Escape The Past Edinburgh
BEST FOR
Ages 8-99
WHERE
Edinburgh
What it’s like
Live-actor puzzle rooms set in Edinburgh's grim history, plus an outdoor city trail if you fancy the fresh air version.
This is two different games under one roof, really. The Anatomist and The Deacon's Cabinet are indoor escape rooms with live actors woven into the historical puzzles, both booked as private groups so you're not sharing clues with strangers. Then there are the City Trails, an outdoor version where you're out on the streets following physical props and a smartphone for up to two hours, working as a bigger group of up to 30.
Age-wise this needs a bit of thought. The Anatomist isn't recommended under 12 and The Deacon's Cabinet under 10, though the site's clear these are guidelines rather than hard rules, so it comes down to how your kid handles a bit of tension and an actor playing a part. Every group needs an adult in it regardless. An hour is what you get for the escape rooms, which moves fast once you're in the middle of it.
The catch worth knowing about upfront: no refunds, ever, and you need 48 hours notice just to shift the date or time. Turn up late for an escape room and they can't always fit you in, so build in slack rather than sprinting from the car park. It's a basement location too, which means it's tricky for wheelchair users, and while they say they can usually arrange access with notice, the doorway is only 72cm and not every part of the building will work for everyone.
If it's a birthday or a stag do, they're set up for groups from 2 right up to 45, and stag and hen parties are clearly welcome as long as nobody turns up drunk. The City Trails are worth flagging for anyone with a buggy or dodgy knees, since they cover hilly ground and cobbled streets rather than flat pavement.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 10 and up; under-8s aren't allowed in at all
- Wheelchairs
- Disabled access usually arranged with prior notice
- Parties
- Birthday parties and celebrations for groups of 2-45 people available
- Arrive 10 minutes early for escape rooms, or promptly on time for City Trails.
- No refunds under any circumstances, and 48 hours notice needed to change your booking.
- City Trails cover hilly, cobbled streets rather than flat ground.
- You can add extra people to an existing booking by email, paid before you arrive.
Plan your visit
What age is this actually suitable for?
The Anatomist isn't recommended under 12 and The Deacon's Cabinet under 10, though they say it's parental discretion rather than a strict cut-off. Every group needs at least one adult in it.
Do we need to book ahead?
Yes, and if you need to change the date or time they want 48 hours notice. There are no refunds at all, so be sure of your slot before you pay.
How long does it take?
The escape rooms run about an hour. City Trails are longer, around two hours, since you're covering ground outdoors.
Will we be grouped with strangers?
No, escape room bookings are kept private, so it's just your group solving the puzzles.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The rooms are in a basement, which limits things, but they say access can usually be arranged with notice. The doorway is 72cm wide and not every part of the experience will suit everyone.
Can we book for a birthday or stag do?
They take groups from 2 up to 45 for parties, stag dos and hen dos. Just don't turn up under the influence, the Gamesmaster will send you home.
Featured in 1 Huddlepin list
See all Escape Rooms in Edinburgh · Things to do in Edinburgh
MAKE A DAY OF IT
