As a dad with two energetic boys, aged 9 and 11, I’m always on the lookout for exciting new experiences to share with them. Our latest adventure took us to The Escapologist at XSCAPE, Castleford, to try out their escape room, "The Cell." And let me tell you, it was a brilliant 30 minutes of family fun! We were invited to review this experience, and it certainly didn't disappoint.

What made this even more special was that this was the boys' first ever escape room experience! While I've done many in my time, seeing their excitement and watching them figure things out for the very first time was truly fantastic.

What is The Cell? The Game Details!

"The Cell" at The Escapologist is specifically designed as a fantastic introduction to escape rooms, making it perfect for both adults and kids. Here's a quick rundown of the game's specifics:

• Group Size: 2-5 players
• Duration: 30 Minutes
• Age: Suitable for all ages (see rules below for under 16s)
• Location: Castleford (within XSCAPE)
• Difficulty: Easy Difficulty

The Storyline: You've been locked up for a crime you didn't even commit! But the justice system doesn’t wanna hear it. Luckily, a cellmate saw where the clueless guards leave their ID cards for the doors. Your mission: to nick one before the guard changeover, which is in only 30 minutes.

At the beginning of the game, one player is "chained" up as part of the theme. However, they are in no way separated from the other players and can still fully participate and work together with their group to escape not only their chains but the entire room!

We found the overall difficulty to be just right for a starter room, though there was one particular puzzle involving numbers that really stumped us for a while! Thankfully, if you do get stuck, you can ask for clues. The brilliant Anna and Hannah were on hand with clues that pop up on a TV screen in the room, guiding you without giving everything away. We ended up asking for two clues during our game, which really helped us get back on track and maintain the flow of the game.

Important Information & Rules You Should Know Before Booking

Before you book, here are a few key things to note:

• Arrival Time: It says you should arrive around 10 minutes before your booking begins to allow the team enough time to appropriately brief you before you enter the room.
• Locked In? Yes, players are locked in this game. However, there is an emergency release button that can be pressed to override the door, allowing players to leave the room if required in an emergency. (There is also a process in place should a player want to leave even if it is not an emergency).
• Age Restrictions: Players aged 13 and under require a parent or guardian to pay and play along with them. Players aged 14 to 16 always require a parent or guardian to remain within the venue (but are not required to pay and play).
• Accessibility: Please note, this room is NOT wheelchair accessible - this is due to them having cells/cages in the room

How to Find The Escapologist & Opening Times

The Escapologist is conveniently located within XSCAPE, Castleford. Here are all the details you'll need to find them and plan your visit:

Location: The Escapologist, Unit 19, Xscape Yorkshire, Colorado Way, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 4TA

If you’re driving, it’s easily accessible from the M62 motorway. XSCAPE has a large, free car park, so you won’t have any trouble finding a spot. For those using public transport, there are bus routes that serve the XSCAPE complex. It’s a well-known leisure destination in Yorkshire, so getting there is pretty straightforward no matter how you travel.

Opening Times:

• Monday - Thursday: 11:00 - 21:00
• Friday - Sunday: 10:00 - 22:00
• Holidays and Peak Times: 10:00 - 22:00 everyday

Contact Details For The Escapologist In Castleford :

• Phone: 01977 801684
• Email: xscape@the-escapologist.com
• You can also find them on Facebook!

Pricing

We found the pricing for "The Cell" to be very reasonable, especially considering it’s a 30-minute experience. While prices can vary, for a group of 5 people during peak times, you can expect it to be around £80. For the most up-to-date and accurate pricing, and to make your booking, I always recommend checking their official website directly:

Steampunk Bars and Cafes at The Escapologist: Drinks and Chill!

After our intense escape room adventure, we discovered that The Escapologist isn't just about puzzles; it's also home to a fantastic bar area, perfect for unwinding in style. Step into a world of drama and indulgence, where the alluring steampunk design meets the thrill of extraordinary drinks.

