We all have moments when we yearn to escape – be it from the grind of the nine-to-five, the dreariness of the weather or the constant doom and gloom of the economy.
Perhaps we even dream of fleeing to a place where we can almost become someone else, leaving emails, phones, and reality behind to step into another world entirely.
It’s a feeling Liz and Gordon Souter know only too well, which is why they spend as much of their free time as possible chasing adventures whether it`s fighting pirates or braving dangerous jungles as they feed their inner Harry Potter or Indiana Jones.
That’s because the couple, who live in Somerset, are huge fans of escape rooms: immersive, often theatrical themed adventure games in which, with the help of interactive props, players attempt to find clues and solve a series of puzzles to escape before time runs out.
‘Life can feel quite mundane,’ says Gordon, 42, who works in digital marketing. ‘But in an escape room, you use different parts of your brain to interact with a whole new world. If you think about Alice in Wonderland, some rooms create worlds that are amazing, terrifying, and completely absorbing. It’s incredible to experience.’
Liz, 39, an actor who also works in customer relations, agrees: ‘You enter a world, solve a story, and become part of it. Things start happening to you. It’s almost like theatre combined with puzzles and it`s completely engrossing – that’s why we love it.’
The duo had their first taste of escapism in 2015, when a friend persuaded them to join them for an escape room in central London.
They were hooked and what began as a casual pastime soon became a full-blown obsession. By 2018, they had launched their blog at reviewtheroom.co.uk dedicated to reviewing the growing number of escape rooms they visited.
Since then, they’ve played hundreds of games across the world as they seek out the best experiences. At the last count, the tally was 650.
Liz and Gordon Souter have been to more than 650 escape rooms around the world
Beyond the adrenaline and puzzles, Gordon and Liz say escape rooms have even strengthened their relationship. ‘It’s our happy place,’ Liz says. ‘We’ve learned to communicate better, to describe and solve things together. That carries over into our everyday life, too.’
That said, it’s not the cheapest hobby – sessions can cost at least £30 a head. As Gordon jokes: ‘We’d have a much nicer house if we didn’t do this.’
Their advice for first timers? Be open-minded. ‘It’s not just about being locked in a room and solving puzzles,’ Gordon says. ‘Go in ready to experience what the designers have created. The more you put in, the more you get out.’
So if you fancy visiting an escape room, where should you go? We asked Liz and Gordon to select their 40 UK favourites.
Bewilder Box, Brighton
Rogue AI – when an artificial intelligence system acts against its creators – is a common escape room theme, but the games at Bewilder Box are anything but common. In the Souters’ favourite – Judgement D.A.V.E – fans of Red Dwarf may recognise the voice of the particular AI in question – namely Norman Lovett aka Holly.
In this game, Masternet 9000 (a rogue artificial intelligence) has staged a mutiny of the Bewilder Box Initiative. Teams must journey deep into its cognitive training facility solving puzzles and using advanced field equipment to stop him before he escapes.
Says Gordon: ‘Great puzzles, a fair bit of humour, and a bit of a dilemma. We should mention that although there are no age limits, Bewilder Box is located above a pub, so if you’re planning to play either of their games with children, you’ll need to book a slot that finishes before 8pm due to licensing laws.’
Details: bewilderbox.co.uk
Compendium, Bury, Greater Manchester
The aim of the game isn’t to escape but rather solve as many puzzles as you can.
‘Frantic, frenetic, clever, and absolutely full of content, this is one of the few games that offers non-stop fun but is legitimately suitable for larger groups (of up to 12), regardless of age,’ says Liz.
Details: compendiumbury.co.uk
Case Closed, Edinburgh
There are two games here – the standout being ‘The Murder of Max Sinclair’. It begins with a private investigator, neck deep in a case, found in his office the walls soaked with warm blood.
The other cops see no sign of foul play, just a man who seems to have been at the end of his tether. But you’re not like the other cop, explains Gordon.
