Escape the Past: Edinburgh’s Most Immersive Historical Escape Room
If Edinburgh’s cobbled closes could talk, they’d whisper tales of grave robbers, cabinet-makers turned criminals, and anatomists with secrets stitched into their ledgers. At Escape the Past, those whispers become shouts, beckoning you into the city’s darker chapters through immersive escape room adventures that are as theatrical as they are thrilling.
Step Into the Shadows of Old Edinburgh
Nestled in the old surgical district at Nicolson Square, Escape the Past isn’t just a game, it’s a time machine. You’ll descend into the study of a 19th-century anatomist in The Anatomist, where grave robbery and medical malpractice lurk behind every puzzle.
What sets this escape room apart? A guide, authentic props, and ingenious puzzles that make you see, touch, and even smell old Edinburgh. It’s immersive theatre meets escape game, with storytelling so rich you’ll forget you’re playing.
Your guide is never far away. They set the scene, sneak you into the office of Dr Malcolm, and vanish, leaving you with one task: find the missing journal that reveals why Mr Patterson fled in fear the night before. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Ring the bell or just scream for help, and through some trickery and magic, their voice booms around the room, offering subtle hints and nudges to keep you moving and keep you on time.
And here’s the thing, escape rooms aren’t just for the young and sprightly. With over 140 years of collective brain power in our group (and a few creaky knees), we still needed extra time to crack the codes. There were questionable looks, bursts of laughter, and that glorious moment of sheer delight when we finally solved a clue. It was teamwork, tenacity, and a touch of theatrical chaos, and we loved every minute.
You’ll notice a lack of photos here. That’s deliberate. I won’t spoil the surprises, the set design, or the clever twists. There’s nothing scary, nothing we couldn’t eventually solve, but you are on the clock. And let me tell you, one hour flies by in ten minutes.
The puzzles are brilliantly designed, clever without being cruel. You’ll need a mix of lateral thinking, pattern spotting, a dash of dexterity, and a keen eye for detail. Memory helps, deduction helps, and most of all, a sense of humour helps. Because while the clock is ticking, the real joy comes from the laughter, the wild guesses, and the triumphant squeals when something finally clicks (literally - there’s quite a few padlocks!)
It might sound like hard work, but it’s not. It’s just good fun. The adrenaline rush when you crack a clue is pure magic, suddenly you’re hooked, desperate to find the next one, convinced you’re now a master codebreaker (until the next red herring throws you off).
Why Escape the Past Is Perfect for First-Timers, Families, and Curious Tourists
This was my first-ever escape room, and I’ll admit, I worried I’d be too daft to escape. Turns out, you don’t need to be a genius, just curious and willing to dive in. Most of our time was spent trying to *find* the next clue, not solve it! Now that I know how it all works, I reckon I’d be quicker next time. And yes, there will be a next time.
Whether you’re a tourist chasing Edinburgh’s darker tales, a couple looking for something different, a family up for a challenge, or a corporate team in need of bonding and belly laughs, Escape the Past is a cracking choice.
Things to Note about Escape the Past
Rated No1 on Tripadvisor
They have two Escape Rooms of varying difficulty - The Anatomist 3/5 and the Deacon’s Cabinet 4/5
Minimum players is 2 people
Duration is 1 hour with extra time if they can allow it
They also have an outdoor city trail that lets you follow in the bloody footsteps of Burke and Hare, solving clues as you wander through the Cowgate and beyond
The more people you book, the cheaper the cost. Group of 2 starts at £72 (£36 each) and a group of 6 is £150 (£25 each)
Escape The Past, Basement 1, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9BX www.escapethepast.co.uk
I was invited by Escape The Past to review this experience which was complimentary but the views are very much my own.
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk
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