Escape to Donnington Manor
One of our passions is Escape Rooms. We have completed over 70 and are always looking for new challenges. When we discovered the escape rooms at Donnington Manor, we felt compelled to try them out, to see how we faired. It has been a while since we had the chance to 'escape' so close to home having exhausted our choices for escape rooms in the local area. So discovering somewhere new to play was a real bonus.
Donnington Manor Hotel boasts 600 years of history, with interesting architecture: the building appears to be a mix of old and new, and the aerial view does look slightly cobbled together. However, once inside you are greeted with impeccable hospitality, great food, and good wine. 
From the moment we arrived, we were meet with a warm welcome. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble. As our game rooms were not quite ready, we headed to the bar for a drink and took in our surroundings. The restaurant offered a good menu and could cater for a gluten- and dairy-free diet so we booked a table to coincide with the end of our last game.
The games were very well thought out and quite difficult. We may be the 'Dithering Duo' but we usually get ahead of most games. On these games, we must have been out of practise and needed quite a few hints. Our ability to overthink rather than take things at face value can be a big drawback for us at times. So we plan to go back with additional team players to try again in the future. The games we played were: -
Crypt of the Cursed
The Clayborn Family Crypt, constructed by Victor Clayborn over a century and a half ago, holds a chilling legacy of premature deaths among the Clayborn's, due to a mysterious family curse. As you step into the Crypt escorted by the Crypt Keeper, an eerie sensation envelops you. 
Cabin in the Woods
Ben Fivay, an investigator of the supernatural, has gone missing. Tracking his last known whereabouts, you and your team find yourselves locked in a Cabin in the Woods; but all is not as it seems. Search the cabin, follow Ben's clues and solve the mystery, before the cabin's mysterious inhabitant returns...
As we were struggling and the rooms were not booked straight after, we were allowed some extra time as clues to see if we could get further. Having some of the parts we lost our way on explained to us after really helped too. The hardest part though was the PA system, and when the clues came through, there was a certain amount of echo on the system that meant we could not clearly hear what was being said. Aside from this point, the whole experience was positive. We can't wait to go back and get through to the end, with extra players. Escape rooms are usually meant for 3 or more players but we consistently play as a couple, and this is far more of a challenge.
Dinner in the restaurant after the games rounded off the evening and we even contemplated booking a room. But that seemed a bit decadent considering we were so close to home. In the dining room we explained my restrictive diet and were meant with enthusiasm and knowledge.
The chef kindly came to our table and worked through everything from a starter to dessert, to ensure the menu could be adapted. 
On presentation, quality and cooking we could not find any faults with the food on offer. The prawns in the cocktail were huge; none of those little shrimp-like offerings some restaurants use. The medium-rare steak was cooked to perfection, and the Sea Bass as crispy and light as expected. A large glass of red also went down well with the food. I was offered a dessert menu but rejected it as most desserts either contain gluten or dairy, but the chef surprised me with a free-from sticky toffee pudding with mango sorbet.
Next time we go back we may have to book a room and play some of the other games too. As well as multi-room escapes, Donnington Manor offers a selection of sit down games in booths where you can also relax a little more for the 60 minutes, and enjoy drinks brought to your table during the game.
For more information visit Donnington Manor online where you can book a table, a game, a room, or all three.
This is not a sponsored review, we paid for our own games, food and drink.
*The car park to the hotel is free for genuine guests and visitors but you MUST put your license plate number into their system as soon as you park. If you drive into the car park and drive straight out, I would still advise stopping long enough to put in your license plate number because the cameras register you the moment you enter. We originally drove in and decided to park out on the road because we were unsure of the parking restriction applying to guest of the hotel or escape room players. At reception we were advised to bring the car back in and park onsite. We entered our license plate number once. We should have done it twice as we had technically entered and left once already. A week later we received a parking fine, but the supervisor, Karen Fever, was exceptionally helpful and had the ticket cancelled, going on to assist us with Europcar rental and their additionally fees, as we were in a hire car. So if you go in, register, even if you intend to leave straight away.
The car park is obviously tempting to non-hotel users and registering your parking is now becoming more of a norm to protect the spaces for genuine customers.