London Escape Room Rules: What You Need to Know Before You Play

When you walk into an escape room, a themed physical adventure game where players solve puzzles to escape a locked room within a time limit. Also known as escape games, these experiences are built on trust, timing, and teamwork—not just brainpower. But here’s the thing: most people don’t know the real rules until they’re already inside, sweating over a locked box while the clock ticks down. And that’s when things go sideways.

London escape room rules aren’t just about not breaking things. They’re about respecting the space, the staff, and the other people in your group. You can’t just barge in with a phone in hand, start yelling clues like a game show host, or try to pick the lock with a keychain. These aren’t movies. The staff aren’t actors in a haunted house—they’re trained facilitators who’ve seen every trick in the book. And if you break a rule, you might get kicked out. No refunds. No second chances.

Most venues enforce a strict time limit, typically 60 minutes, with no extensions, even if you’re one clue away. You’ll get a briefing before you enter—listen closely. They’ll tell you what’s safe to touch, what’s off-limits, and what happens if you get stuck. Some places allow hints, but they cost you time. Others don’t give hints at all. Know your venue’s policy before you book. Also, don’t assume the room is child-safe. Many London escape rooms have adult themes, sharp objects, or intense lighting. Check the age rating. Don’t bring a 7-year-old to a zombie outbreak scenario just because it looks fun on Instagram.

Then there’s the group size, usually 2 to 8 people, with minimums enforced so the puzzle design works. Too few, and you’ll be overwhelmed. Too many, and you’ll trip over each other. Booking a group of 10 for a 6-person room doesn’t make it more fun—it makes it chaos. And yes, they’ll turn you away if you show up with extra people. No exceptions.

Phones, cameras, and smartwatches? Usually banned. Not because they’re trying to be annoying, but because spoilers ruin the experience for the next group. One person taking a photo of a puzzle solution and posting it online can sink a whole business. That’s why most places make you store your stuff in a locker. If you’re caught sneaking a phone in, you’ll be asked to leave. Period.

And don’t forget the dress code, no high heels, no long coats, no bulky bags. You’ll be crawling under tables, reaching behind walls, and ducking through narrow passages. If you can’t move freely, you’re not just slowing yourself down—you’re holding back your whole team. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave the designer bag at home.

Some venues have hidden rules too. Like not touching the walls unless you’re told it’s safe. Or not shouting random answers—because it messes with the audio sensors. Or not trying to force open a door that’s clearly not meant to open. These aren’t tricks. They’re safety features. Escape rooms are designed to be challenging, not dangerous. But if you ignore the rules, you turn a fun game into a liability.

What you’ll find below are real experiences from people who’ve played in London’s top escape rooms—from hidden speakeasies to Victorian mad scientist labs. You’ll learn how to pick the right room for your group, what to do when you’re stuck, and how to avoid the mistakes that get people kicked out. No fluff. No hype. Just the rules that actually matter.