Some people are scared of spiders. Some are scared of the dark. And a surprisingly large number of people cannot look at a clown without their skin crawling. If you are one of them, or you have a friend you would love to see squirm, this guide to our clown escape room in London is for you.

Freakshow is one of the six horror scenarios at Horror Escape in Peckham. It is a live actor room built around a forgotten carnival, a deadly fire and a Ringmaster who never left the big top. Here is what you can expect, without any spoilers.

Why Clowns Are So Scary

Clowns are supposed to be fun, and that is exactly what makes them unsettling. The painted smile never changes, so you cannot read what the person underneath is thinking. Horror films have used that gap for decades, and it works because the brain hates not knowing whether a face is friendly.

A clown escape room takes that discomfort and puts it in the same room as you. You are not watching a scary clown on a screen. You are trying to solve a puzzle while knowing one could be standing behind you.

The Story Behind Freakshow

Years ago, a travelling carnival came to town. On its final night, a fire broke out. The story goes that the Ringmaster locked the exits from the inside and made his audience part of his last performance. When the smoke cleared, his body was never found.

Now the carnival has returned. The tents are back, the calliope plays on its own and the Ringmaster is looking for new performers. Your team has 60 minutes to escape his circus before you become part of the next act.

You can read the full story on the Freakshow scenario page.

What to Expect in Our Clown Escape Room

A Live Actor

Freakshow features a live actor, which changes everything. Animatronics and sound effects can make you jump, but a real person reacting to your group in real time is a different level of fear. Our actors read the room and adjust, so the scares land at exactly the wrong moment for you.

Puzzles That Fit the Story

This is still an escape room, so you will be hunting for clues, cracking codes and working as a team. The puzzles are built into the carnival setting, which keeps you inside the story from start to finish. Players have praised the mix of puzzles, problem-solving and storyline across our rooms.

The Basics

• Team size: 2 to 7 players
• Game length: 60 minutes
• Age: 16+, or 13 to 15 with an adult (18+) on site
• Location: 43 Peckham High Street, SE15 5EB

Scared of Clowns? You Can Still Play

Plenty of people book Freakshow specifically to face their fear. If you are nervous, here is what you should know:

• Every game is private, so you will only be with people you trust.
• All of our scenarios are continually monitored by staff.
• You can leave the game at any time.
• Tell your host before you start, and they will brief you on what to expect.

If your whole group is nervous, consider starting with a gentler room like Twisted Tales, which has no live actor, and working your way up.

Want It Even Scarier?

For groups who want to push it, you can increase the fear level for an extra £10 for 2 to 5 players, or £20 for 6 to 8 players. Only choose this if everyone in the team is on board, because the Ringmaster takes it seriously.

Pair Freakshow With Another Room

Many of our players make a session of it and book two rooms back to back. Freakshow pairs well with Ravenswood Asylum for a full horror double bill, or with Coven if your group loves dark stories with a supernatural twist. Have a look at all of our horror escape room scenarios in London to plan your visit.

Practical Tips Before You Go

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your slot so your game master has time to brief you. Wear trainers and comfortable clothes, as you will be moving around in low light. Prices, opening hours and booking policies are all on our FAQs page.

Do You Dare Enter the Big Top?

If you have ever wanted to test how you really feel about clowns, Freakshow is the place to find out. Gather your team, head to Peckham and see whether you can escape the Ringmaster before the show goes on without you. Book your Freakshow game today.