The Hunt for the Cheshire Cat by HiddenCity

If you’re craving a fresh way to explore London’s lesser-known corners, the Hunt for the Cheshire Cat by HiddenCity offers a self-guided, Alice-inspired experience that’s as creative as it is engaging. Whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast, a family looking for an activity, or a group of friends eager to add a twist to sightseeing, this mobile adventure promises a memorable day out.

We love that the tour combines interactive riddles, scenic stops, and flexibility—you set the pace, and you get to see parts of London you might not stumble upon on your usual walk. The clues are praised for being both clever and achievable, making it suitable for a range of ages and puzzle skills.

One possible consideration is the requirement of a UK, US, or CA mobile number, which could be a hurdle for some international travelers without a local SIM or roaming plan. Still, for anyone who enjoys a good challenge combined with sightseeing, this adventure is likely to be a hit.

This tour is best suited for independent travelers, families with kids, and groups of friends who want a playful, immersive way to explore London’s streets. If you love riddles, storytelling, and discovering hidden gems, this experience fits the bill.

Key Points

• Engaging puzzles and riddles challenge your team creatively.
• Flexible pacing allows pauses and breaks whenever you wish.
• Discover lesser-known spots in central London beyond typical tourist routes.
• Suitable for all ages and varied puzzle skills, making it family-friendly.
• Includes a mobile ticket for easy access and contactless participation.
• Cost-effective at around $40, offering 3-4 hours of entertainment and exploration.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

The Hunt for the Cheshire Cat takes you on a 3-4 hour journey across central London, starting at The Coal Hole near the Strand and ending at Waterloo Station. This self-guided adventure combines mystery, sightseeing, and a bit of physical activity. You’ll be solving clues sent directly to your phone, which makes it incredibly convenient and modern—no paper maps or printed instructions needed.

Starting Point: The Coal Hole

The adventure kicks off just off the Strand at The Coal Hole pub, a cozy spot with a historic vibe. From here, you’re immediately thrown into the story, with clues delivered via WhatsApp-style messages. Many reviewers appreciate how the clues feel natural and creatively integrated, such as envelopes, books, and even interactions with characters.

Navigating the City

As you follow the trail, expect to visit secret locations that few Londoners may even know exist. The clues are designed to be clever without being impossible—reviewers mention that with a bit of thought, all challenges are achievable, but some demand genuine brainpower. This aspect makes the game engaging for puzzle lovers, while still being accessible enough for casual explorers.

Rest and Refreshment Breaks

An appreciated feature is the ability to pause the game at any time, making room for meals, snacks, or just catching your breath at a local pub or cafe. This flexibility means you can customize the experience, whether you want a quick 2-hour jaunt or a leisurely afternoon.

End Point: Waterloo

The game concludes near Waterloo, giving you the chance to explore this vibrant area afterward or hop onto other transport. This ending spot offers options for further sightseeing or a well-deserved rest after all the walking and solving.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Puzzle quality and creativity receive high praise from reviewers. The clues are described as cryptic but fair, with some interacting with locals or involving creative elements like envelopes and books. Multiple reviews mention how the game feels like stepping into Wonderland, with some clues referencing iconic elements from the story, adding a fun narrative layer.

Authentic London sights and hidden corners turn into puzzle pieces, making this more than just a walk. You might find yourself discovering a tucked-away pub or a charming alley that you’d normally miss. The experience isn’t just about the destination but about seeing familiar streets through a new lens.

Customer service and organization also shine through. Many reviewers mention how smooth the booking process is, with the game being easy to set up for teams. The fact that it’s a private activity adds a personalized touch, making it ideal for family groups or friends.

Pricing at about $40.62 per person offers excellent value given the time commitment and the unique experience. Considering the length and the interactive nature, it’s a cost-effective way to add some adventure to your London trip.

The Experience: What to Expect

Puzzles and activities are delivered via your mobile device, meaning you should ensure your phone is charged and ready. The clues include riddles, cryptic messages, and creative tasks that might involve visiting specific landmarks or finding hidden details.

Walking Distance: Expect to cover around 20,000 steps, according to one reviewer, which is ideal for those wanting a good bit of exercise. The route takes you through some of London’s less touristy areas, offering a fresh perspective on the city’s architecture and street life.

Group Size & Dynamics: The game works best with teams of 2-6 players, but larger groups can split into smaller teams to compete head-to-head. Reviewers appreciated the ability to play at their own pace, pausing for breaks, food, or quick sightseeing.

Duration & Timing: At 3-4 hours, it’s a perfect afternoon activity—long enough to be satisfying but not so long that it becomes tiring. The tour operates Monday through Friday from noon to 6 pm, giving flexible options for different schedules.

Accessibility & Practicalities: Service animals are allowed, and the activity is designed for most travelers to participate. Being near public transportation makes it easy to start and end the experience without hassle.

Authenticity and Hidden Gems

Many reviewers highlight how this tour shows parts of London they hadn’t explored before—hidden pubs, quiet alleyways, and local spots. One mentioned visiting old pubs steeped in history, which adds an extra layer of charm and authenticity. This element makes the tour particularly attractive for those who want a genuine local experience rather than typical touristy sites.

Customer Feedback: What Travelers Say

The overwhelmingly positive reviews reveal consistent themes. Participants find the puzzles clever, the clues well-thought-out, and the locations intriguing. Some loved how the storyline and characters make the experience feel immersive, as one reviewer noted how the game felt like being at a Mad Hatter’s tea party in Wonderland.

Many praised the friendly customer service and smooth organization. Several reviewers mentioned how this was their third or even fourth HiddenCity game, underscoring their trust and enjoyment of this format. The inclusion of local pubs and spots added a social element that many appreciated.

People also comment on the activity’s suitability for families with children, with younger participants especially engaged by the riddles and sights. It’s described as a great exercise, combining mental challenges with physical movement.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This self-guided quest is perfect for adventure-seeking explorers who want to see London from a different angle. Puzzle lovers will enjoy the challenge, and families or groups of friends can bond over solving clues together. The flexibility to pause and explore local spots makes it ideal for a relaxed yet intriguing day out.

If you’re after a cost-effective activity that combines sightseeing, storytelling, and interactive fun, this tour offers excellent value. It’s a fantastic way to turn a standard city walk into an engaging mystery adventure, all while discovering parts of London you’d likely miss on a typical sightseeing tour.

While it requires a mobile device and some patience with puzzles, the overall experience is praised as well-organized, creative, and thoroughly enjoyable. Whether you’re in London for a short visit or a local looking for a new way to explore, this game provides a unique, memorable outing.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, giving ample time to solve clues, take breaks, and enjoy the sights.

Where does the adventure begin?
The starting point is The Coal Hole at 91-92 Strand in London.

Can I pause the game whenever I want?
Yes, you can pause and resume the game at any time, which allows flexibility for eating, resting, or exploring along the route.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention kids staying engaged with the puzzles, making it family-friendly.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the mobile game and access to the experience. Food and drinks at locations are at your own expense.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
Service animals are allowed, and most travelers should be able to participate, though the walking distance is around 20,000 steps.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, on average, bookings are made about 35 days ahead, and the experience is best enjoyed with advance planning.

What should I bring?
Ensure your mobile device is charged, and wear comfortable shoes for walking around London’s streets.

In essence, The Hunt for the Cheshire Cat offers a delightful blend of puzzle-solving, sightseeing, and storytelling, making it an ideal choice for those looking to make their London visit engaging and memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle solver or a curious explorer, you’ll find plenty to love in this cleverly curated adventure.