The Escape Key
The Escape Key
5
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
The Escape Key is a premium escape room centre located in an atmospheric warehouse in the historic Gallowgate area (the place where witches were once hanged) of the city. We aim to give you the best possible experience with the quality of our games and the service we offer our customers. Play The Plague or Witch overlooking the ancient graveyard or try to save the world from Armageddon! The Electric City game is based on Newcastle's heritage as the first city in the world to be lit by electric light. We also offer three outdoor escape adventures, played using our app. Two of these, Rosie's Charm and Thirteen Ghosts, are played on the streets of Newcastle's city center. The Magic Bottles outdoor escape adventure is based in Alnwick.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Phil M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Armageddon
    Armageddon room was amazing, puzzles/tasks were challenging but great fun! Help along the way if you get stuck! Decor in the room was amazing! Would definitely recommend and will 100% be back for another room!
    Thank you so much for the review!
    Written 7 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 September 2023
  • Mrs J Nicholson
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Fun
    Can highly recommend the Escape Key as everyone in our group thought it was a great experience. Anna helped us when needed and made it fun. Look forward to trying another room as we had a brilliant time .
    Thanks for the review, we look forward to seeing you back for our other rooms
    Written 7 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 September 2023
  • Victoria H
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    “His name was John”
    This was our second trip to Escape key, and we did Armageddon which was a brilliant room. Jack was wonderful, very funny and engaging and we really appreciated his efforts to give us the best experience. His hints were great and luckily we managed to escape. We’ve done many escape rooms but escape key is by far the best, and the staff make it even better!
    Thanks so much for the excellent review!
    Written 7 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 September 2023
  • MattP
    150 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic escape experience - can't wait to go back
    We took part in the 'witch' escape room. An excellent mix of puzzles with refreshingly a complete absence of any combination locks, any colour coded locks, any directional locks and only a small.handful of keys. For those experience with escape rooms it was so nice to not be looking for numerical combinations all of the time. The puzzles were very well designed and made good use of electric / magnetic puzzles to complete the room. Three zones split the room and allowed it to progress at a satisfying pace. Also, standing out was the welcome and pre-story to set the scene. Unlike some similar experiences, we didn't feel rushed prior to starting the actual room. Our gamesmaster, Bertie, was as superb as the room and paced the experience well, only chipping in when absolutely needed. We will look to come back soon and can't wait to sample the other other rooms on offer. Highly recommended.
    Thank you so much for such a detailed and positive review! We're very happy you enjoyed your experience with us and we hope to see you again soon
    Written 7 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 September 2023
  • Stasa P
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loads of fun!
    The room (The Witch) was very fun, challenging but not in a way that you would want to sacrifice your teammate for a clue, although I would be willing to try. It was very creative and full of surprises. Our host, Jack was amazing, great sense of humour, very clear and helpful and made us feel right at home. Would definetely recommend, you won't regret it. We will return to try another room.
    Thanks for the review, we look forward to seeing you again soon!
    Written 7 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 29 September 2023
  • Garry S
    Newcastle, United Kingdom32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fun and lively experience.
    A totally fun and engaging experience, our expectations were surpassed. I would highly recommend the Escape Key in Newcastle. Thanks to Caitlin, our Game Master, who helped us along the way and explained everything so well; we had a great time and look forward to our next room.
    Thanks for the review and recommendation!
    Written 7 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 1 October 2023
  • Jolene D
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Escape Room - Plague Fun
    Plague Escape Room - the ambience of the room was brilliant. The jump scares really worked...there was some fearful moments! Anna from Escape Key was great at giving us clues and scaring us.
    Thank you for the review, we're glad you enjoyed the scares!
    Written 7 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 5 October 2023
  • Clare
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best hour we have ever spent
    Our first experience of an escape room (Witch room) . It was amazing, we loved absolutely everything about it. It was fun, challenging and emersive. Aly was amazing we all loved her. She helped us a lot but never made us feel like we were thick. We are planning to come back to a different room and want Aly to be our gamemaster at the next one too. Best fun I've had in ages and the time flew by. We are not surprised you have won awards totally totally awesome. Thank you
    Thank you so much for your kind review! We're thrilled to hear you had such a great time!
    Written 13 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 October 2023
  • Dawn J
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Durham Divas
    Went with friends who have never done escape rooms before. What a fabulous experience we had. Great fun. Would definitely go back to do a different room. We did The Plague this time. BRILLIANT
    Thank you Dawn, hopefully we'll see you again soon for another game!
    Written 13 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 11 October 2023
  • Gail L
    26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best Escape Rooms in Newcastle
    Escape Key provides fantastic rooms. We did both Armageddon and Plague. Really well thought through puzzles that make you think. Both of our hosts were great providing hints when needed but not being intrusive. If you're looking for rooms in Newcastle I would recommend it here. We've done others in the city and Escape Key are by far the best!
    Thanks Gail, we're so glad to hear you'd rate us the best in Newcastle!
    Written 13 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 October 2023
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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles1,854 reviews
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Torin Zieboll
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020
I don't usually write reviews for anything, but this is the first time I have actively wanted too.
I have been to four other escape rooms owned my big companies in Leeds and I must say that this my far my best experience. The rooms are all based off the history of Newcastle which makes it much more interesting. My group were all given a history of the City before we started which included hints as to how to solve the room within it. This made it much more immersive and set it apart from generic escape rooms.

