Cliffhanger Escape Rooms

Escape rooms aren't everyone's cup of tea, but Cliffhanger near the A590 in Cumbria actually works if you're after an hour of proper puzzle-solving away from the rain. You're locked in a themed room with your group - solving riddles, finding hidden keys, cracking codes - the whole lot. It's the sort of thing that either grabs you or leaves you cold halfway through.

Families with kids aged ten and up tend to have the most fun here, especially if someone in the group enjoys a bit of lateral thinking. Adults after a rainy-day activity or a stag night alternative find it decent enough. Solo visitors? You'll likely join a group, which is hit-or-miss depending on who shows up.

The location works well if you're staying at Newby Bridge Country Caravan Park just down the road, or any of the other sites dotted around - Hill of Oaks and Old Park Wood are nearby enough for a quick trip. You're close enough to the Lake District proper without fighting the crowds at Windermere itself.

Allow an hour for the room itself, plus fifteen minutes either side for briefing and debrief. Booking ahead is wise, especially weekends. It's not cheap - expect to pay per person - but it's the sort of thing you do once, enjoy it, and move on. Not a full afternoon's entertainment, but a solid rainy-day filler.