Lakes Escapes: Diamond Mine

This game is a bit different! The first half consists of a GM-guided series of physical/dexterity mini-challenges, very much in the style of Crystal Maze. These earn you "clue orbs" that you can then use in the second part, which is more traditional escape room codes and locks.

I imagine this could divide players looking for a "traditional" escape room audiences somewhat, but it worked perfectly for us - a family group in a large team of mixed age and abilities, who welcomed the opportunity to play some more light-hearted carnival-style games rather than all be thinky puzzles.

Excellent, attentive hosting kept us on target thoughout.

We played while staying at Keswick on a family holiday in the lake district, and would definitely recommend the half-hour drive to Workington if it's poor weather or you fancy a break from fell walking or mountain climbing.

This was superb fun, and something a little different. The hosting was fantastic too! A little on the easy side on occasion, but a really great experience!

Very enjoyable and very different. The mini games are excellent and the time in the diamond mine is frantic. Worth the long drive. If you’re in The Lakes definitely worth a trip to Workington to play this. 

Oh wow! What an experience! The first 30 mins are a crystal maze type experience where the GM guides you through different challenges. Then you go into the mine and the escape room begins! This is such an amazing experience and a really fun escape room. We did 11 escape rooms whilst in the Lakes and this was definitely our favourite.

Diamond mine is a ridiculously inventive concept that we absolutely loved! To say it's fun is an understatement to be honest - the concept of mini games to get yourself a step ahead in the mine itself is such a great idea and the execution of this concept is just superb. It's definitely one of the most adrenaline-filled rooms we've done in a while.

We had a lovely GM and that's important for this game - huge credit to Lakes Escapes for really thinking outside the box and offering something different.

This is superb. The less you know the better. One of my favourite games ever.

Loved this game, it blends the 'crystal maze' style short games with a traditional escape room wonderfully with equal emphasis on both styles of game. The aim is to win glowing orbs which will transform into hints for the mine.

The short games are inventive and make great use of the space. John, our host, was great at getting the whole team excited and interacting, and we had great banter with him throughout the game. Some of the mini games are rather deceiving, they look simple but aren't always (especially with the time pressure!) and you'll definitely get an adrenaline kick for each game you play. The mini games make a wonderfully fun warm up for your team so they're ready to enter the Diamond Mine. 

We loved the transition from the mini games into the escape room, its a definite wow moment and gives the whole team a real sense of movement from one area to the next. 

The escape room portion is a 30 minute game and theres lots to do as you find the diamonds, so no worries if you're a team of 2 or 6, you'll all be kept busy. Theres a good variation of puzzles to solve, from dexterity to visual, and all are very well themed.

As with all Lakes Escapes games the build quality is there, from the smallest of details to the build of the mine it all looks and feels right. 

We've also got to point out that great efforts have been made to make the games accessible, lighting is great, and the escape room floor is even with no steps. 

Most of the mini games can be played by everyone (one game has a small step, and one is quite 'active'). Theres also a couple of others may be slightly more difficult for wheelchair users) but they will be doable with additional time. But with so many mini games theres plenty to play.

We loved it, one of the team said its the best game he's played in forever! 
Its a full hour of fun and a must play, so put this on your wish list.  

We particularly loved the method of which game you play, theres none of that awkward silence as someone has to be picked, and this keeps the engagement level high. The games are all doable by (almost) everyone, so its perfect for families / multi generational teams.