About Folkestone Escape Rooms – Locked In
Description
If you’re looking to shake up your usual weekend plans or just craving a bit of brain-teasing fun while in Folkestone, Locked In is a spot you really don’t wanna miss. It’s not your run-of-the-mill escape room — nope, this place packs a serious punch with two fully immersive themed rooms designed to mess with your mind (in the best possible way). The Bunker and The Asylum aren’t just names slapped on some puzzles; each room is expertly crafted to pull you into a story that tests your wits, teamwork, and nerves.
What really gets me about Locked In is the atmosphere. You’re not just solving puzzles; you’re stepping into another world with sounds, textures, lighting, and those cheeky little details that catch you off guard at just the right moments. It’s the kind of experience that makes you forget about the outside world — honestly, I once got so caught up in a puzzle there that I completely lost track of time. It’s that sort of escape (see what I did there?) from your daily grind that leaves you buzzing long after you’ve walked out.
And here’s a little secret — while some escape spots can be a bit, well, sterile or cookie-cutter, Locked In tries hard to avoid that trap. They’ve nailed the balance of being challenging without feeling overwhelming, so it’s perfect whether you’re a seasoned escape pro or a newbie just dipping your toes in. Friendly reminder: get ready to think outside the box, or maybe inside it — whichever helps!
Plus, it’s great for all kinds of groups. Friends looking to laugh till you almost scream, families wanting a unique bonding experience, or even colleagues aiming to spice up team-building without the usual awkwardness — Locked In ticks those boxes. You get the benefits of working together, problem-solving, and celebrating tiny wins (or blaming an unsuspecting teammate when things go sideways, I won’t judge).
Key Features
- Two immersive themed rooms: The Bunker and The Asylum, each with unique storylines and puzzles.
- Expertly designed puzzles that engage multiple senses — not just your brain but your intuition and observation skills too.
- Accessible entrance ensuring that everyone, wheelchairs included, can get in and join the fun without hassle.
- Onsite services with friendly staff dedicated to guiding you without giving too much away — well, mostly.
- Restroom facilities on location because, let’s face it, gulping down your nerves can be thirsty work.
- No onsite restaurant, so plan accordingly — though there are plenty of spots nearby to grab a bite post-escape to debrief and laugh over your puzzles.
- Close to Folkestone’s town center, making it easy to slot into your day trip or weekend adventure.
- A fantastic chance to step away from screens and dive into an analog challenge that sharpens your mind and bonds your group.
Best Time to Visit
Honestly, the escape room experience itself doesn’t really depend on the time of year — it’s always a solid bet. But if you’re like me and tend to prefer things a bit quieter, aim for weekday evenings or weekends outside school holidays. Folkestone can buzz in peak tourist season, and while Locked In is super well run, those extra visitors around town can add a bit of crowd to your day (especially if you want to check out nearby cafes after).
Winter months have their charm here too. I remember sneaking into Locked In on a brutally rainy January evening. Nothing like escaping into an escape room when the weather outside is a mess — it felt like an adventure within an adventure. And hey, maybe after you crack the puzzles, you can warm up with a hot chocolate nearby and enjoy that cozy post-escape vibe.
Booking ahead is key, no doubt about it. Locked In attracts serious fans and curious newbies alike, so securing your spot means less last-minute stress and more time focusing on locking up your wits. And if you’re traveling in a group, try coordinating your plans early because those rooms fill up fast — just trust me on this.
How to Get There
Locked In sits pretty central in Folkestone, making it simpler than you’d expect to find, even if you’re wandering around for the first time. If you’re coming by car, there’s street parking nearby, but I’d recommend checking local parking restrictions as Folkestone isn’t the biggest town and spaces can fill up on busy days.
Public transport is your friend here. Folkestone’s train station is just a short hop away from the escape rooms, so if you’re rolling in from London or other nearby cities, jump on the train for a stress-free arrival. From the station, it’s about a 10 to 15-minute walk, and honestly, Folkestone’s town center is a nice stroll with a mix of shops and cafes to get you in that upbeat mood before the challenge.
And if you’re a local or staying nearby, biking can be surprisingly pleasant. The area is quite friendly for cyclists, and it’s a neat way to sneak in a bit of fresh air before diving into your escape adventure.
Tips for Visiting
Most important tip? Don’t stress if you don’t figure everything out right away. The thrill is in the trying, and sometimes the best laughs come from those ‘oh no, what did we miss?!’ moments. I remember once our group was stuck on a clue for what felt like forever, only to have a sudden burst of inspiration (and maybe a tiny hint) totally flip the game. And yep, that feeling of racing against the clock — it’s addicting.
Wear comfy clothes and shoes — you’ll want to be able to move, lean, and peek under things without feeling restricted. You’re not running a marathon, but trust me, some of the puzzles need a bit of nimbleness and crouching down. Avoid bringing big bags or anything cumbersome; the space inside is cozy and focused on the experience, not luggage storage.
If you’re splitting your visit between rooms (and it’s worth trying both), budget at least a couple of hours. Each room usually takes around 45 to 60 minutes, plus some prep and briefing time. So set aside an afternoon or an evening for a proper locked-in adventure, rather than rushing in and out.
Don’t hesitate to ask the staff if you’re unclear about anything. They’re pros at guiding you just the right amount without spoiling the fun. And honestly, they’re genuinely passionate about what they do — it’s clear from the vibe they give off that they love seeing teams crack the codes.
Finally, bring your sense of humor and patience, especially if you’re with a mixed group. Puzzles can stump even the sharpest minds, and sometimes those frustrated “Ugh, why can’t we figure this out?!” moments turn into the best memories. So go in open-minded and ready to have a laugh, and you’ll probably leave with a goofy grin on your face and a story (or two) to tell.
