Escape Room Etiquette London: What You Need to Know Before You Go

When you step into an escape room, a themed physical adventure where players solve puzzles to escape within a time limit. Also known as puzzle room, it's one of London’s most popular group activities—whether you're celebrating a birthday, bonding with coworkers, or just looking for something different to do on a Friday night. But here’s the thing: no one tells you the unwritten rules until you mess up. And trust me, you don’t want to be the person who ruins it for everyone.

London has over 150 escape rooms, from haunted mansions to sci-fi labs, and each one has its own vibe. But the group behavior, how participants interact during the experience—sharing clues, respecting space, and managing frustration is the same everywhere. If you barge into a room shouting commands, ignore the game master’s hints, or try to pick the lock with your keys, you’re not being clever—you’re being the reason the next group gets a bad review.

Good escape room etiquette, a set of social norms that ensure fairness, safety, and fun for everyone involved isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being considerate. Show up on time. Listen to the briefing. Don’t bring food, drinks, or phones inside—yes, even if you think you’ll just check the time. Don’t hog the puzzles. If someone’s stuck, offer help, not criticism. And if you’re the loud one in the group? Tone it down. You’re not in a stadium. You’re in a 10x10 room with strangers trying to solve a riddle about a 19th-century pirate’s diary.

Some venues in London have strict policies: no touching props unless instructed, no using phones for photos (yes, they check), and absolutely no forcing open doors. Violate these and you might get kicked out—no refund, no second chance. And don’t assume the staff will clean up after you. If you knock over a prop, leave it. Don’t try to fix it. That’s their job. Your job is to play fair.

And here’s something no one talks about: the emotional side. Escape rooms can be stressful. People get frustrated. Someone might say something dumb under pressure. Don’t take it personally. Don’t roll your eyes. Don’t sigh loudly. Just breathe. Laugh it off. That’s what makes a good group. The best escape room memories aren’t about solving the final puzzle—they’re about who you were with when you did.

Whether you’re new to this or you’ve done ten rooms this year, the rules don’t change. Be present. Be kind. Be quiet when you need to be. And if you’re planning a girls’ night out or a team-building event, remember—this isn’t a competition. It’s a shared story. The room doesn’t care how fast you finish. It just wants you to enjoy the ride.

Below, you’ll find real tips from Londoners who’ve been there—what worked, what backfired, and how to walk out of any escape room with your group still speaking to each other.