‘You’re detectives. Gritty, hard boiled, and not so quick to take things at face value. It sounds dark but this game feels as if murder mystery and escape rooms have had a baby. It’s perhaps a lighter puzzling experience but the immersion has been cranked up high. It has a clever use of lighting and hosting and an ending you won’t forget in a long time. Despite the theme, it’s suitable for your whole detective family.’
Details: caseclosededinburgh.co.uk
Cave Escape, Nottingham
Cave Escape takes its company name from the venue – the games are literally housed in caves under the building, where the unusual setting is used to their advantage.
‘Our favourite game there, Monuments, is based on the story of the Monuments Men, and the clever blend of actual historical events with clever puzzles creates an experience that’s hard to forget, whether you’re playing with friends or family,’ says Liz.
Details: caveescape.co.uk
Clue Cracker, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
If you’ve ever wanted to step into a video game, then the escape room based here, Mega Bite, is the choice for you, say Gordon and Liz.
You’ll be transported through a Zombie arcade game and thrown into a carbonic, mad-capped world that will have you on the edge of your seat.
‘The set is whimsical, and the puzzles are fun to solve. Get your kids away from their gaming devices and get them into a real-life video game. Honourable mention for Temple Quest at Clue Cracker too, which is another amazing game.’ says Gordon.
Details: cluecrackergames.co.uk
Clue HQ, Birmingham
‘Ordinarily we steer clear of larger chains and franchises,’ explains Gordon, but Clue HQ`s Birmingham venue is worth a visit as it is the home to a few games you can’t find at other Clue HQ locations.
Their favourite, The Legend of Miyalock, concerns treasure hidden deep within a mountain guarded by the spirit of the dragon – Malaki.
‘Long ago, leans heavily into technology, but it works, combining the AV effects with the physical set to create an immersive, almost cinematic, experience for all ages,’ says Gordon.
Details: cluehq.co.uk
Cluequest, London
Ever wonder what it would be like to be the size of a mouse? That`s what you get in cQ ORIGENES as you take on Professor BlackSheep and his distorted view of genetics (long story) to prevent a cyber-attack.
There are plenty of challenging puzzles, and a quirky, but beautifully designed set to fully immerse you. ‘ClueQuest also have multiple copies of all of their games, making them an ideal choice for larger teams… or a friendly competition,’ says Liz.
Details: cluequest.co.uk
Co-Decode, Swindon, Wiltshire
‘Co-Decode impressed us with their first, now closed, game,’ recalls Liz but the game Sub Terra has, she says, surpassed that: ‘The set is stunning, the puzzles are clever and integrated with the narrative, and the finale is perfection.’
Players do need to be 10-plus, and accompanied by an adult, but there’s nothing scary in this abandoned mine set, making it an ideal choice for anyone.
Details: co-decode.co.uk
Deadlocked Escape Rooms, Reading, Berkshire
The Reading Witch is a game which brings a flavour of European horror escape rooms to the UK, says Gordon.
‘This is a two-hour game that has live actors, clever set design and satisfying puzzles. Deadlocked is run by actors and from the moment you enter you will feel like you’re in your own real-life horror movie. You’re re almost guaranteed to come away with stories to tell.’
Not one to bring the kids too, but their sister venue, Knockout, is child friendly.
Details: deadlockedrooms.com/reading
Dreadlock Escape Rooms, Bodmin, Cornwall
Dreadlock keeps producing fun, family-friendly games, and they don`t seem to be slowing down, according to Liz. You Plonker! is an homage to Only Fools and Horses and contains some key design choices that fans of the show will enjoy.
Even if you don`t know the programme, this is a game that has space for the whole family and plenty of puzzles to keep you going. If you don’t want to travel far, it’s located in a holiday park, where you could stay.
Details: dreadlockescape.co.uk
EO Escape Rooms, Sudbury, Suffolk
Sometimes you want a night out, but don’t want a night out.