As for the rooms and puzzles themselves, I was really impressed, most generic rooms are filled with number and combination locks which are very repetetive. The puzzles in our room was extremely varied and only had a few padlocks, it was refreshing to have some variation and I was genuinely impressed at how some of the puzzles work.

The room had a 1 hour time limit and my group of relative novices managed to finish it with 6 minutes left. We didnt ask for any hints with the bell but the monitor gave us some helped when we needed. Overall it was the hardest room ive seen but it didnt feel like we were being carried by the owners hints and I was very happy with the money I spent.

As this business is only run by 1 man and his son, reviews are very important to keep things going, I'm glad to see this room is #2 in Newcastle and I hope soon it gets #1, especially as it was cheaper then the big company rooms in Leeds. I would tell any of my friends to go to this room if they were visiting newcastle.
Written 23 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your lovely and very thoughtful review, it means so much to us......and we'd love to see you again here soon...........
Written 29 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JuniorFFL
Leeds, UK9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021
We completed Electric City as a pair. Based on the website info, we were concerned that 2 people wouldn't be enough minds (and hands) to escape the room in an hour but just about managed it.
Compared to the dozen or so other escape rooms we have completed, this one was by far the best. There were plenty of activities that would have kept a larger group occupied, all of which suited different skillsets. Without giving too much away, the room was much larger than any previous rooms we've completed, again giving us plenty to explore.
We especially loved that this room (and apparently all others) tied into the history of Newcastle, and the whole experience was incredibly immersive. This was largely down to Harley who played our helper character and did a fantastic job. He was very attentive and helped us where needed, and added to the tension and immersion.
Next time we visit Newcastle we are definitely going to book another room!
Written 4 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the kind words and for the great review! So pleased to hear you loved your time with us so much, we'd be more than happy to host you again!
Written 9 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kerry H
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
My son had his 11th birthday party here and all of the boys had a great time having never done an escape room before. The staff were great and extremely patient with them, despite the screaming and chaos in all of the excitement. Very positive feedback from all of the parents of participating boys who wouldn't stop talking about it. Thank you escape key for an unforgettable experience.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased you enjoyed yourselves team, thanks for the great review and well done for escaping the room! Looking forward to seeing you here again soon to play one of our other games now that we've reopened...................
Written 13 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alan B
United Kingdom2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020 • Family
What a fantastic experience! I’ve been to two other escape rooms before and this one is by far the best. The puzzles are pitched at exactly the right level, the attention to detail in the room was amazing, but the most unique point was the story behind the room. Usually your shown the room and you just ‘get on with it.’ With the escape key there’s a plot and a story that but the whole experience into context. It creates a completely immersive and intense atmosphere. It’s clear that the creators have invested a lot of time and effort into the escape key rooms to make a unique experience. Couldn’t recommend it more.
Written 24 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your lovely review Alan. Great to hear you enjoyed it.
Written 29 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

lindseystar
46 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Friends
I won an Instagram competition and as we had already done the room I won, they let us do their newer room instead which was really kind. I am under no obligation to review this venue.

We loved electric city, it had lots of interesting puzzles to keep us occupied, as an experienced team of 3, we prefer blitz style rooms where there are lots of puzzles to do at the same time, so that no one is left just watching. Lots of different things to do, not just a series of padlocks like you find in some rooms. It’s difficult to say much more without spoilers but it was soooo good. The set dressing was fab as usual and our host was excellent and everything felt very safe and secure.

