The Hunt for the Cheshire Cat by HiddenCity

Imagine wandering through London’s streets, not just sightseeing but actively participating in a storybook adventure. For $40.62 per person, you can spend about three to four hours following in the footsteps of the Cheshire Cat, solving riddles, uncovering secret locations, and exploring parts of the city many overlook. This self-guided, mobile-based tour begins at The Coal Hole near Strand and ends near Waterloo, weaving through central London, mixing fun puzzles with a dash of literary magic.

What makes this experience stand out? First, its interactive nature—you’re not just walking around and looking at monuments but actively engaging with the city in a game-like quest. Second, the flexibility to pause and pick up the hunt at your own pace, making it perfect for families, friends, or solo explorers craving a unique twist on sightseeing.

A potential consideration? It’s designed as a challenging activity—some puzzles might require a bit of thought—so it’s best for those who enjoy brain teasers. Also, since it involves using your phone for clues, a reliable mobile connection helps keep the adventure smooth.

This tour is ideal for independent travelers, puzzle lovers, families with kids, and anyone interested in discovering London from a fresh perspective. If you enjoy creative challenges and exploring secret corners of a city, this game will keep you entertained and active.

Key Points

• Engaging and Interactive: Solve riddles and puzzles while exploring central London.
• Flexible Experience: Pause the game anytime, go at your own pace.
• Suitable for All Ages: Fun for families, friends, and solo explorers.
• Authentic Hidden Treasures: Discover locations few travelers see.
• Great for Puzzle Fans: Challenging but achievable clues keep everyone engaged.
• Cost-Effective: Offers immersive value at just over $40 per person.

A Deep Dive into the Adventure

Setting the Scene: A Playful London Treasure Hunt

The experience kicks off at The Coal Hole, a historic pub near the Thames, known for its Victorian charm and lively atmosphere. From there, your team—ideally between 2 to 6 players—receives a trail of clues sent directly to your phone. The clues are a mix of riddles, cipher puzzles, and interactive activities, often incorporating creative elements like envelopes and books, which many reviewers appreciated.

One reviewer raved, “The clues are brilliant — both the WhatsApp messages and the physical puzzles at stops — making the entire experience feel like a real adventure.” The game’s design encourages teamwork, with some groups splitting into smaller teams to race against each other, adding a fun competitive aspect.

The Journey: From Landmarks to Hidden Gems

Over the course of 3 to 4 hours, your route takes you through well-known sights and lesser-known corners of London. As you follow the trail, you’ll visit landmarks that are often missed by typical travelers, uncovering stories and sights that make London truly special.

One reviewer noted, “This is a superb treasure hunt unfolding throughout the city and leading you into places you don’t even know exist,” highlighting how this experience broadens your view of the city. You’ll walk an estimated 20,000 steps, so comfortable shoes are a must, but you’ll also get to pause at charming pubs and cafes along the way, perfect for breaks and snacks.

Puzzles and Clues: Challenging but Rewarding

The clues are described as cryptic and clever, providing a satisfying challenge. Reviewers repeatedly mentioned how the puzzles strike a balance — not so hard that they’re frustrating but enough to keep everyone thinking. “The tasks are challenging but achievable,” one said, adding that it’s a great way to spend a day exploring London’s diverse neighborhoods.

Because the clues are sent via WhatsApp, you’ll want reliable mobile coverage. This modern twist keeps the experience seamless and allows for real-time interaction. The game also includes interactions with characters or elements that evoke the Wonderland theme, making the experience immersive and playful.

Food, Rest Stops, and Local Charms

While the tour itself doesn’t include food, many stops are at historic pubs and eateries where you can take a break or grab a drink. Several reviews mention calling at beautiful old pubs, steeped in history, which added to the fun and authentic feel of the adventure.

The Reviewers Say It Best

With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 195 reviews, the tour receives glowing praise. One reviewer described it as “brilliant fun activity for all,” while others appreciated the way it revealed parts of London they’d never seen before. Many shared how the puzzles made the day both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating, perfect for families with children or groups of friends looking for something different.

Practical Details That Matter

• Price: $40.62 per person is a good value considering the duration, level of engagement, and access to hidden corners of London.
• Duration: 3 to 4 hours, flexible enough to fit into a day’s sightseeing.
• Booking: Book about 35 days in advance, especially in peak seasons.
• Meeting Point: Close to public transit, at The Coal Hole, with clear instructions.
• Accessibility: Service animals are allowed; most travelers can participate. Ensure your group can handle walking and puzzle-solving.

Why We Think This Tour Delivers Value

What sets this experience apart? Primarily, it’s the blend of cultural sightseeing and puzzle-solving—allowing you to explore London while actively participating in a story. If you’re someone who enjoys uncovering hidden secrets or solving riddles, you’ll find this tour a satisfying challenge.

The self-guided format means you can go at your own speed, pause for breaks, and truly tailor the experience to your interests. The inclusion of interactive clues and physical challenges keeps the journey lively and engaging. Plus, many reviews mention the excellent customer service and the creativity of the clues, making it clear that HiddenCity has put thought into crafting a high-quality experience.

While the price is modest, the value lies in the unique combination of sightseeing, mental stimulation, and fun. It’s perfect for those who want to see some of London’s best-known sights and discover offbeat locations, all while feeling like they’re part of an adventure.

Ideal for…

• Puzzle enthusiasts looking for a challenge
• Families wanting a fun, active way to explore together
• Solo travelers seeking a different perspective on London
• Groups of friends craving a team activity that combines sightseeing and fun

FAQs About The Hunt for the Cheshire Cat

How long does the tour take?
It lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on how long you take at each stop.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention kids enjoyed solving puzzles and exploring London with family. Just consider the complexity of some riddles if your children are very young.

What’s included in the price?
You get the game, clues, and access to a curated route through London. Food and drinks are at your own expense, and the tour starts at The Coal Hole near Strand.

Do I need a specific phone provider?
The tour requires a UK, US, or Canadian mobile number to receive clues via WhatsApp. A reliable mobile connection helps ensure a smooth experience.

Can I join with a big group?
Yes, teams are limited to 2-6 players, but you can split large groups into multiple teams to race each other or explore separately.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided experience. However, the clues are designed to feel interactive and engaging, and customer service is available if you need help.

Can I start the game at any time?
The tour operates Monday to Friday from noon to 6 PM, and booking in advance is recommended.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking around London’s streets for several hours, so comfortable shoes and a reasonable level of mobility are recommended.

Final Thoughts

The Hunt for the Cheshire Cat by HiddenCity offers a wonderful mix of adventure, puzzle-solving, and sightseeing that appeals to a broad range of travelers. It transforms a typical day in London into a storybook quest, uncovering sights off the beaten path along the way.

If you love creative challenges and exploring cities in a playful way, this tour will keep you engaged and active. It’s particularly suited to those who enjoy solving riddles, discovering hidden corners, and sharing the experience with friends or family. With its high praise and excellent reviews, it’s clear this is a memorable way to see London from a different angle—one riddled with fun.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor wanting an immersive experience or a local seeking something fresh, this adventure promises a delightful day filled with discovery and laughter.