Have you tried these two new Escape Rooms in Peterborough? ESP’s Mikey Clarke puts Hourglass Escapes to the test…
You may have seen my subtle flex in the Summer in the City special edition of ESP claiming to have taken part in every Escape Room Peterborough has to offer. It recently came to my attention that this was, in fact, not the case. Please accept my apology for unintentionally lying to you.
Hourglass Escapes Ltd was set up by two long-term escape room enthusiasts, Della and James. Their two local escape rooms (Unstoppable and Summer Holiday) are located right on our doorstep – at The Focus Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Peterborough.
These rooms had initially slipped under my radar having opened between lockdowns and therefore resulting in them having to close their doors after barely opening them.
It was a difficult start for the family-run business but hopefully that will turn around as having now tried both rooms, I can confirm that they are fun, atmospheric and truly unique experiences. My fellow escape room fanatics – you will not regret paying them a visit.
I first played Unstoppable. My team and I were completely immersed in the scenario of being on a train from London Kings Cross which had run into trouble. The driver had collapsed and it was up to us to stop the train before it hit the buffers at Peterborough Station.
I walked into this room with high expectations due to the unique concept and the potential for a real atmospheric experience. It genuinely exceeded all of my expectations. After just a few moments we were fully invested in the story and the dire consequences should we not escape in time.
The puzzles were quirky – you’ll need to think outside of the box with some of them, it was decorated perfectly and there was also great use of technology (something I’ve not seen at this level locally).
Next up was Summer Holiday. In this room created with families in mind, your friend has offered you their caravan for the weekend. You arrive at the caravan but in the excitement you’ve not read the full message and have made a big mistake; your friend’s van number is 43 and you’ve settled yourselves into number 34!
Now you’re locked in with your only exit guarded by a keypad. The occupants of number 34 could be back any minute now and you do not want to get caught.
First of all, yes – you are in an actual caravan. You would be surprised how many puzzles you can get inside one!
The entire team once again loved the room – in fact, it was our youngest teammates’ favourite. The puzzles are much more catered towards younger players here but still difficult enough that we felt challenged.
An exciting thing about this escape room taking place in an actual caravan is that it can be taken to events and private functions such as weddings. The creators even said they can tweak the theme to link it in with the personal interests of those hiring them.
Having taken part in many escape room experiences both locally and outside of Peterborough, I can tell the difference between a room that’s nothing more than a business and one that has been created with love from genuine enthusiasts. It was clear to me from the moment I met the founders of Hourglass Escapes Ltd that this truly is their passion. The level of detail throughout the games confirmed this.
For full details and to book a slot, visit www.hourglassescapes.co.uk and follow them on Facebook.
Mikey Clarke
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