Written 28 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

EHPEssex
Essex5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Electric City - Our first ever Escape Room - we didn’t know what to expect and were a bit confused at first but the ‘voice from above’ gave us hints when we needed them without giving us the answers.
We really enjoyed it and would definitely do another one.
Highly recommended. We were two adults and a teen and it was a perfect activity for us. The host was great and understood when we needed tips which enabled us to escape with one second to spare! Loved the Newcastle connection of the experience, as tourists, this made it extra special.
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased you enjoyed yourselves team, thanks for the great review and well done for escaping the room! Pleased the 'voice from above' was a good help to you. Looking forward to seeing you here again soon to play one of our other games now that we've reopened...................
Written 13 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JenBul
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020 • Family
Another fabulous visit to the Escape Key. Having been to several other escape rooms, The Escape Key is head and shoulders above all the others. Martin and Rachel have a fantastic set up. Each one of the rooms has a fascinating back story based around the history of Newcastle. The setting itself creates an eerie sense of mystery as it overlooks one of the oldest graveyards in the city. Our most recent visit was for my daughter’s 12th birthday with a mixed age group-children and adults. Each room is carefully crafted to suit young and old and provide a web of puzzles, problems, codes and riddles for your team to solve together in order to secure your escape. Superb value for money for an afternoon’s entertainment for all the family. We can’t wait to visit again!!
Written 27 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Jenny, so pleased you enjoyed yourselves again.........
Written 29 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Y D
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021 • Couples
We’ve just had the best experience here.
Jake was phenomenal, from the minute we stepped in he made us feel welcome, chatted to us and explained the process well.
He clearly was passionate about ensuring we had a great experience.
The room (electricity) felt well put together, authentic and Jake knew exactly when to hold off or give clues.
Thanks for a great morning, we’d love to return and try to escape the other rooms some time!
Written 9 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review. Glad to hear you had fun! Do come along and give our other rooms a try!
Written 12 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kelly G
County Durham, UK14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
We did this with our grown up kids and their partners just last week and we totally loved it. The lads were great from the moment we arrived. it was our first time doing one of these and we were pretty slow to start with but managed to do it with 2 mins to spare. We were pretty dis-organised and rushing about like fools for the most part but we loved it. We will be coming back to do more rooms soon.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased you enjoyed yourselves team, thanks for the great review and well done for escaping the room! We LOVE family teamwork here at the Escape Key. Looking forward to seeing you here again soon to play one of our other games now that we've reopened...................
Written 13 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

aaronw270999
Leeds, UK26 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
This is one of the best places that I have been too! My friends and I did all 4 indoor rooms in one day and had such a great time.

We started off with Electric City which absolutely blew my mind. The puzzles were so much fun and each one was so unique! The rooms itself took you on an adventure and ended in the most amazing way. We had Jake running our game who was absolutely brilliant. He waited for us to ask for clues and was still quite cryptic so that we figured everything out for ourselves. He was very enthusiastic and chatty which always helps!

We then played Plague which absolutely terrified us all because we're scared of everything hahah! The set design was absolutely brilliantly and really made us feel like we had gone back in time to that horrendous event. Jake was great again, we needed a lot more help this time but he kept us on track and really got us through it. There was one scare in there that really made me scream but it was hilarious!

After some food we played Witch - this was our favourite of the day. The brief to this room was so much fun thanks to the hangman and the jester (Harley and Olivia). Special shout out to the jester who really made my day! The beginning of the game was quite different to any that I had done before which really got us excited for the rest of the game. From start to end, the puzzles were absolutely brilliantly - not too hard and not too easy. There were a couple of jumpy moments but nothing too much that we couldn't handle. The ending of the game was probably one of my favourites from any room I have done!

The last game we played was Armageddon and I was astonished at the look of this room. The set design was flawless. The game itself was very enjoyable however in this one we found ourselves at a stand still more. This was definitely on us though because we didn't communicate on what we had and had not done throughout the game so we confused ourselves. Luna ran this game and she was brilliant, on hand at every moment just in case we needed help.

At the end of the rooms all of our hosts came together and had a good chat with us which was really lovely. We managed to get more recommendations and find out more about the games which was nice.

I want to give a shout out to Martin, the owner. I spoke with him on the phone a couple of weeks prior and he was extremely accommodating. He got everything set up for us which we really appreciated. You can really tell that for Martin and all the hosts that they're passionate. The games, the hosting and the friendliness all show this.

We really wish we could do the whole day again so we hope they get some new rooms!
Written 29 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your thoroughly detailed review! We're really pleased to hear that you loved all of our games so much and we'd be happy to have you again in the future (once we have more games of course!) Once again thank you so much for coming we all had a fab time running your games!
Written 5 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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