Escape rooms are one of the UK’s fastest-growing entertainment trends, offering a thrilling mix of puzzles, teamwork, and adrenaline. Whether you’re trying one for the first time or looking to improve your strategy for your next challenge, a few smart tips can mean the difference between escaping… or running out of time. Here’s some expert escape room tricks and tips, ensuring you have the best experience whilst being able to escape.
1. Use Your Time Wisely – Don’t Fixate
Every minute counts in an escape room. If something doesn’t work after a few attempts, move on and come back later. Many rooms are designed with red herrings to throw you off. The trick is to keep momentum going.
2. Think Outside the Box – But Not Too Far
Escape room puzzles require creative thinking, but they still follow logical patterns. If you find yourself overcomplicating things (like doing algebra in your head or decoding Morse without a guide), it’s probably not the right path. Trust your instincts and look for clues nearby.
3. Communicate with Your Team
The best teams talk constantly. If you find a clue, shout it out. Solved a puzzle? Let everyone know. Found a strange object? Announce it. Silence slows everyone down, so be loud, clear, and cooperative.
4. Keep Items You Find Organised
Create a “used” and “unused” section for items and clues. This helps your team avoid rechecking things that have already been solved. Place keys, codes, and paper clues where everyone can access them easily.
5. Search Thoroughly – But Respectfully
Escape rooms love to hide clues in plain sight: under rugs, behind picture frames, inside books or drawers. However, don’t break things or force open locked areas—UK escape rooms are designed with clear boundaries for what’s in play and what isn’t.
6. Don’t Forget What You’ve Already Seen
Escape rooms are full of connections—numbers from one part may unlock something later. Keep mental or written notes of patterns, symbols, or colours you’ve seen. It often pays off when you’re stuck later.
7. Divide and Conquer
If you’re in a group, split up to cover more ground early on. One group can search, another can solve. Swap roles every few minutes to keep energy levels high and ideas fresh.
8. Pay Attention to the Room’s Theme
Is it a haunted mansion, a prison break, or a spy mission? The theme often gives clues. Think like a detective, a thief, or a scientist depending on the story—sometimes the narrative itself gives hints to how puzzles work.
9. Use Hints Wisely
Most UK escape rooms give you a limited number of hints or nudges from the game master. Don’t be afraid to use them—especially if you’re truly stuck. Better to escape with help than to fail altogether!
10. Have Fun and Don’t Stress
At the end of the day, escape rooms are about fun, excitement, and teamwork. Don’t worry if you don’t “win” — you’ll still enjoy the buzz and get better each time. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with colleagues, friends or family.
Final Thoughts
Escape rooms combine storytelling, teamwork and problem-solving in one immersive experience. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned escaper, these escape room tips will boost your chances of making it out in time.
