From spooky Halloween thrills to festive Christmas cheer, escape rooms are fast becoming the go-to choice for corporate nights out.
Work nights out can be a tricky thing to get right. A meal and a few drinks in town might be the traditional option, but for teams who want to do something different — something that builds bonds, creates laughter, and leaves a real sense of achievement — an Edinburgh escape room could be just the ticket.
Whether you’re planning a spooky adventure for Halloween or looking to inject some originality into the office Christmas party, escape rooms offer a balance of fun and challenge that ordinary outings often lack.
Why Escape Rooms Work So Well for Teams
Escape rooms aren’t just entertainment; they’re interactive experiences that rely on collaboration. Teams are tasked with solving puzzles, uncovering clues, and working against the clock to complete a shared mission.
That dynamic makes them ideal for colleagues. Unlike bowling or karaoke, where people often split off into smaller groups, escape rooms put everyone on the same side — working together, sharing ideas, and celebrating victories as one. The challenges are varied enough that everyone, from the quiet problem-solver to the natural leader, has a chance to shine.
It’s little wonder that escape rooms are increasingly popular as corporate team building activities. They encourage clear communication, creative problem-solving, and the ability to perform under pressure — all highly transferable back to the workplace.
A Seasonal Twist: Halloween and Christmas Escapes
Escape rooms take on an extra edge when tied to the calendar. In Edinburgh, a city famous for its gothic history and atmospheric streets, it’s hard to beat the immersive thrill of an escape room at Halloween. Imagine racing against the clock in a candlelit chamber while uncovering the secrets of a 19th-century surgeon or facing puzzles inspired by Burke and Hare. It’s team building with a deliciously eerie twist.
Christmas parties, too, can benefit from an escape room makeover. Swapping the predictable turkey dinner for an hour of fast-paced puzzle solving is a brilliant ice-breaker before heading out for food or drinks. It gives colleagues something to talk about, laugh over, and remember — long after the crackers have been pulled.
Escape the Ordinary with Escape The Past
One of Edinburgh’s most acclaimed venues for corporate groups is Escape The Past, located in the heart of the Old Town. Their award-winning rooms draw directly on Edinburgh’s darker chapters of history, creating experiences that are both thrilling and uniquely local.
- The Anatomist plunges teams into the murky world of grave robbing and medical malpractice, right on the edge of the old surgical district.
- The Deacon’s Cabinet challenges players to outwit the notorious William Brodie, inspiration for Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
- For larger groups or those who prefer the outdoors, A Trail of Burke & Hare combines city exploration with puzzle solving, leading teams across Edinburgh’s old town in search of grisly secrets.
With indoor rooms ideal for 2–15 players and outdoor trails capable of accommodating up to 30, Escape The Past can tailor experiences to teams of almost any size.
More Than Just Puzzles
Of course, a work night out isn’t just about the activity — it’s about the whole experience. Escape The Past is centrally located at Nicolson Square, only a short walk from Waverley Station and surrounded by restaurants and bars. That makes it easy to combine an escape room with dinner, drinks, or even a full evening of festive celebrations.
Corporate bookings can be arranged privately, ensuring the focus is entirely on your team. With flexible timings — including late evening slots — it’s simple to fit into a busy calendar.
What Teams Say
Corporate groups who’ve chosen escape rooms for their office outings often report back with glowing praise:
- “Fantastic puzzles, adrenaline-filled themes and what a great team game and start to our night out.” – Katie B.
- “The immersive setting is incredible — the moment you enter the room, you are transported back in time.” – Donatella L.
From first-time players to seasoned puzzle enthusiasts, teams leave energised, engaged, and with shared stories that resurface at the water cooler for weeks afterwards.
Give it a Try!
A work night out should be more than a formality. It’s a chance to strengthen relationships, celebrate achievements, and build memories together. Escape rooms strike the perfect balance: fun, immersive, challenging, and rewarding.
For Edinburgh businesses, Escape The Past offers a uniquely local twist, blending world-class escape room design with the city’s infamous past. Whether it’s a Halloween fright night or a Christmas party with character, escape rooms are a far cry from the usual dinner-and-drinks routine — and that’s precisely why they’re unforgettable.