Karma Club is your solution as it’s the hottest club in Sudbury, and the whole family can take part.
Puzzles, music and partying combine for a great time on the dance floor – bad dancing optional but encouraged.
Details: eo-escape.co.uk
Escapable, Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Take a dash of puzzles, and a top hat full of magic and you have the recipe for a great escape known as The Great Loudini: Live.
You have been tasked by Harry Houdini himself to help retrieve one of his stolen diaries from imposter named The Great Loudini.
‘Months after playing this game we’re still baffled as to how they pulled off some of the magic tricks in this game,’ says Gordon.
‘Play Loudini with your family and you’ll be talking about it for a long time after. Just make sure you hold out for the Live Magic and Puzzles Edition. The game is still good without it, but it’s unforgettable. It will be worth the wait.’
Details: escapable.co.uk/loudini-live
Escape In The Towers, Canterbury, Kent
If you’ve ever wondered what it would have been like to be in a comms room during WW2, then this is for you.
The Comms Room is non-stop, puzzle-solving, enemy spotting, good time. ‘This game is sure to get the adrenaline going for the whole family and give a glimpse into history,’ says Liz.
Details: onepoundlane.co.uk/escape
Escape Plan Ltd, London
The Luftwaffe is invading! Can you save Britain in time? Well, you can if you try The Battle of Britain, one of a number of games at this venue.
‘All the games at Escape Plan are great, but Battle for Britain is our favourite,’ says Gordon. ‘With beautifully made props and an ending that ramps up the adrenaline to 11/10 this is one not to be missed. Perfect for the whole family.’
Details: escapeplanltd.com
Escape Quest, Macclesfield, Cheshire
Mr Copplestone invented the world’s first time machine back in 1873, the story goes – and with the game on offer here, you can become a time detective in Mr Copplestone`s Curiosity Shoppe.
‘Escape Quest only ever runs one game at a time due to how it uses its; space, and they’re all excellent,’ says Gordon.
‘The clever set design is one thing, but the puzzles are something else. You can win without completing everything, and the maximum number of echo crystals to collect is a closely guarded secret.’
This curiosity shoppe has space for the whole family – and, they have a Christmas game too.
Details: escapequest.co.uk
Escape, Reading, Berkshire
‘Unlike the vast majority of magic-themed games we’ve played, Age of Magic at Escape Reading doesn’t draw much inspiration from a certain wizarding-world franchise,’ says Liz.
‘This game is unique, beautiful, and dare we say, magical? Although the theme is family-friendly, the game is challenging, and therefore recommended for a minimum of three players, where any children should be aged 12-plus.’
Details: escapereading.co.uk
Escape Room Cottage, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Slightly different as this isn’t just an escape room, it’s a cottage where you can stay the night (or week).
After you book, you’ll receive a taste of the mystery you’ll be solving, as well as the first puzzle which should tell you how to open the key safe.
Then – assuming you solve that one – you’ll have the house to yourselves for a whole long weekend to uncover its secrets. Part of the experience is a treasure hunt round Tewkesbury – a fun way to discover this historic town.
‘A beautiful home filled with puzzles, and set in beautiful Tewkesbury, this is perfect for a family break, time away with friends, or a romantic weekend,’ says Liz.
Details: escaperoomcottage.com
Escape Rooms, Cardiff
‘Did you know that Cardiff has two castles,’ asks Gordon. ‘It has the big showy one in town, and a lesser-known one located at Escape Rooms, Cardiff.
‘The puzzles are enjoyable, but the star of the show is the set. It feels like you’re in a castle from 1404, and the whole family is sure to enjoy this one. Pair it with a trip to the real castle for both an educational and fun day out.’
Details: escaperoomscardiff.co.uk
Escapologic, Nottingham
‘Choosing a highlight at Escapologic wasn`t easy there are a selection of games and they are all good,’ says Liz.
