Escape Rooms for Tourists & Visitors to Edinburgh
Step back in time and experience the most immersive historical attraction the city has to offer.
If you're visiting Edinburgh as a tourist and looking for an unforgettable experience, our award-winning escape rooms are a thrilling mix of captivating storytelling, ingenious puzzles, and fascinating local history, located just minutes from the Royal Mile.
Why our Escape Rooms are ideal for tourists and visitors:
Whether you're on a weekend city break, a family holiday, or an organised group trip, our escape room adventures offer a fun and engaging way to explore Edinburgh’s hidden history:
Discover Real Edinburgh History
Our escape experiences are all themed around true stories from the city’s past, expertly researched and pain-staking recreated complete with authentic environments, props, sights, smells and even live actors!
Solve a thrilling Mystery
Don’t just learn about Edinburgh's history - experience it and become part of the story, solving puzzles and unraveling mysteries to reveal the darker side of old Edinburgh.
Top-Rated Tourist Attraction in Edinburgh
With hundreds of 5-star reviews from tourists worldwide, we’re proud to be among the most recommended visitor experiences in the city.
Great for Visiting Families, Friends & Tours Groups
Our Escape Rooms are suitable for 2-15 people, while our outdoor City Trails can accommodate up to 30. Every booking is exclusive to your group - no strangers, no interruptions, just a shared experience you’ll be talking about long after you return home!
Rain or Shine Activity
Stay dry in one of our Escape Rooms or get outside and explore the city with our outdoor Puzzle Trails - all filled with fascinating history and enthralling puzzles.
Perfect for first time & repeat visitors
Our experiences are a great introduction to Edinburgh that brings the city’s most famous stories to life! Step off the beaten tourist trail and dive into a hands-on historical mystery in a vividly recreated setting.
“A highlight of our trip to Edinburgh”
We’re proud to be a top-rated activity loved by tourists and 5-times winner of Trip Advisor’s “Travellers Choice Award”
Choose Your Edinburgh Escape:
The Anatomist
DURATION:
1 hour
PLAYERS:
2-8
DIFFICULTY:
3/5
AGES:
12+*
A multi-award winning escape game set on the edge of Edinburgh's old surgical district. Descend into a world of grave robbery, mystery and malpractice as you enter the study of a 19th century anatomist to unearth a thrilling mystery...
Learn MoreThe Deacon's Cabinet
DURATION:
1 hour
PLAYERS:
2-6
DIFFICULTY:
4/5
AGES:
10+*
A historical heist escape room which challenges you to outsmart the infamous Deacon William Brodie - Edinburgh's favourite villain, and the inspiration for Jekyll & Hyde. Can you unlock the mysteries of The Deacon's cabinet and discover his ill-gotten fortune before the noose tightens?
Learn MoreA Trail of Burke & Hare
DURATION:
2 hours
PLAYERS:
2-30
DIFFICULTY:
2/5
AGES:
8+*
A body has been discovered in The Cowgate with wounds eerily reminiscent of a dark period of Edinburgh’s past… The path ahead descends through the city's very darkest history.
Follow the trail, decipher the clues and, if you dare, follow in the bloody footsteps of Edinburgh's infamous 19th century serial killers: Burke and Hare...
What Visitors to Edinburgh say:
“We had such a great time! The immersive setting is incredible, the moment you enter the room, you are transported back in time. The puzzles are challenging and creative, and some of the special effects are amazing. Definitely a must-do, fun activity in Edinburgh"
Kimberley L. | GOOGLE REVIEWS
“I had a great time here with my 15yo son. Beth was a fantastic host, the puzzles were interesting and engaging, and it was a highlight of our short trip to Edinburgh.”
Val G. | GOOGLE REVIEWS
“I booked "Deacon's Cabinet" for myself and my partner as a fun way to learn a little bit about a slice of Edinburgh's history. We weren't at all disappointed.”
Stephen G. | GOOGLE REVIEWS
Tourists & Visitors Often Ask...
Do we need to book in advance or can we turn up?
All bookings must be made online, and we always recommend booking reasonably far in advance to avoid disappointment. However, same-day bookings are sometimes available so it’s always worth checking availability. If you can't see a suitable time slot, contact us and we'll do our best to fit you in!
How long do you escape room experiences last?
Our Escape Room experiences last approximately 1 hour, while our outdoor escape room City Trails last about 2 hours and are extendable with additional stops e.g. for some shopping or to grab lunch.
What if English isn’t our first language?
Our Escape Room experiences are currently available in English only, and we recommend a reasonable grasp of the English language to get the most out of the experience. That said, we've welcomed many international visitors who have only conversational English and they've had a great time! Our staff are always on hand to help and offer unlimited extra clues if needed.
Where are you located?
We are located at BF01 25 Nisolcon Square EH8 9BX, on the edge of Edinburgh’s old Surgical District and just a 5 minute walk from The Royal Mile - Edinburgh’s main tourist street. We’re close to many great dining options too!
Do you offer discounts for Tourists?
We do! We're part of Edinburgh's City Pass which entitles holders to a 20% discount on our Escape Rooms subject to availability and full terms & conditions.
Is it based on a true story?
All of our experiences are faithfully researched and based on real tales from Edinburgh’s dark past. We aim to create vivid historical settings that make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time, giving you a real feel for old Edinburgh.
Do you cater to large group tours?
Yes! While our indoor escape rooms are suitable for up to 15 people at once, our Outdoor City Trails can accommodate groups of up to 30 visitors. If you’re organising a large group tour, email info@escapethepast.co.uk to discuss your requirements and secure the best price.
Do you have a toilet?
Yes! We have a toilet at our central Edinburgh location. If you'd like to use the bathroom before your experience we recommend arriving a few minuets early to ensure we can get you started on time.
Still have a question? Please Contact Us and we'll do what we can to answer your queries and help make your trip to Edinburgh even more special!
Book Now