The Crystal Maze
BEST FOR
Ages 9+
ENTRY
from £32
WHERE
Manchester
What it’s like
Live-action team challenges across themed zones, ending in the Crystal Dome chasing golden tokens, for groups of nine-year-olds and up.
This is the physical version of the telly show, not a screen in sight. Your team moves through themed zones solving challenges together, then it all comes down to the Crystal Dome, where someone's stuck inside grabbing golden tokens while everyone else screams instructions through the glass. It's built for team play rather than solo wandering, so a family or a group of mates works better than one bored kid trailing along.
Nine is the minimum age and that feels right once you see what's involved. The site is upfront that you need to be able to move around for about 75 minutes, with stairs and tight spaces throughout, so this isn't one for a lazy afternoon or anyone with dodgy knees. Open toed shoes and heels are out too, which is a fair enough rule but worth remembering when you're getting the kids ready.
Money-wise, standard tickets run £39 a head, £44 if you want the VIP version, though family tickets during school holidays bring it down to £32 per adult. There's also a Game On Pass at £67.50 if you're after more than one go. None of this is pocket-change territory, so it suits a birthday treat or a proper day out rather than a spontaneous drop-in.
A few things to flag before you commit. Pregnant guests can't take part at any stage, and there are strobe and flashing lights in several spots, including the Industrial Zone stairs and around the Dome itself, so anyone with light sensitivity needs to think that through first. Standard sessions aren't really set up for wheelchair users because of the stairs and tight timings, though dedicated access shows exist if you contact them ahead of booking.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 9 and up; team players who fancy the Dome chase
- How long to allow
- Over 60 minutes
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair users can be accommodated during dedicated access shows with prior arrangement
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs generally permitted with pre-approval, but not on slides, tunnels or in the Dome
- Getting there by bus or train
- Deansgate–Castlefield tram stop is 10 minutes' walk away
- No open toed shoes or heels, so pick footwear before you leave the house
- Assistance dogs need pre-approval and are barred from slides, tunnels and the Dome
- Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop is about ten minutes' walk away
- Accessible toilets are in the Front of House area
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£39 a head standard, £44 for VIP. During school holidays a family ticket brings it to £32 per adult, or £37 for the VIP version.
How long does it take?
Over an hour, and the site says you need to be able to move around for about 75 minutes with stairs and tight spaces along the way.
What age is it suitable for?
Nine and up. The physical challenges and pace make it a poor fit for younger kids anyway.
Can pregnant guests take part?
No, pregnancy at any stage rules out participation because of how physical the attraction is.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Standard sessions aren't really workable with the stairs and tight timings, but there are dedicated access shows you can arrange with Guest Services in advance, and even then some areas like the Dome stay off limits.
Are there flashing lights?
In several spots including the Industrial Zone stairs, between the Future Zones, and in and around the Crystal Dome show. Worth knowing if anyone in your group is light sensitive.
What should we wear?
Closed toe shoes are a must, no open toes or high heels allowed given the physical nature of the challenges.
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