Frequently Asked Questions
New to Escape Rooms? Not sure how they work? Not to worry! The following Frequently Asked Questions should hopefully tell you everything you need to know!
What is an Escape Room?
Imagine being locked in a room with a group of family or friends and having to solve a series of challenges and puzzles to escape. That's the escape room concept in a nutshell! You play in groups of 2-8 and have 60 minutes to escape ... otherwise you'll be locked in forever! You'll enjoy your moviESCAPE experience so much you'll want to come back again and again ... unless you don't get out of course!
Are the rooms dark?
The Haunted House does get dark at times, but it's all part of the experience! SAWtopsy is dimly lit but never completely dark. Merlin's Magic Academy is dimly lit in areas but candles (though sadly not real ones!) are provided.
Please speak to your game host upon arrival as every game can be tailored to suit you.
Are the rooms cold?
All rooms are approximately the same temperature as the lobby. Due to the nature of Welkin Mill, not much sunlight penetrates. This means it is nice and cool in the summer but in winter you may wish to bring a jacket as you might be slightly chilly. Rooms will be heated if they are excessively cold.
Are the rooms scary?
The Haunted House game does feature jump scares and special effects. SAWtopsy is a gory and ominous room but does not feature any jump scares (yet!). None of our other rooms are designed to be scary, although some may feature realistic animal/insect props. Please speak to your game host upon arrival as every game is tailored to you.
Do I have to know about Harry Potter etc?
Not at all! All our rooms are designed so that they can be played with no prior knowledge of any material. Fans of the different film and TV genres may pick up on some of the subtle references we've included though.
Are the rooms licensed/official?
We are a completely independent company and are not affiliated with any content owner or brand. This includes but is not limited to Harry Potter/Wizarding World/Warner Brothers/J K Rowling, The Worst Witch, Breaking Bad/High Bridge Entertainment, the SAW movie franchise/Lionsgate. Our Haunted House II: Demon's Curse escape room in Stockport is not affiliated in any way with The Conjuring series of movies.
Are the rooms difficult? Do I need to be a genius?
Absolutely not! Our game hosts will provide as much or as little help as you like - this is your game. Every room can be played by escape room experts or complete novices!
How long are the games?
You are given a maximum of 60 minutes in the room, however you may escape in less than the designated time. Your time spent at the venue will be slightly longer due to a briefing prior to the game, and photo opportunity afterwards.
What happens at the end of the hour?
You'll be locked inside the room for all eternity of course!
Not really! There's probably another group coming in after you. Depending on how far you got, our game host may offer to show you the remaining steps that you would have needed to complete. This is entirely optional but we might not always be able to offer this if we're running short on time.
Is moviESCAPE suitable for kids?
Merlin's Magic Academy and Santa's Cabin (seasonal) are our family friendly rooms. These rooms have an advisory age limit of 8.
Haunted House II: Demon's Curse features jump scares and SAWtopsy features gore! For this reason there is an advisory age limit of 12 and we wouldn't suggest the Haunted House for children who are easily scared (or adults of a nervous disposition!)
You may choose to bring a younger child if you wish, but this is at the parent or guardian's discretion.
Our experiences are designed for players of the stated advisory age limit. There is no charge for children aged 5 and under (since they are unlikely to fully appreciate the nature of the experience), however they must have a (free) ticket and must be included in the total number of players.
Children under the age of 12 can play as part of a family group as long as there is an adult aged 18 or over present (inside the escape room) who will take parental responsibility.
Children aged 12-16 can go into the escape room on their own but an adult aged 18 or over with parental responsibility must remain present inside the venue at all times.
Why is moviESCAPE different to other Escape Rooms?
The escape room concept of locking a group of people in a room and challenging them to use their wits, dexterity and intelligence to discover the secret of the room, and use that secret to escape from it, remains quite a new form of interactive entertainment, and an increasingly popular one. The moviESCAPE creators played a few and enjoyed them but never the less felt that there was something lacking, something that would give free rein not just to your intellect but also your imagination. They set out to blend the challenge of an escape room with the ambience of the movies. So now the vision of moviESCAPE has become a reality and offers a host of features which put you, quite literally, in the picture. So we invite you to experience our very own unique brand of ......... MOVIESCAPISM!!!
Can I take coats & bags in the rooms?
There is a designated space in each room for personal property. We also have lockers available in our main reception. All personal property is left at your own risk. do not have lockers or a cloakroom. Personal items must not be left unattended in any other location.
Can I take food & drink into the rooms?
