There is a catch worth taking seriously: the hunt is challenging enough that some groups found it harder than expected. Also, one team noted there were moments without clear signs of how much was left, which can make you second guess yourselves.

Starting at The Coal Hole, ending in Waterloo (easy way to plan your day)

You start at The Coal Hole, 91-92 Strand, London WC2R 0DW. That is a handy location if you want to come in by tube or bus, and it is close to a lot of central London foot traffic.

You finish in Waterloo, London SE1. That matters because it lets you build a plan around your day ending in one of the most convenient transport hubs in London. If you want to eat after the game, Waterloo is a practical place to land.

In terms of timing, the experience is offered Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (during the stated operating period). If you are traveling with kids, I’d treat this like an afternoon activity and plan for a slower evening afterward.

How the phone-led clue trail works in real life

The core of the experience is a story trail across central London. You receive clues sent to your phone, then you solve puzzles and riddles to uncover where to go next. It is not a single straight route either. The path pushes you around enough that you feel you are seeing new streets, not just repeating the same block.

You also have control. You can pause the game whenever you like, which is useful if someone needs a bathroom stop, you want to grab a drink, or you need a breather after a tricky clue.

One practical note: you do need a UK, US, or CA mobile phone number to take part. So before you meet up, confirm that your group has at least one working phone number ready for the clue delivery. If you show up with Wi-Fi but no phone number, you may be dead in the water.

Team play, plus light competition that does not ruin the fun

The format supports groups in teams of 2 to 6 players. For bigger groups, you can split into multiple teams and even play head to head.

That sounds intense, but the best part is the flexibility. If your group wants to stay cooperative, you can still play as a single unit inside your team size. If you want energy and laughs, the competitive setup gives you a natural reason to race through answers and compare theories.

For mixed groups, this kind of structure tends to work well. One family group with kids ages 4 to 11 managed it by keeping things calm and letting everyone take turns. Another family group with kids ages 9 to 14 also enjoyed it, calling it fast-paced and interactive.

Built-in break points for food and drinks you will actually use

Unlike some puzzle walks that feel like nonstop pressure, this one includes built-in break points for food and drinks. In plain terms, you get moments where the game slows enough for a snack, a sit down, or a quick refuel.

This is a big value point, because central London can be hard on energy. If you plan to do this and then try to squeeze in a full dinner plan immediately after, you may be surprised by how much walking you do.

The reviews also hint at friendly staff at these stops. So if you need help, or you just want a quick reset, these checkpoints tend to act like small social moments built into the game.

What to expect from the walking (and how to stay comfortable)

This is a walking puzzle tour across central London. You should expect multiple stops and enough time on your feet that comfortable shoes matter.

I like that it tends to fit mixed age groups, but there is still walking distance. Even groups that said their children usually avoid walking kept going and finished without major complaints. That said, if you have very limited mobility, you should treat this as a “check first” situation, since the format relies on moving between clue locations.

Plan to dress for weather. One group described it as the wettest day of the year and still completed the clues. So bring rain gear if you are going in London’s typical unpredictable stretch.

The puzzle difficulty: fun challenge, not just sightseeing

The hunt is meant to make you think. Clue solving includes puzzles, riddles, and activities. You get that moment where the answer clicks and your team feels clever, not guided.

That satisfaction is one of the most praised aspects. Many groups highlighted the sense of achievement from solving clues that required out of the box thinking, plus the fun mystery element that kept them entertained all the way to the finish.

Still, do not assume it will be effortless. One reviewer said it was enjoyable but more challenging than expected, which left their group disappointed. Another point of caution: without clear checkpoints showing how much is left, you can end up feeling confused, especially if you miss a step early.

Finishing the story: why the finale can feel different

By design, you work through a trail until you reach the end location in Waterloo. The finale is part of the fun, but not everyone experiences it the same way. One group felt the ending was underwhelming, even though they had a lot of fun completing the event.

That tells me something useful for your expectations. Treat the last steps as a payoff to your work, not as a guaranteed wow moment. Your real win is the walk, the team problem solving, and the side streets you only reach because the clues send you there.

Price and value: $40.90 for a half-day game

At $40.90 per person, this is not a tiny impulse buy, but it is also not priced like a private guide day. The value comes from combining several things in one ticket:

• A structured 3 to 4 hour plan
• Phone delivery of clues and a story framework
• Time-efficient city exploring without needing separate museum tickets
• Built-in break points for food and drinks
• A team format that supports both adults and kids

If you are traveling in a group, it can compare favorably to doing guided tours plus multiple paid entries. If you are a solo traveler, it may still work, but you will likely want to line up with friends or join a team arrangement that fits your group size.

My practical advice: spend the energy prepping your phone number and confirming devices work, because that is where the hunt can save you money by avoiding wasted time.

Who this Hunt for (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you want a different type of London sightseeing day. You are not only looking at sights, you are solving your way across central neighborhoods.

It is ideal for:

• Friend groups who like puzzles and light rivalry
• Families who want kids engaged without constant lecturing
• Mixed-age groups where adults want challenge and kids want movement

It may be less ideal if:

• You hate walking-based activities
• Your group wants clear progress markers and certainty about timing
• You need a very guided feel with staff directing every step, since the phone clues drive most of the flow

Should you book The Hunt for the Cheshire Cat?

I’d book it if you want a clever London activity with real momentum, and you are traveling in a team of at least a few people. The strongest reason to go is the combination of puzzle solving plus city exploration that keeps you engaged for the full 3 to 4 hours.

I would hesitate if your group gets stressed by uncertainty. The lack of visible checkpoints can make some teams feel rushed or confused. If that describes your crew, do a quick pre-game strategy and agree on how you will handle missed turns.

FAQ

How long does The Hunt for the Cheshire Cat take?

It runs about 3 to 4 hours.

Where do we start and where do we finish?

You start at The Coal Hole, 91-92 Strand, London WC2R 0DW, UK, and you finish in Waterloo, London SE1.

Is it offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

Do I need a mobile phone number to join?

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

What group size does the hunt support?

You play in teams of 2 to 6 players. Larger groups can split into multiple teams.

Can we pause for breaks and food?

Yes. There are built-in break points for food and drinks, and you can pause the game whenever you like.

Is this a private activity for my group?

Yes. Only your group participates.

What are the opening hours for the experience?

It runs Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, during the stated operating period.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

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