Escape London: Witchcraft and Wizardry | Review

Having graduated from the school of witchcraft and wizardry, you’ve suddenly been brought back. Only this time, you sense something sinister at work. The professor has gone mad. Mad with power. You’ve been sealed inside the room and within an hour he will extract all magic from you. Stripped of your wand and powers, you must use your wits to retrieve your wand and escape before you lose all magic forever.

Rating: Magical!
Completion Time: 35:59
Date Played: January 2020
Party Size: 4

Lockdown is easing in some parts of the UK, so it’s time to revisit (and finally post my reviews for!) a few games I completed before the apocalypse happened. Where better to start than with the absolutely MAGICAL “Witchcraft and Wizardry” at Escape London?!

Ahh, a fond memory from January when *gestures at the world* we had no idea what 2020 was going to be like.

50 Points to Ravenclaw!

So full disclaimer, I LOVE escape rooms that are wizarding themed. Anything remotely magical and the opportunity for effects, props and an all round vibe that excites the 10 year old inside me is a double thumbs up for me. Witchcraft and Wizardry did not disappoint – it was BEAUTIFULLY themed. I think that’s why it has stuck in my mind for so long.

Escape London have done an excellent job with their set design. For a comparatively small space, this room was packed with exciting things to discover and trinkets which felt as if they came directly off the film set of a certain magical movie franchise. Did I mention costumes? I see a wizard hat… I put the wizard hat on! I am an escape roomer of simple pleasures.

For sure, the room was a little close to that famous, unnamed wizard brand out there *cough*. But I’m not complaining, it’s a winning formula and why not? Such a theme is sure to attract a wide audience of escape room players and families from out of town.

Besides, my blue hair represents my house. It worked well.

Petrificus Puzzilaris!

In terms of puzzles, there was a very wide range of things to do! Our team of 4 immediately split up into our own bubbles, rummaging and searching and solving. This slightly more non-linear format that gives everyone something to do is my absolute favourite! We started with a lot of searching around. Plenty of spaces to rummage through, and those delightful moments where you discover a key where you hadn’t expected one to be.

With all magic themed rooms, there are several puzzles that felt like we were doing real magic. I don’t want to give any spoilers for any of the puzzles and since we only asked for 1 clue throughout the whole game, I’m pleased with how we did.

The Verdict

Overall, we loved it! I’m keeping this review on the short and sweet side as I appreciate either my memory could be failing me, or the room may have changed in the almost-year since I’ve visited, but it definitely stands out as one of my favourites of 2020. I’d recommend this for a beginner team, a team of magic fans, or anyone wanting a satisfying escape room experience.

Witchcraft and Wizardry can be booked for £24 pp + on Escape London’s website.

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