Somehow, despite our dimness we got the room record for The Mine. Ok, it hadn’t been open long but I could see enthusiasts fly through this room as it wasn’t the most challenging.
South West
List of the rooms we have reviewed in the South West. In date order from newest to oldest
Escapism: Accused (Plymouth)
Accused is another solid offering from Escapism Plymouth, with good puzzles, and a great pace. But really, if you’re playing a game here, you can’t really go wrong with any of them.
Live Escape: The Brig (Salisbury)
Something a little different Play The Brig escape room in Salisbury at our 14th century venue in The Cross Keys. This game can be played on its own with up to 5 players or as part of a versus escape experience for 4-11 people. Captured by the East India Trading Company you and your pirate […]
Escape Plymouth: Beanstalk (Plymouth)
There aren’t many games we have quit on while still having time to solve remaining puzzles, but this is one of them. It left a very sour taste in our mouths and unfortunately, I think reminded us why we don’t usually visit the ‘Escape’ venues. This game promised a lovely fairytale-like word, instead it was like we were in an odd home/office.
Excape: The Vault (Exmouth)
This game was a surprising hit for us. Perhaps it’s because we went in with low expectations, but the recommendation was a good one and we had fun breaking into yet another vault. Decent set design, an adrenaline filled ending, and lovely hosting made our time in The Vault a fun one.
Prodigy Escape Rooms: The Lost Temple (Exeter)
This game is clearly a step-up for Prodigy on set design and the tech they have integrated into the experience. Ok, one or two puzzles annoyed us, but we still enjoyed our time in The Lost Temple, and it was nice to see them make a more challenging game that enthusiasts can get stuck into.
Arcadia Escape Rooms: The Crypt (Fordingbridge)
This game worked out at just over £4 per minute that we were in it, and if you ignore wasted time then that figure rises closer to £8 per minute. A premium price for an experience that just felt a bit lacking and frustrating.
Escapism Plymouth: Forge (Plymouth)
Escapism Plymouth have delivered another solid and satisfying game. With the dynamic difficulty (i.e. extra puzzles) in Forged, this game is a sound choice whether you’re an experienced puzzler, or looking to try your first game.
Escapism Plymouth: Wrecked (Plymouth)
Wrecked was a fun game, with enjoyable puzzles and a good flow. The first games we played as Escapism Plymouth were good, but it looks like they are always looking for ways to improve.
Escape Rooms Cheltenham: Cheese Robbers (Cheltenham)
Cheese Robbers has a lovely premise and is very family friendly, with bright colours, some entertaining moments, and of course, scalable difficulty. We didn’t click particularly well with the game, but that was possibly more to do with us than the game. Either way, we still had fun stealing the cheese.
Locked in a Room: Parallax (Center Parcs, Longleat)
Parallax is a perfectly acceptable game, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend enthusiasts playing it at Center Parcs simply due to the price
Escapism: Radioactive (Plymouth)
The puzzles in this game really clicked with us, and we quite enjoyed the theming too. It’s nice to play a room that perhaps has a darker side without being a physically dark room. More rooms with decent lighting, please.
Escapism: Breadcrumbs (Plymouth)
This is classed as the easiest game at this venue, and it may be, but I’m not sure. It was a fun game with cute set design. Ignoring the slightly dark undertones of the story, I could see this game being a family favourite.
Escapism: Legacy (Plymouth)
Not the hardest of games, but we had a good time in Legacy. The puzzles ranged in difficulty and type and the openness of the game allowed us to split up and do our own thing. A good first game to start off our Escapism Plymouth binge day.
Escapism: The Missing (Plymouth)
The Missing is the epitome of “Classic Escape Room.” The set build is decent, with fun and engaging puzzles that are sure to delight those new to escape games, and please seasoned enthusiasts.
Cornwall’s Great Escape Rooms: Fractured Fairytales (Helston)
This game is arguably on the easier side and experienced teams will likely fly through it. But as a stop-over game, or a family game, it’s probably set just right. The set design was lovely, the puzzles made sense, and it made for a fun (albeit short) experience.
