Where: Brent Cross Shopping Centre
Who's it for? Couples, families, friends, kids' parties, corporate team days
Number of games: Four
Game themes: School of Magic, Alice in Wonderland, Lost City of Atlantis, Nightmare Hotel (16+)
Difficulty: From medium to extreme
If you’re looking for a London escape room that’s immersive, creative and seriously fun, Game Over Brent Cross deserves your attention. The venue has four different games, and School of Magic is a standout experience that proves escape rooms can be more than just puzzles, they can be pure fun.
For families, couples, groups of friends or even a corporate team day, it’s an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re mastering spells in School of Magic, uncovering secrets in the Lost City of Atlantis, or braving the horror escape room Nightmare Hotel, you’ll come away exhilarated and already planning your next visit.
A London escape room for all ages
Just a short train ride with Thameslink to Brent Cross West (which is less than fifteen minutes from central London), Game Over London Escape Room sits behind Brent Cross Shopping Centre, offering one of the most engaging London escape room experiences in the capital.
Opened in April 2024, Game Over Brent Cross blends story-driven puzzles, theatre-quality sets and clever design to create something genuinely special. It’s perfect for friends, families, couples, birthdays and team building functions. Anyone who loves a challenge and wants an experience that feels like stepping into another world will love this.
Fuelling the adventure
Before tackling our escape, my team and I stopped at Remoli, a family-run Italian restaurant inside the shopping centre. I can be fussy about pasta, especially if it’s not cooked al dente. But the food at Remoli is authentic and delicious. Their butter and sage ravioli is a real showstopper: fresh, tasty, and perfectly al dente. I can’t stop thinking about it, and I’m already planning my trip back.
That’s one of the things I really love about this London escape room. Being part of Brent Cross Shopping Centre means you can have something to eat, freshen up, and even do a spot of shopping before your game.
Entering the School of Magic
Feeling satisfied after a delicious lunch, it was time for the main event. We were given our safety briefing, and then it was over to us. From the moment the door closed, the spell was cast and I couldn’t wait to get started.
The School of Magic room pulls you into a world of glowing puzzles, secret symbols, and even a working magic wand (yes really). Everything from the props to the sound design feels rich, tactile and cinematic.
The puzzles unfold in a satisfying rhythm. Each clue naturally leads to the next, with a perfect balance between logic and teamwork. You’ll find yourself moving constantly, searching, shouting ideas, piecing together patterns, and the moments of breakthrough feel genuinely exhilarating and satisfying.
Best of all, no one gets left out. Every person in our group had something to do, which kept the energy high and the laughter constant. The room’s ‘medium’ difficulty is ideal: challenging enough to make you think, but not so hard that you lose momentum and get frustrated.
The magic of teamwork
As the time ticked away, our teamwork dynamic kicked in. One of us handled the riddles, another deciphered symbols, and for some of the puzzles we had to physically work together to unlock the next clue (no spoilers here).
The School of Magic doesn’t just test your brain, it builds relationships. When we finally cracked the last code, the mix of pride and excitement was addictive. That sense of connection is what makes this room so memorable. You leave feeling not only clever, but closer to the people you came with.
Beyond the magic
School of Magic is the perfect escape room for families and kids’ parties with its fun theme and medium difficulty. For real thrill-seekers and fans of horror escape rooms, there’s Nightmare Hotel. It’s the biggest and most intense experience here, featuring six rooms, moving walls, and plenty of jump scares. According to our game master, only 20 per cent of players manage to escape.
If you prefer something more whimsical, Alice in Wonderland offers playful fantasy, while Lost City of Atlantis ups the difficulty for serious puzzle enthusiasts. Each room has its own character and pacing, making Game Over ideal for both first-timers and seasoned escape room addicts looking for a new challenge.
Why this London escape room is worth the trip
I’m a big fan of escape rooms, and I’ve now ticked off every available room in my local area. I’m always on the hunt for more puzzles, so finding four new rooms to complete in Brent Cross ticked the boxes.
Everything about this place feels considered. The staff are friendly and encouraging, the set design is detailed and atmospheric, and the puzzles are clever without crossing into frustration. It’s escapism in the truest sense: an hour of total focus and fun, where everyday life fades into the background.
The location adds to the appeal. Brent Cross Shopping Centre is clean, modern and packed with restaurants and shops, so you can enjoy a full day out. Arriving by train makes the whole thing effortless: jump on a Thameslink to Brent Cross West, enjoy the short walk, and you’re there.
Gather your team, grab your wand, and jump on the train. One hour, one mission, and - if you’re anything like us - one minute and seventeen seconds to spare.