The bar itself is a visual masterpiece, drawing your eye with its copper pipes, polished brass accents, and curious details at every turn. Luxurious leather seating invites you to relax, while lush botanical flowers and cascading foliage add a touch of natural beauty, creating a vibrant contrast to the industrial elegance. This unique fusion transports you to a realm of pure escapism.

They offer a fantastic selection of cocktails and mocktails, alongside an impressive array of fine wines and spirits. Here, every drink is a spectacle! While their masterful mixologists craft even smoking cocktails for the adults, we decided to treat ourselves and the boys to two Strawberry Daiquiri mocktails. 

They were a huge hit, and the boys especially loved the bubbles and felt very grown-up indeed! It was the perfect way to debrief our escape room experience and relax a bit before heading home, enjoying the fantastic atmosphere and ample seating, including a lovely outside area. Whether it's for a relaxed catch-up, a fun-filled celebration, or even a captivating date night, The Escapologist's bar offers something for everyone.

The Best First Escape Room Experience in Yorkshire?

Having tried a few escape rooms in my time, I can confidently say that "The Cell" at The Escapologist is an excellent contender for the best first escape room experience in Yorkshire, especially for families. Here's why:

• Perfect for First-Timers: As this was my boys' inaugural escape room, I was particularly impressed with how accessible and enjoyable it was for them. It built their confidence without overwhelming them.
• Perfect Duration: The 30-minute timeframe is ideal for younger children or those new to escape rooms. It’s long enough to feel like a proper challenge but short enough to keep attention spans high and prevent frustration.
• Accessible Puzzles: The puzzles are clever but not overly difficult, ensuring that everyone in the family can contribute and feel a sense of accomplishment. My 9-year-old was just as involved as my 11-year-old, and I found myself working alongside them to solve the clues.
• Teamwork Focused: It really encourages communication and teamwork, which is fantastic for family bonding. I observed my boys listening to each other, bouncing ideas around, and celebrating their successes together.
• Great Atmosphere: The "cell" theme was well-executed without being scary, making it suitable for all ages.

Looking at reviews online, particularly on platforms like Trustpilot, The Escapologist generally receives very positive feedback for its well-designed rooms and friendly staff. This aligns with my own experience – the staff were welcoming and helpful, adding to the overall enjoyment of the visit.

Questions you might have before going

Here are a few common questions you might have if you're considering visiting The Escapologist:

• Is "The Cell" scary? No, "The Cell" is not designed to be scary. It's a fun and engaging puzzle-solving experience.
• What age is "The Cell" suitable for? While it's great for adults, it's also very suitable for children. As per their rules, players aged 13 and under require a parent or guardian to pay and play along with them, and players aged 14 to 16 always require a parent or guardian to remain within the venue.
• Do we need to have played escape rooms before? Not at all! "The Cell" is specifically designed for beginners and first-timers, making it ideal for those taking their first step into the world of escape rooms.
• Can we get clues if we get stuck? Yes, the game masters are there to help if you need a nudge in the right direction. They monitor your progress and can offer clues on the TV screen if you're struggling.
• How many people can play "The Cell"? "The Cell" is designed for groups of 2-5 players.

My Verdict

I had an absolute blast playing "The Cell" at The Escapologist. It was a fantastic way to spend 27.32 minutes, full of laughs, teamwork, frustrations and that satisfying feeling of solving a puzzle. For my boys, experiencing their very first escape room here was the perfect introduction. The option to grab some tasty mocktails afterwards in their wonderfully themed steampunk bar was the icing on the cake!

If you’re looking for a fun, different, engaging, and genuinely brilliant first escape room experience for your family in Yorkshire, I can’t recommend "The Cell" enough. It’s a perfect addition to a day out at XSCAPE, and I'm already planning my next visit to try another one of their rooms!

Have you tried "The Cell" or any other escape rooms at The Escapologist? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!