Escape Time: Prison X (St Ives)
Prison X was pretty much your standard prison escape type of game, but with a slight twist at the end – oh and a washing machine, because, why not? If you’re in St Ives and looking for a game to play, then this more traditional style escape room could help you escape the busy streets below
Cornwall’s Great Escape Rooms: The Family Business (Newlyn)
This room is probably ok for the market it is intended for, and most people will probably love it. For some reason it just didn’t click with us and I’m not sure why
Cornwall’s Great Escape Rooms: The Secrets aboard the Jolly Roger (Newlyn)
You can’t come to Cornwall and not play a pirate themed escape room. We found the Secrets aboard the Jolly Roger, and had a good time doing it. The room won’t wow you, but it was an enjoyable time and most of the puzzles were fair and enjoyable to solve.
Dreadlock Escape Rooms: Detention (Bodmin)
Considering the theme was ‘Detention’, I can’t quite work out why, but this game was a delight. The puzzles were well thought out and the game flowed well. I think it helped that the room felt quite new and clean, but this game has cemented the fact that I think Dreadlock may be our favourite venue in Cornwall.
Reynard’s Adventures: Temple of the Volcano God (Taunton)
This is a game that is sure to turn beginners into enthusiasts. The set design was beautiful and the puzzles were not the most challenging, but were fun.
Prodigy Escapes: The Haunting of Mount Clifton Manor (Exeter)
Thanks to the excellent puzzle flow and creepy ambiance, I thoroughly enjoyed The Haunting of Mount Clifton Manor, but what makes it even more impressive is that it is the company’s first game. I’m looking forward to seeing what Prodigy Escapes do next (particularly as it’s rumoured to be my favourite theme.)
Prodigy Escapes: Mission Impawsible (Exeter)
There’s no point avoiding it, this is a game designed for beginners and it shows. As enthusiasts we weren’t challenged in this game but we still enjoyed it. If you’re looking for a game to try and convince friends (or family) that they really should play an escape room – this is the game you want
Red House Mysteries: The Danziger Experiment (Exeter)
This wasn’t a bad game, and in places it was fun. Unfortunately the one GM for two games decision is what let our experience down. I understand that this is probably due to financial reasons but we’re yet to play at a company who runs this way and offers a better experience than one GM for one game.
Eureka Escape: Cabin Fever (Penzance)
This game feels like it was made for the surroundings it is in. It won’t wow you, but nothing felt out of place. Puzzle wise there was nothing too complex, although we found one of the search puzzles a bit sneaky, and another puzzle had too many options and made it too easy to get distracted.
Eureka Escape: Death by Prescription (Penzance)
Of the two games we played at Eureka Escapes, Death by Prescription was my preferred. There were a number of satisfying puzzles, and very little ambiguity which can sometimes lead to frustration in escape rooms.
Riddlr: The Wizard’s Apprentice (Bristol)
The Wizard’s Apprentice is a game that needs no hesitation to book. With solid puzzles, an immersive atmosphere, and actual moments of magic, this is one magic school I was very happy to attend.
11th Hour Escapes: Criminal Record (Bromham)
I love it when a game is a lovely space to be in, not just because of the set design, but because of the puzzles too. Criminal Record was fun from start to end and the puzzles perfectly complemented the set. Credit to 11th Hour Escapes for making a murder mystery fun again!
11th Hour Escapes: Victoria’s Last Challenge (Bromham)
Victoria’s Last Challenge is the epitome of classic escape room, with solid and logical puzzles that are sure to thrill new escapees and please enthusiasts.
Riddlr: Decade Runner (Bristol)
I wish this was a 90 minute room, simply so I could have had more time to enjoy the space. This game was challenging but I loved every minute spent in it. Best game in Bristol? I think so.
Riddlr: Nautilus (Bristol)
I can see why Nautilus is the go-to recommendation for Bristol. Strong set design, solid puzzles, a great sense of adventure, and a bit of fun along the way make this a game that we will have no hesitation in recommending
Riddlr: Seance (Bristol)
It’s always nice to set a new room record, not just for bragging rights but because it shows that a room clicked with us, meaning the puzzles were logical and fair. Couple that with some good set design and some entertaining jump scares, and Séance is a fun game to play and one we would recommend if you’re in town.
U-Escape: The Barber Shop Mystery (Bournemouth)
The Barber Shop Mystery was a pleasure to play, with a lovingly crafted set and thoroughly pleasing puzzles. Of the games at U-Escape this is the one most suited for larger teams, but really, it’s great for everyone!
U-Escape: Psycho Surgeon Escape (Bournemouth)
Psycho Surgeon is a fun game with plenty of creep factor for those that like a darker game, and plenty of satisfying puzzles for those that care more about the puzzles than the atmosphere.