‘But pushed to choose, it’s got to be Immaterium, a game built in collaboration with Games Workshop that takes place in the Warhammer 40,000 universe [where a stagnant human civilisation is beset by hostile aliens and supernatural creatures].
‘You don`t need to like Warhammer to enjoy the game, but if you do, you`ll get a real kick from it. Not a game for younger kids, but teens and older should have a great time. If you’re wanting to play with children, maybe think about Robin of Locksley instead.’
Details: escapologic.com
Escaporium, Halifax, West Yorkshire
Among the games on offer is the year-round Christmas Advent-Ure game. A drunken elf has hidden all the Christmas tips and bonuses – and now the other elves need human help to find all their PUDs (Polar Union Dollars) before Santa arrives one hour later.
‘This is family fun filled with puzzles that are suitable for all ages. We played in February, but it’s worth a play regardless of the time of year, it’s just so joyful,’ says Gordon. ‘If Christmas games aren’t your thing, Area 51 1/2 is another puzzle fest.’
Details: theescaporium.com/rooms
Exit60, Newport, South Wales
‘Exit60 is one of our favourite companies in Wales, and the game Redbeard`s Revenge is part of the reason,’ says Liz.
Players form a rescue team to take on the dastardly Blackbeard, who has kidnapped Redbeard and stolen all of his gold. As Redbeard’s fearless crew, you have to sneak onto his ship, rescue your captain and reclaim the precious treasure.
‘This game is a perfect example of a classic escape room, and that plus the abundance of content, makes it perfect for players regardless of whether they’re playing their first escape room, or their 100th,’ says Liz.
Details: exit60.co.uk
Extremescape, Disley, Cheshire
All the games at Extremescape are top quality, but the 75-minute, says Gordon, but his favourite is Viking.
The game is set in the Kingdom of the Viking Gods – specifically in the House of Thor. To attempt to prevent Thor’s succession to the throne, Lowki, Thor’s menacing brother, has stolen Thor’s enchanted hammer, without which he cannot protect the human race. Well, you can guess what you have to do.
‘The set of the game feels authentic… and you finish on a high,’ says Gordon. Not for children under 14.
Details: extremescape.co.uk
Hounds Immersive Experiences, Crawley, West Sussex
The hosts at Hounds are always in character and their game, The Explorer’s Diary, will have you believing you are Indiana Jones.
Set in Peru in 1946, Sir Benjamin Diggit, a famous archaeologist, has disappeared along with his treasures. Following his ruined diary, and assisted by a rather stuck-up member of the British Authorities, the mission is to find him.
‘Get your family fedoras out of storage and be ready for an adventure filled with puzzles, mystery and snakes,’ says Gordon.
Details: houndsescape.co.uk
Levelup Escapes, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
A Quartet of games are on offer here but the Souters’ favourite is the Shrewsbury Express, although, Liz admits, it’s a hard experience to put into words: ‘You simply must play it. It is bonkers from start to finish and you’ll walk away wondering what you have just experienced.’
The game takes place after a night out in Birmingham, with the players due to head home on the Shrewsbury Express — a train that has never missed a departure in its history. Until now…
Liz adds: ‘The actors are enthusiastic, the puzzles are fun, and the set takes you on quite the journey. Kids will love it, train enthusiasts will love it, lovers will love it. Actually, everyone will love it.’
Details: levelupescapes.com
Lucardo, Rawtenstall, Lancashire
Several games are on offer here, but Dragon’s Heart is the Souters’ favourite, which involves recovering the eponymous Dragon’s Heart after it has been stolen from the University of Magic.
‘If you want to feel like a certain famous young wizard, the game Dragons Heart is for you since you’ll be casting spells, making potions and solving puzzles to your heart’s content. Young and old wizards over the age of 10 can apply for admission to this beautifully designed university.’
