Escape Games · EDINBURGH
Good edinburgh escape games tours fill their evening slots weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 5 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Enter a 19th-century anatomist’s basement study near Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. In a private group of 2 to 8, you have one hour to find Dr. Malcolm’s journal, solve puzzles, and uncover a case involving grave robbery and medical malpractice. English only, ages 12 and up.
Use a WhatsApp-style phone game led by Captain Bess to follow maps and solve clues around Edinburgh. The route links Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, the Royal Mile, Greyfriars, Grassmarket, and other central sights. Start when you like, ask for hints, and pause for shops or pubs.
“Fun activity for us to start the day with few other people but mid morning, was crowded so that dampened our spirits. Overall great experience.”
You and your private team of up to seven follow a map and pirate kit around Calton Hill, solving physical clues tied to Captain Kidd and local seafaring stories. The game takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, uses your phone only for help, and ends back at Nelson Monument.
“Somehow we got lost in the system and no one turned up to do our tour. They did refund us and gave us the opportunity to do a different event for free which we were not able to do. They were very pleasant to deal with but it was disappointing.”
Explore Edinburgh’s Old Town on a private outdoor escape room for 2 to 20 players. Follow a story linked to Burke and Hare, solve puzzles with a satchel of props, use your phone and the city itself, then return for a prize. Hosts such as Beth and Julia help set the scene.
“We really enjoyed the Burke and Hare outdoor escape room. It’s themed on the story of Burke and Hare, and takes you on a walking route through the old town, solving puzzles as you go.”
You guide yourself through Edinburgh with the Questo app, solving clues at historic places including The Mound, Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, Greyfriars Bobby, and the Grassmarket. Start whenever you like, pause as needed, and play offline. No physical guide or paid attraction entry is required.
“It was interesting to find some things that we wouldn't necessarily have found. Some of the clues were too tricky to decipher.”
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