U-Escape: Franksy (Bournemouth)
Easily our favourite game at U-Escape. Franksy has a unique theme, with unique puzzles, and great set design. This is by far the most challenging of games at this venue, especially if you complete it on the hardest setting, but it’s great fun and if you’re in Bournemouth get it booked!
The Great Big Escape: Hop House Homicide (Dorchester)
This room felt like it was set up in a rush just so they could get their doors open. Sparse set design, lacking puzzles, frustrating puzzles, and a very anti-climatic ending meant we left just feeling a bit flat. This game has a premium price tag, but it was not a premium experience.
Escape Down the Rabbit Hole: Escape the Bus (Barnstaple) [CLOSED]
Speed is actually one of my favourite films, so to play a game that has taken inspiration from one of the greats was actually a great deal of fun. Escape the Bus was a bit of a surprise, and I found that of the two games available at Escape Down the Rabbit Hole, it was my favourite.
Escape Down the Rabbit Hole: The College of Magic (Barnstaple) [CLOSED]
Games in the South West seem heavily targeted to the passing tourist market, so enthusiasts are unlikely to be challenged. At £60 for a team of two, this is not a cheap experience and it certainly didn’t feel like it warranted such a high price, but we had fun, and (other than the first) the puzzles made sense and were logical.
Devon Escape: D-Day for Devon (Newton Abbot)
D-Day for Devon was definitely the highlight of the day during our time at Devon Escapes, with puzzles that clicked and a game that flowed, not to mention a nice set and an unexpected twist as we approached the finale.
Devon Escape: Death on Dartmoor (Newton Abbot)
Possibly the most impressive set (at least early on) at this venue, but thanks to one puzzle we found this game a little unsatisfying. I’d probably rate it as the second best game at Devon Escape but it is still worth playing if you’re in the area.
Devon Escape: Professor Enright’s Enigma (Newton Abbot)
We entered this room expecting it to be easier, but we were certainly mistaken. An error on our part made this room much harder than it should have been. But the puzzles were decent, the theming was adequate and we had fun – so that works for us.
Lock and Code: National Elf Service (Weston-Super-Mare)
Because of the short lifespan of Christmas rooms we can understand companies not making them as refined as their other rooms. Saying that, National Elf Service had a decent story, authentic 90s set dressing, and one or two puzzles that brought a smile to our face – and that’s what it’s all about.
Random-Rooms: The Old Hospital Room (Newport)
We hoped to finish on a high at Random-Rooms, but I think The Old Hospital was our least favourite game of the day. One puzzle just felt like a massive leap and that caused us to end the game with more frustration than fun.
Random Rooms: The Cell (Newport)
The Cell has a unique twist on an otherwise familiar theme. In all, it was a decent game, with fair puzzles, but was ultimately a bit of a let down with an anticlimactic finish.
Random-Rooms: The Dragon Room (Newport)
For a room called ‘The Dragon Room’, it felt like it was lacking something, and I think that would probably be a dragon. Two big puzzles slowed down the game for us and kinda killed the buzz, up until that point we were enjoying it, then it just became a bit frustrating.
Random-Rooms: The Random Room (Newport)
This room certainly lived up to its name, it was very random. We clicked with the puzzles and found it to be an easy game, strangely it was probably the game we enjoyed the most at Random-Rooms.
DreadLock: Witch Way Out?! (Bodmin)
I’m a sucker for a story, so Witch Way Out?! was my preferred game at Dreadlock, with decent puzzles and just a fun atmosphere, intertwined with the story. Whichever game you choose, Dreadlock are well worth a visit if you’re in the area… or you could always play two.
Genius Escapes: Nuclear Nightmare (Southampton)
If you’re an enthusiast looking for a challenging room, then play this one on Genius level. This is a challenging but fair game and despite feeling like we were going to crash and burn multiple times, we thoroughly enjoyed our time averting the Nuclear Nightmare.
Roomsmiths: The Naked Eye (Plymouth)
In a way this felt like it should be a hard room as there was a lot to do, but it clicked with our team and we got out in super-quick time. It’s cosy in places but really opens up so I’d imagine that bigger teams will probably still find things to do.