Details: levelupescapes.com
M4 Escapes, Chippenham, Wiltshire
The favourite game here is one for dinosaur lovers: Dino Deadlock is a Jurassic-themed Escape Room designed to fully immerse you into the Jurassic dinosaur era.
‘It’s not the biggest of spaces, but there’s plenty of space for the whole family to explore. The puzzles will test all your skills, and just be careful, there may be dinosaurs that you need to avoid!’
Details: m4escapes.co.uk
Make Your Escape, Derby
There are four games here and Gordon and Liz, opt for two of them: Dystopia and Utopia – technically two one-hour games, but thanks to some clever designing, you can play them back-to-back as a two-hour super experience.
‘The narrative of the two intertwine to bring two very different rooms together in one interesting story. Dystopia is gritty and edgy; Utopia is more modern and slick,’ says Gordon.
Details: makeyourescapederby.com
Unsolved Mysteries, Gillingham, Kent
The games at Unsolved Mysteries feel a world away from the fort that they’re located in. And the favourite game here is especially creepy – taking place in a remote cabin known to be occupied by Bill Tanner, a serial killer who has a reputation for creating twisted games to test his victims.
‘The Cabin uses space in a clever way and has a unique games master system that we’ve not seen elsewhere. With a darker theme this isn’t a game you’d want to bring younger children to, but some teens would probably enjoy the creepy vibe,’ says Gordon.
Details: unsolvedmysteriesescaperooms.com
Marvo Mysteries, Bournemouth
Marvo, where volunteers look to recover a mysterious artifact, was a passion project for the owners, and it shows.
Liz says: ‘There is so much love and attention in not just the game, but the whole venue that you can’t help but be amazed. There are enough puzzles for the whole family, and a great set, to boot. Just make sure you take some time to check out their waiting area; it’s like a museum to geek/film culture and it’s beautiful.’
Details: marvomysteries.co.uk
Mindworks, Worthing, West Sussex
Have you ever watched TV game shows and thought: I want to do that? If so, then the game Trapped for Cash is a must, says Liz.
This is a game that has all the magic of classic TV, a wonderful host, and a stupid amount of puzzles (of all styles). Not all is as it seems though so prepare for twists and turns. Take the whole family along and see if you can win that speed boat you’ve always dreamed of.
Details: mindworks-escaperooms.co.uk
Other World Escapes, Portsmouth
The favourite game here is the Journey to Xibalba, a battle through dense jungle and ancient ruins to make your way to the underworld to undergo various trials.
‘This 90-minute experience is possibly the most physical game we’ve played in the UK,’ says Gordon. ‘So make sure you wear proper adventuring attire if you choose this adventure. Climbing, crawling, small spaces, dark spaces, low ceilings… this has it all.’
This game is highly immersive, and suitable for all ages, but players will need to be pretty mobile to enjoy it fully.
Details: otherworldescapes.com
Panic Room, Gravesend, Kent
Panic Room is a staple for entertainment in Gravesend, and they currently have 13 escape rooms, plus axe throwing.
The Souters say: ‘Hell House is their stand-out game for us as the set feels like a full-sized house. A dark 75-minute game, with dark themes, and challenging puzzles, plus a lot to explore. Not one for the young – players have to be 12-plus with an adult. But a good game to test your bravery.’
Details: thepanicroom.net
Paradox Parlours, Guildford, Surrey
AI is now part of our world whether we like it or not. But what happens when there’s a bug in the system? The answer is the Venus escape room.
‘This is a tech heavy game, with humour and puzzles in abundance. Venus will be on hand to assist you, but also annoy, irritate, slow down, and mock you,’ says Gordon. Surely a family favourite and great to show the kids (11-plus) what AI is capable of.
Details: paradoxparlours.com
Phantom Peak, Canada Water, London
This is a bit of a cheeky inclusion in the list, says Liz. ‘Phantom Peak is not an escape room, but an immersive four-hour experience – but it does have puzzles, so we’re counting it. It’s like WestWorld meets platypuses.