Food is not permitted to be consumed within our escape rooms. You can take a drink in a sealed container but please be careful not to spill it - our movie sets are delicate!
Do you have food & drink available on site? Is there a cafe?
The Escape Lounge in our main reception area serves a selection of snacks and drinks including premium Rijo42 Coffee.
Can kids go in unaccompanied?
Children under the age of 12 can play as part of a family group as long as there is an adult aged 18 or over present who will take parental responsibility.
Children aged 12-16 can go into the escape room on their own but an adult aged 18 or over with parental responsibility must remain present inside the venue at all times.
Can I bring my dog/cat/owl/snake?
Unfortunately animals of any type are not allowed into the escape rooms (with the exception of registered assistance dogs for people with a disability).
Well behaved dogs are permitted in the reception/lounge area at the discretion of the manager on duty.
Is there a waiting area?
The Escape Lounge in our main reception area features seating and serves a selection of snacks and drinks.
Do you have a car park?
There is a free car park directly outside Welkin Mill. Please note that this car park is not owned or operated by moviESCAPE and no responsibility is taken for vehicles or personal property while parked. If the car park is full, there is often parking space available on Welkin Road.
Who are Escape Rooms for?
Absolutely anyone! We have hosted families ranging from newborn babies to grandparents, groups of teenagers, work colleagues, first dates, and every other combination of players you can think of.
Is moviESCAPE safe?
Very! We've taken every possible precaution to make our experiences as safe as possible. You are never physically restrained and all doors are fitted with an emergency release button. Due to the locking mechanisms we use, in the event of a power failure, all doors will release. Audio and video monitoring takes place throughout all escape rooms for your safety. We have a full fire detection and warning system installed and regularly tested.
Can I play if I’m pregnant?
Some of our rooms do require reaching down low/up high but there is no requirement for every member of the group to participate in this. If you are of a nervous disposition we would not recommend the Haunted House game. Otherwise our experiences are completely suitable for pregnant people. Please contact us if you require any further information.
How many people are allowed in the rooms?
Haunted House, SAWtopsy, and Merlin's Magic Academy can each accommodate 8 players. Santa's Cabin can accommodate 6 players.
Can I play if I’m claustrophobic?
We've taken every possible precaution to make our experiences as safe as possible. You are never physically restrained and all doors are fitted with an emergency release button. Due to the locking mechanisms we use, in the event of a power failure, all doors will release. Please contact us if you require any further information.
Do I play with strangers?
No! We never mix groups. It's only you and the other members of your group in the room.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Only yourself and your best puzzle solving mind! Please do NOT bring your own torches, pens/paper etc. These are not required, any tools that you need are provided in the room.
What should I wear? Is there a dress code?
We recommend comfortable clothing and footwear. Costumes are optional!
What if I need the toilet?
All doors are fitted with a release button to allow you to exit at any point if you wish. We suggest that you don't though - it can break the illusion!
Are the rooms really locked?
No. All doors are fitted with a release button to allow you to exit at any point if you wish. We suggest that you don't though - it can break the illusion!
Can I change/cancel a booking?
We are happy to arrange a reschedule or refund provided that a minimum of 48 hours notice is provided.
Can I buy a Gift Voucher?
Absolutely! Imagine how excited someone would be receiving a moviESCAPE gift voucher?! Well you can make that happen! Click Here for more information .
Do you offer group packages?
Absolutely! Please contact us for more information on bringing a larger group to moviESCAPE.
Do you have a function room?
Our Auditorium is available to hire for meetings, parties and screenings. Please contact us for more information.
Are your games wheelchair accessible?
Our Haunted House II: Demon's Curse and SAWtopsy games are 90% wheelchair accessible. There are some smaller sub-rooms in which a wheelchair may not fit, however a wheelchair user could view the inside of these sub-rooms from the doorway.
We regret that Merlin's Magic Academy is not wheelchair accessible at this time due to narrow passageways. Wheelchair users who are not fully wheelchair dependent may be able to navigate the room and we will endeavor to assist where possible. Please contact us for more information.
We request that users of particularly large or motorised wheelchairs contact us in advance to ensure that we can accommodate you. Due to the nature of the building some corridors and doorways are narrow.
Disability Access Statement
You can view our Accessibility Guide by clicking here
What are your COVID-19 safety procedures?
We have been working really hard behind the scenes and will have a whole range of COVID-19 safety procedures in place when we re-open. For more information, and to view the full list of COVID-19 safety procedures, please Click Here.