What is an Escape Room?
It is a 60 minute timed game where players solve puzzles and clues to physically escape to complete the game. It is a practical experience using our historic setting with embedded technology.
The puzzle elements cannot be completed solo and at least two or more players are required. You will be briefed in all aspects of game play and security by the game host on your arrival, 10 minutes ahead of your game starting.
Is there any special knowledge or experience needed?
Novice players can try our escape room with no prior game or escape room experience required. It is important to notice what is in the room as you play and to see how it might influence or lead to something else being discovered. You will be able to contact the game host at any time.
Are there age restrictions, is the game family friendly and is it scary?
The game is family friendly for teenagers or older children aged 8 upwards only, who can play if accompanying 2 adults. There is no adult specific content but the game is complex, so it is not suitable for children aged under 8 years.
It is not scary in terms of the puzzles and clues, but the environment might spook people because it is within a lower ground crypt with the general ambience relating to its original purpose.
Are we locked in? What about needing the toilet?
You are locked in for the purposes of the game, but there is a button override to escape. Pressing the button to exit will automatically end the game for all players.
There are toilets on-site, but the game cannot be interrupted once it has started, unless you want to end the game. If you have a medical condition, please contact us before you book, so we can help you to plan your visit.
Can we turn up and play or do all bookings have to be in advance?
All bookings are online in advance. The games are hosted throughout and we manage host and cleaning schedules around advance bookings. The games are reset and cleaned fully before each booking arrives, so we ask you to turn up 10 minutes in advance of your booked start time for briefing. You can always phone up on the day to enquire, but please expect to have to book in advance.
COVID and social distancing.
We no longer operate specific Covid restrictions but you are welcome to wear masks if you wish. Games take place in a confined space where players are close together.
Cancellation or changing your booking. Can we cancel?
You can cancel or change your booking up to 48 hours in advance. Administration fees apply subject to notice given. Please see our terms and conditions.
After 48 hours, if you wish to cancel, the booking is fully charged. If you do not turn up for your booking or you are more than 15 minutes late, it will not be possible for you to start the game and your booking will still be charged.
Accessibility and climate. Are there access issues?
The escape room is within a confined space in an original part of a historic building not previously used other than as a burial crypt. Regrettably because of the nature of its existing layout, and previous purpose, it is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Please expect some low height ceilings and passages, low lighting (bring any reading glasses), and cold temperatures. This is part of the lower ground and there is no central heating, so please wear appropriate clothing in winter. In the summer it also remains cold because of the thickness of the walls.
No food, drinks or cameras allowed inside.
If you are planning an evening, we recommend that you play our game first and afterwards visit one of the many excellent bars and restaurants nearby. These are within easy reach, no more than 10 minutes walk away, and we will be happy to make some recommendations. The game is complex and very challenging. You need a lot of brainpower. For this reason we do not allow drunk or tipsy people to play our Escape Room.
We will refuse entry at our sole discretion if players turn up drunk or are otherwise not in a suitable condition to play. Refunds will not be given. Food, beverages and cameras including mobile phones are not allowed into the game area. Phones must be placed in our safe deposit.
Corporate or event hire. Can we book a bigger party with venue hire?
We will be delighted to offer you one of our special packages for all kinds of events, company team building and parties, which can include our larger event spaces and catering.
We also have a dedicated children’s softplay facility and music studios on-site, so there are many opportunities for us to help you create a highly memorable and original event experience for your guests. Ask us about our event facilities.
Travel, parking and arrival information
Please arrive 10 minutes ahead of your booked time and make your way to reception which is located through the garden and covered porch at the north side of church, (not the side with the bins).
We are within a 10 minute walk of Ryde’s main bus station and taxi rank and Hover terminal connection to Southsea (0.4mile) and within 3 minutes of two nearby bus stops (Belvedere St – routes 4 and 9; and Bennett St Adjacent Park Rd – routes 2,3 and 8). Closest parking by car is on residential streets where visitor parking is allowed in some areas (please check restrictions) or park in Quay Road car park, or along Ryde Esplanade and walk up Dover Street (10 minutes walk). Crossing over the Solent from Portsmouth trains and fast catamaran via Wightlink, please allow 30 minutes to walk from the pier head or book a taxi to meet you.