‘It’s an amazing set, filled with wonderfully strange characters and plenty of puzzle trails to keep you occupied.
‘Or, you can spend your time eating food and hanging out at the bar and just watching the world go by. Take the whole family along, and the more you put into this, the more you get out.’
Details: phantompeak.com
Pier Pressure, Brighton
Home to several escape rooms, but the game Loot the Lanes has been considered among Escape Room aficionados to be one of the best in the UK.
Players must steal the legendary Brighthelm diamond – put aside to save the city – before ruthless thieves pinch it for their own nasty purposes.
‘The set is gorgeous, and the game is fast paced,’ says Liz. ‘It’s suitable for everyone, although not recommended for smaller teams unless you’re particularly experienced as there’s a lot to do.’
Details: pierpressure.co.uk
Prodigy Escapes & Experiences, Exeter, Devon
‘The team at Prodigy Escapes honed their set design skills with immersive haunts and scare attractions, but our favourite game here, The Lost Temple, is far from scary,’ says Gordon.
‘The difficulty level in this game – which is set in the deepest jungle – is scalable, so you can choose the right level of challenge for your team.
‘And even though there was one puzzle that made Liz rage with the force of 1,000 suns on difficult mode (don’t worry, it’s really not that bad), the game was so lovely that this still makes it into our top recommendations.’
Details: prodigyescapes.co.uk
Temple Of The Volcano God, Taunton, Somerset
Tucked away in Somerset and set within Reynard’s Adventures is a gem of an escape room called Temple of the Volcano God.
‘Playing this game will make you feel like a real tomb raider as you explore the beautifully crafted rooms and try to avoid the traps,’ says Liz.
‘It’s a bit tight in places so it’s a maximum of four players, but under 16s are welcome with an adult. Puzzles in this game are tactile and satisfying to solve, with not a padlock in sight.’
Details: reynardsadventures.com
Tempo, Bath
Located in the Temperance Hall in Bath, Eternal Life is a game that is suitable for players 14 and above.
Set in 1947, it hinges around a volcanic eruption that threatens an ancient temple on an uncharted island in the East Indies. Players have to puzzle their way to finding the fabled golden idol of AtumAtum and flee the island before lava consumes the Temple of the Volcano God.
‘This game is designed to test you, and tested you will be. The puzzles are just the right level of challenging, and the set has some really fun wow; moments,’ says Gordon.
Details: reynardsadventures.com
The Escapement, Margate, Kent
A trio of games are on offer here, but the Souters standout is The Pit escape room. Here the Earth is in peril and the players, a team of novice miners, are the planet’s last hope. Hop into a minecart and zoom through thrilling tunnels as you embark on a high-energy, fun-filled mission.
‘Admittedly, it’s been a few years since we played this game, but our experience in The Pit is still among the best we’ve had in the UK,’ says Liz.
‘The Escapement design absolutely stunning games, both in terms of gameplay and visuals, and that goes for all of the games here. But The Pit was just special. The clever flow of the puzzles with the narrative, as well as the world building between names make The Escapement a reason to book a visit to the seaside.’
Details: escapementmargate.co.uk
Tulleys, Crawley, West Sussex
Tulleys are possibly the highest budget escape rooms in the UK and Spell Craft is the top of them.
This set will blow you away, and there are enough puzzles to keep the whole family going flat out for the entire game, says Liz: ‘The less we say about this game, the better. Just go with an open mind and prepare to be blown away when you see what Tulleys have created.’
Details: tulleysescape.com
And five things we DON’T like about escape rooms… Worn out, tired props.A single games master for multiple games – which can mean delays in getting help when needed.An extra cost or a limit on hints.Too much darkness – rooms can be atmospheric, but you need to see what you’re doing.The games master being in the room with you – live actors are great, but having a host starring at you the whole time is really off putting.
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