The Puzzling World Of Professor Kettlestring

What it’s like

Nine trippy, illusion-filled rooms to wander at your own pace, no escape-room clock ticking over your shoulder.

You walk through nine themed realms built by the fictional Professor Kettlestring, each one rigged with optical illusions and puzzles that mess with your sense of scale and perspective. There's no countdown clock, so a five-year-old can dawdle over a tilted room while an older sibling works out how the trick actually works. Photo opportunities are built into most of the rooms, which is handy because half the fun is seeing the picture afterwards and still not quite believing it.

It suits kids from about five up, and the site is honest that adults get just as much out of it, so it works fine as a couples' outing or a rainy afternoon with mates too. Most visits run around 45 minutes, stretching to an hour if you're in a bigger group, which feels about right before the novelty of bending your brain wears thin. Entry is timed in 15-minute slots with up to 18 guests per slot, so even at busy periods you're not queuing behind a coach party the whole way round.

Tickets run from £9.50 for a child or concession up to £11 for an adult, and the family ticket for four at £39 is the one to go for if there's more than two of you. There's no food or drink allowed inside, so eat before or after rather than planning a snack halfway round. Booking's recommended, especially at weekends and school holidays, though the site says walk-ups get in if there's space; just know a missed slot doesn't come with a refund, only the option to email and try rebooking.

Not every room is step-free, since the building itself puts limits on wheelchair access, and there's no on-site parking, though the Coppergate Centre car park is a few minutes' walk. Selected Sundays bring Dog Days for leashed dogs and Calm Hours for a quieter, sensory-friendly visit, both worth knowing about if either applies to your family.

Facilities

Need to know

Best for

Ages 5 and up; adults enjoy it just as much without kids in tow

Last entry

Up to one hour before closing

Booking

Pre-booking recommended. Walk-ups welcome if availability

Parking

No on-site parking. Nearest car park (Coppergate Centre) less than 5 minutes' walk away

How long to allow

Around 45 minutes. Larger groups up to an hour

Wheelchairs

Wheelchair access available but not all areas accessible

Dogs

Welcome on short leads during designated Dog Days

Getting there by bus or train

York Railway Station is a short walk away

Parties

Birthday parties for 7+ years. Exclusive hire up to 1 hour

• Entry runs in 15-minute slots, max 18 guests per slot, so it rarely feels overcrowded
• Cancel up to 5 days before for a full refund, or move your booking once up to 48 hours ahead
• Closed on Wednesday 30th September
• York Pass is accepted for walk-in visitors, but not the VIP version
• Group bookings of 15 or more get a discounted rate

Plan your visit

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