Housetrap Escape Rooms: Seance (Bodmin)
Of the games that we played at Housetrap, across both venues, Seance was my favourite. With a spooky atmosphere and a few jump scares, the real highlights for me were the moments of supernatural activity, and the surprises that came with it. Plus, the puzzles were pretty good too
Housetrap Escape Rooms: Aquarium (Bodmin)
This game would probably be a good choice for a family if you’re looking for an escape room near Bodmin, enthusiasts also may enjoy it, but for us it just didn’t click. The game had a cute feel to it but the puzzles weren’t our cup of tea.
Housetrap Escape Rooms: Tumbleweed (Indian Queens)
Despite the odd setting in Gnome World, we were pleasantly surprised by Tumbleweed. It had good set dressing, solid puzzles, and nice and open gameplay, the fact that it was 90 minutes was also a bonus. If you’re in Cornwall, this one is worth a detour
Logic Box: Santa and the Missing Pocket Watch (Highbridge)
We normally crash and burn in Christmas games, but this one clicked more than normal, although we still did have our moments. This is a lovely, family friendly game, and perfect for getting you in the Christmas spirit (even if you play in November).
DreadLock: Let the Games Begin (Bodmin)
This game is unlikely to challenge enthusiasts, and if you’re a fan of story you may want to look elsewhere. But, if you just want a fun, unpretentious game that is all about the puzzles and nothing else, then this is a good shout.
Logic Box: The Mystery of Loke Lake (Highbridge)
The Mystery of Loke Lake is a solid game, with a nice linear flow and solid puzzles, making it a good choice for escape fans of all experience levels
Tempo Escape Rooms: Eternal Life (Bath)
We had heard good things about Tempo in Bath, and I’m pleased to say this game lived up to our expectations. Great story-telling, solid puzzles, and a really fun, and at times, whimsical set, makes this a definite reason to visit Bath.
House of Frankenstein: Victor’s Lair (Bath)
I don’t know who designed Victor’s Lair, but I think it needs a little more work. It’s not a bad room, it’s certainly visually good, but the puzzles and flow felt lacking. If they take feedback on board and are willing to make adjustments then I think this could be a game that we would recommend in Bath.
Logic Box: The Portland Heist (Highbridge)
A really strong first game by a new company and we’re sure we’ll be back to check out their other game soon. The Portland Heist had clever puzzles (don’t overcomplicate) and good story and set design. This would be a fun game for both enthusiasts or ‘regular’ people, especially families.
Marvo Mysteries: Marvo Induction (Bournemouth)
Don’t wait for a special occasion to play this game, get booked in now, you most definitely won’t regret it.
Houdini’s: RMS Titanic (Southampton)
We loved the attention to detail in both the game, and the waiting area. The room itself had touches that were historically accurate, and the reception had a poster of the Titanic that was signed by the youngest survivor of the disaster.
Escape Rooms Middlemoor: Peaky Blinders (Highbridge)
Our experience of this room was equal parts frustration and enjoyment, I’m not sure which won out in the end. A few minor tweaks to the game and I think it would be a lot better. Bring your search A-game!
Escape Rooms Middlemoor: Steampunk (Highbridge)
Steam Punk is a decent game – good for escape room newbies, and worth a visit for enthusiasts if you’re in the area anyway. It started out as a good game, but quickly became a bit frustrating
M4 Escapes: Dino Deadlock (Chippenham)
If you’re a fan of dinosaurs and escape rooms then this is a room you must try. A beautiful set, decent puzzles, and a really fun ending made our detour 100% worth it!
Lock and Code: The Music Box (Weston-Super-Mare)
While The Music Box isn’t my favourite game from Lock & Code (that honour goes to Dead on the Hour), it’s a solid game. I’d be more inclined to recommend it to escape room newcomers, but even from an enthusiast standpoint, it’s worth a go if you’re in the area.
Lock and Code: Homecoming (Taunton)
Homecoming takes place in a massive space and plays out in a mostly linear fashion. You’re unlikely to be blown away by the set, but you may see a puzzle or two that you haven’t seen before.
Clue HQ: Detonation (Somerton)
A room that won’t blow you away (no pun intended) and is very padlock heavy, but if your observational skills are on point then you’ll likely have a good time.
Clue HQ: Cell Block C (Somerton)
We haven’t done many but this was the best ClueHQ room we’ve done so far. Good room design and only one annoying puzzle, not a bad way to spend an hour
Lock and Code: Can Opener (Taunton)
A few too many red herrings and generally puzzles that just didn’t click with us meant that we didn’t particularly enjoy our time in this prison van – but that’s the idea of prison vans, right?
