Travel

Looking for a Scare? We Tried One of London’s Best Halloween Escape Room Experiences

No Escape escape room London

Looking for Halloween plans with a little more bite? London’s No Escape is turning up the terror this spooky season, with nine horror-themed escape rooms, live actors and some seriously theatrical cocktails. Naturally, we went to investigate.

Running from 23rd October to 1st November, No Escape’s Halloween takeover sees its four London venues in Victoria, Oxford Street, Aldgate and Holloway transformed into something straight out of a horror film.

Expect everything from murderous dentists and sinister barbers to haunted toys, demonic forces and serial killers. And just to make things interesting, live actors will be lurking around to ensure you don’t get too comfortable.

Each escape room gives teams 60 minutes to crack codes, solve puzzles and complete challenges before time runs out. Easy enough, right? Not when something terrifying is lurking around the corner.

No Escape escape room London
No Escape’s ‘The Gates of Hell’ experience takes you through a series of mysterious, hellish rooms

We went to hell (well, Victoria)

We got a sneak peek at No Escape’s The Gates of Hell, housed inside Victoria’s suitably sinister Purgatory Bar, and can confirm it’s a brilliantly entertaining way to spend an evening.

Think The Crystal Maze meets a horror movie. Rather than tackling one puzzle in one room, you’re navigating several atmospheric spaces, taking on different tasks and challenges that test your teamwork, problem-solving skills and ability to keep cool under pressure.

It’s great fun, particularly with a group of friends, and the theatrical setting makes the whole experience feel like much more than your average escape room.

Cocktails to die for

The scares don’t stop when you leave the escape room, either.

Purgatory Bar is a highlight in its own right, with fantastic gothic interiors, brilliantly themed cocktails and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.

We were particularly impressed by the elaborate Halloween decorations and the excellent costumed character actors haunting the bar, bringing personality, theatrical flair and unexpected frights to proceedings.

The cocktails were just as impressive. Beautifully presented, delicious and every bit as theatrical as their surroundings. Definitely worth arriving early (or staying afterwards) for a devilish drink or two.

Whether you’re a horror obsessive, an escape-room enthusiast or simply looking for something different to do this Halloween, No Escape delivers a properly entertaining night out.

Who knew a trip to hell could be such a good night out?

No Escape’s Halloween experiences run from 23 October to 1 November 2026, with tickets priced at £45.

Book tickets at No Escape.

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