Deadlocked have upped their game and The Reading Witch had that feeling of horror games we’ve played in Athens and Amsterdam. Ok, the space is much smaller but they used it well and the live action element takes it to the next level. I can’t say that this is the scariest horror game in the UK, but is it the best horror escape room in the UK? Possibly.
Horror
Logic Locks: The Amsterdam Catacombs (Amsterdam)
The Amsterdam Catacombs was perhaps ahead of its time. And while other experiences have cropped up in recent years, stealing some of its thunder, the fact remains that it is still a fantastic experience that’s worth a visit if you find yourself in Amsterdam
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.
Stay in the Dark: Dark Park (Vlaardingen)
Stay in the Dark in a word: Unmissable. There aren’t many games that I would replay, but this is one. The more I look back on it, the more I realise how much I enjoyed it. Sadly it’s closing in May 2024 but if you get a chance to play it, you must.
ScreamWorks: The Haunted House (London)
The Haunted House was an interesting experience and I think it would be fascinating to see how it is run with the maximum 48 players. One thing that was clear from our experience was that ScreamWorks are constantly experimenting and developing their offering, so there is a good chance that your experience could be slightly different to ours.
Lockhill: The Sanitorium (Midnight mode) (Athens)
This entire experience truly felt like we were in a live adaptation of a Resident Evil or Silent Hill video game. It. Was. Incredible.
Lockhill: Chapel and Catacombs (Athens)
In a city full of world-class escape rooms, Chapel and Catacombs stands out and was nothing short of incredible. I guess there’s a reason why it’s currently ranked by enthusiasts as the #1 game in the world. While I hate to add to the hype if I were asked, “What should I play in Athens if I only have time for one game?” There is no question, it would be this one.
No Exit: El Exorcista (Athens)
I have never experienced anything quite like El Exorcista, and I think that goes for the rest of the team as well. We were, quite literally, dropped into the middle of The Exorcist and I have never felt more immersed in a game
The Panic Room: Hell House (Gravesend)
Hell House is possibly The Panic Room’s most ambitious project to date, and it is quite a sight to behold. If you’re planning a visit to Gravesend, I would add Hell House to the “Not To Be Missed” list.
Trapp’d: Forsaken (Wellingborough)
We destroyed Forsaken, completing it in 23 minutes and escaping with the room record. It wasn’t a hard room but I can see why people may struggle, especially as it is so dark. I don’t know if bigger teams get more torches, but one per person would be nice. If you’re a fan of horror rooms and like a live actor, then you’ll probably get a buzz from Forsaken.
Cluetopia: The Damned (Clacton-on-Sea)
The Damned has firmly staked out its place as a horror room, but with friendly owners you can probably tone this down if you’re not a fan of jump scares and live actors. Ignoring the horror bits, it’s a solid room with flowing puzzles and fun from the very start to the end.
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
Trapp’d: Abigail (Kettering)
Yes, Abigail is creepy, and there are a few attempts at jump scares, but this, for us at least, was not a true horror experience, and was more of a well done paranormal themed room
Escapologic: Butcher (Nottingham)
This room is not one for the faint hearted and if you’re of a nervous disposition it’s probably one to avoid. However, if you want a room that it a bit different and will not only challenge your mind but also your bladder control, then give it a go!
Get Lost Escape Rooms: The Krevokar Programme (Dover)
Our first room at Get Lost Escape Rooms and it set the bar high for the others. This room felt like we were experiencing a Resident Evil in real life. A fun game from start to finish