Red House Mysteries: On The Last Train to Paris (Torquay)
Probably the best of the games at Red House (both locations), but a weak ending with annoying puzzles made this a train we were pleased to get off
Red House Mysteries: The Strange Disappearance of Arthur Moon (Torquay)
The theming for this room was fun but weak puzzles that were easily bypassed and a lack of atmosphere took away from the excitement we should have experienced, and one GM for multiple rooms is never a good way to go.
Red House Mysteries: The Shadow Darkens (Exeter)
A very traditional room which suffered from the usual GM issues and some potentially glitchy tech. We completed in 25 minutes even after being slowed down by issues
Red House Mysteries: The Heist (Exeter)
A room with a solid premise but ultimately the execution was lacking. Couple that with a distracted GM and it doesn’t make for the best experience
Live Escape Salisbury: Spectre (Salisbury)
People often visit Salisbury due to the proximity of some ‘large standing rocks’, but ditch the rocks and make Live Escape your destination, you won’t regret it.
Incarcerated: The Tortured Soul (Swindon)
This room was much better than we expected and as a creepy (not really horror) room, it was good fun. The only bit that was lacking was the ending. I’m sure it’s not easy to make exiting into a corridor fun, but it was just a bit anticlimactic
M4 Escapes: The Bunker (Chippenham)
A beautiful room (in places) but the generally weak puzzles let it down. A confusing journey and too many red herrings made us more annoyed than anything else
Co-Decode: Sub Terra (Swindon)
Sub Terra was a delight from start to finish. With a strong story that’s reenforced by a fantastic set, and great puzzles, it has firmly secured a place on my list of Top Ten Favourite rooms (to date). If you haven’t made the trip to Co-Decode yet, what are you waiting for?
Trapped: The Bletchley Blueprints (Okehampton)
This is one of those rooms that is difficult to review. It’s a good room, but I didn’t overly enjoy it and I’m not sure why. Give it a try and make up your own mind
Trapped: Templars – The Secret Service (Okehampton)
Templars possibly ranks as the hardest room we’ve ever done. We’ve seen other teams getting decent times so it obviously just didn’t click for us. Give it a try if you want a challenge
Lock & Code: Dead on the Hour (Taunton)
Lock & Code rooms won’t blow you away but they are solid rooms that will give you an hour of fun. Dead on the Hour was fun, and at times challenging, but once again we left Lock & Code with smiles on our faces
The MacGuffin Project: The Magician (Bournemouth)
A short and arguably easy room that should probably be a 45 min experience rather than 60. A pretty average room with above average GMs but a weak ending. We expected more from MacGuffin.
Incarcerated: Cops and Robbers (Swindon)
If you’re looking for a corporate team building exercise then this is probably a good room. If you’re an enthusiast then it isn’t
Co-Decode: Professor Dunstan and the Search for the Ancient Statuette (Swindon)
Don’t wait to be passing by Swindon to do this room. Make it your destination, it’s worth it!
Lock and Code: The Alchemy Enigma (Weston-Super-Mare)
The hardest part of this room was quite possibly the searching. Just when I thought we had looked at everything, we would discover a prop that hadn’t been used before and discover yet another piece of a puzzle or a key
Lock and Code: The Night before Christmas (Weston-Super-Mare)
We were on for a record time, then we encountered a puzzle we couldn’t solve, but apparently kids can!
Lock and Code: The League of Superheroes (Weston-Super-Mare)
A fun room that is perhaps past its prime and they need to do some maintenance to get it running as it should.
Lock and Code: Breakout (Weston-Super-Mare)
This was a really enjoyable room, a little bit rough around the edges in places but had a good mixture of finding things and solving things.
Puzzlair: The Cold War Catch (Yeovil)
If you like more traditional rooms, or want an introduction to escape rooms then this is a good room to go for. We didn’t rate their other room in Yeovil but this one was the standout winner of the day.
Puzzlair: The Lost Artworks (Yeovil)
This room is probably a love/hate type of room and I’m sure some people will love in. In fact looking at TripAdvisor you can see that many people do, but for us it is one that we’d advise our friends to avoid.
City Mazes: Subject 11 (Bristol)
As mentioned, the room was visually appealing, but some of the immersion was lost when the technology failed.
City Mazes: The Runner (Bristol)
Despite being billed as one of the company’s more challenging rooms, we breezed through this room as a team of four, obliterating the current record and topping the leaderboard.