Escape Reading
BEST FOR
Ages 12+
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Reading
What it’s like
A locked room, a 60 minute countdown and a mission your team has to puzzle its way out of together.
You get an hour to search a themed room for hidden compartments and secret passageways, piecing together clues that add up to escaping before the clock runs out. There's no expertise needed, this is about teamwork and noticing the thing everyone else walked past, and the site is clear that kids often spot what adults miss.
It suits 12 and up as the recommended age, and if your group has any players 14 or under, at least one adult over 18 has to be in the room with them. Phones get left outside the puzzle entirely, which is a small faff if you're the sort who checks it every ten minutes, but it does mean nobody's tempted to Google the answer. Budget around 90 minutes all told once you count arrival, the briefing and the photos at the end, even though the game itself is 60.
Bookings are released four months ahead, and it's worth grabbing a slot early if you want a weekend or school holiday date since they fill. One thing to know before you pay: there's no cancelling or refunding once booked, and that includes if someone in your team drops out later, so it's worth being sure of your numbers first. Parking depends which of the two Reading locations you're headed to, either the Broad Street Mall car park or free two-hour parking nearby, with the Tesco Extra as a fallback after 8pm.
None of the rooms are wheelchair accessible, which is worth flagging if that affects your group. If you're worried about anyone finding it too intense, only one room, Vampire Slayers, has jump scares.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 12 and up; under 14s need an adult in the room with them
- Booking
- Game dates released four months in advance
- Parking
- Queens Walk: Broad Street Mall car park (postcode RG1 7QF)
- How long to allow
- Around 90 minutes including arrival, game briefing and post-game photos
- No refunds or cancellations once you've booked, even if someone drops out later
- None of the rooms are wheelchair accessible
- Two Reading locations with different parking setups, so check which one you're booked into
- Comfortable clothes and footwear are all you need, no special kit
Plan your visit
What age is it suitable for?
They recommend 12 and over. Any group with players 14 or under needs at least one adult aged 18 or over inside the room.
Do we need to book ahead?
Yes, and dates come out four months in advance. Weekends and school holidays get snapped up so book early for those.
How long does it actually take?
The game itself runs 60 minutes, but with the briefing beforehand and photos after, plan for around 90 minutes total.
What if we get stuck?
Game hosts watch every session and can nudge you with hints without giving the answer away. Getting stuck is expected, not a failure.
Is it scary for kids?
Most rooms are built around mystery and teamwork rather than scares. Vampire Slayers is the one exception with jump scares.
Can we use our phones in the room?
No, phones and other devices stay outside the game. It protects the puzzles for the next group as much as anything.
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