Calling all Potterheads! For a magical experience in the heart of London, The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry escape room transports you and your friends into a shared world of spells, potions, and dark powers.
The stories of J.K Rowling have captivated generations of readers, including Nargiza, co-founder of Enigma Quests. Inspired by the series and other beloved fantasy worlds, we set about creating this acclaimed room, where groups of 3 to 5 must prove themselves within their wizarding exams. Weâve welcomed over 50,000 witches and wizards since opening, forming part of an amazing day out in London for Harry Potter fans.
Taking Inspiration From the World of Harry Potter
Nargiza started reading the Harry Potter books as a child and was heartbroken when she didnât receive her Hogwarts letter at 11 years old. As she grew up she was captivated by the film series, and when she finally moved to England she reread the books in English for the first time. Itâs safe to say that Harry Potter has always been a part of her life, which is why a magical-themed escape room was the obvious choice when starting Enigma Quests.
She and the team also took inspiration from the stories and visuals of other beloved fantasy worlds both new and old. From the lush landscapes of classics like The Sword and The Stone to modern series like Percy Jackson and Game of Thrones, they immersed themselves in the worlds of others before creating their own.
Building The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Escape rooms have now grown into a worldwide phenomenon, but they have only existed for a surprisingly short time, with the first UK escape room opening its doors in 2013. Enigma Quests followed in 2015, founded by Nargiza and Dmitri, and we decided that âThe School of Witchcraft and Wizardryâ would be our first room.
We built the room as a team of two working with several great contractors, none of whom had any concept of what an escape room was when they started work. We worked with propmasters and real-world magic enthusiasts to get the perfect set of magical items and decorations for the room. Over the years, weâve completely overhauled the room multiple times, making sure it maintains its fantastic appearance for all players.
We take an exhaustive approach to design and testing to ensure a challenging, fair, and fun experience for players at various skill levels. One of our key design goals, and a draw of opting for a magical theme, was to make the UK’s first fully automated escape room. Whether itâs with the flick of a magic wand or the correct sequence of items, every door, drawer, and lock magically opens itself for players, bringing them further into the fantasy world.
Building each of our rooms is a labour of love, from the elaborate decorations and carefully tested puzzle design, to the original music weâve had composed. While we wanted The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to offer a great experience to all players, for fans of Harry Potter it will be an extra special time, with a few easter eggs specifically aimed at fans of the books!
What to Expect in Your Escape Room
The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry whisks you and your team of 3 to 5 to the hallowed classrooms of the prestigious institution, where youâll have just one hour to complete a range of magical tests across 6 subjects:
- History of Magic
- Ancient Runes
- Charms
- Potions
- Arithmancy
- Defence Against the Dark Arts
Youâll need to bring your magical A-game if you want to leave with the top grade of âOutstandingâ. For those who are new to escape rooms, our Questmaster will accompany you on the radio throughout and will be able to nudge you in the right direction if you get stuck. We aim for all players to have a brilliant experience whether theyâre new or experienced escapees.
For fans of The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry looking for more, keep an eye on our website, as our team is ready to launch a follow-up, World of Witchcraft and Wizardry!
Planning the Perfect Harry Potter Day in London
Weâve entertained thousands of Harry Potter fans over the last 8 years, earning fantastic reviews on Tripadvisor. For those looking to fill out a full day of magical activities, youâll be spoilt for choice in London. Here are some of our tips for other locations and activities you can enjoy alongside our escape room:
- Visit Diagon Alley and More: Scenes from the Harry Potter series were shot all across London, with the entrance to Diagon Alley filmed at Leadenhall Market, a short walk from our location. Cecil Court, said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley, is also a great place to visit. A full list of filming locations across London from the series can be found here, whether you want to pay a visit to 12 Grimmauld Place or Platform 9 3/4.
- âThe Making of Harry Potterâ Tour: Easily reached from London by bus or train, âThe Making of Harry Potterâ is an award-winning tour featuring sets and props from across the series, housed within the studio where the films were shot. From exploring the great hall to seeing Aragog up close, this is a must-see experience for Potterheads.
- Enjoy a Magical Drink at The Cauldron: For magic fans over the age of 18, the Cauldron offers a fantastic time, the perfect way to celebrate completing your wizarding exams. With a range of potent magical cocktails alongside afternoon tea, this spooky destination is sure to delight Harry Potter fans.
- Watch âHarry Potter and the Cursed Childâ: This smash-hit play is considered the 8th part of the Harry Potter series, and is performed in the West End in two parts, which can be watched in the afternoon and evening. Weâve had many viewers play our escape room between parts, and recently hosted the child cast of the play!
Book Your Magical Escape Room Day Now
The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, along with our other escape rooms The Million Pound Heist and Submarine: Mission Wavebreak, offer a thrilling hour of puzzles within an immaculately detailed room filled with surprises.
Fans of Harry Potter are sure to delight in our magical world and spot one or two carefully hidden easter eggs. Designed for teams of 3 to 5, easy to access via tube and train, and with slots available 7 days a week, start organising your magical day out today and book your slot through our website.
