By Lucas Heap
Escape Hunt in Bristol are truly the masters of escape rooms. We played 2 of the 4 rooms including the recently updated Doctor Who ‘Worlds Collide’ and it was an out of this world experience.
Before we entered the rooms, we had a drink in the waiting area where we played classic board games and observed the leaderboards which showed the fastest times people have completed each room including David Tennant, Catherine Tate and Neil Patrick Harris who played ‘Worlds Collide’ while filming for the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary. So when you go, see if you can beat their time of 45:36.
We were greeted by Sami and Owen who talked us through how our games would work and how we could ask for clues if we were stuck. We locked our coats and bags in the lockers provided and entered the offices of ChronosCorp HQ ready to defeat the Cybermen and their plan to ‘upgrade’ humanity.
This room was a delight for me as a Doctor Who fan. There were references to some of my favourite episodes throughout Classic and Modern Who and props from different eras of the show placed around the room. And, although I’m a fan, I wasn’t at an advantage over my party who aren’t quite as knowledgeable on the show so it’s an even playing field for all. Doctor Who Worlds Collide? A winner.
The second room we played was ‘Our Finest Hour’ where we were transported to war-ridden 1942. Our objective – to destroy Nazi superweapons before they destroyed us. Again, this room was really well thought out, and, unlike in other escape rooms I’ve played, the upkeep of the rooms were of an extremely high standard, there were no broken props or clues and no obvious ‘secret’ passages that can end up ruining the event.
Throughout our experience, both Sami and Owen were incredible as they stayed fully in character over the intercom giving us helpful tips and they knew exactly when to prompt us- recognising when we needed help, making the game much more enjoyable rather than us going round in circles- unable to figure out what to do next.
If, like me, you find the idea of being locked in a room is a little daunting- no problem- you can leave the room at any time and there is no consequence, your team can carry on solving the clues and you can re-enter whenever you are ready.
After our games, we took celebratory pictures in front of a TARDIS cardboard cutout at the picture station where there was a selection of costumes and items including lab coats, military jackets and sonic screwdrivers to pose with. We were also given cards with our group time which was a nice addition.
Overall, if you’re an escape room lover, I can not recommend Escape Hunt enough. From the exceptionally high quality of each escape room to the fantastic staff who really take the experience from great to amazing, it’s a brilliant activity to do with friends or families with kids in their teens. For any Doctor Who fans, this is an absolute must and with a great deal of surprises and references to the shows history, you’re sure to have a great time.
Escape Hunt Bristol, Cabot Circus, Bristol, BS1 3BX – details here
Doctor Who Worlds Collide Escape Game
Prices are:
For 2-4 players – £30 per person; Students £25.50/£30; Over 60s £27/30
For 5-6 players – £25 per person; Students £21.25/£25; Over 60s £22.50/£25
Pics courtesy of Escape Hunt