A mysterious disappearance, a missing briefcase full of cash and a ferry about to depart – this Christmas, Newhaven Fort is inviting visitors to dive into its gripping 1970s-themed escape room adventure.
Although the fort itself is closed until February half-term 2026, the escape room remains open for bookings throughout Christmas and New Year, offering a unique holiday activity.
The Lucky Escape transports teams of three to eight players back to 1979, where they must work together to unravel an intriguing mystery involving a missing briefcase of money and the suspicious disappearance of a millionaire with a notorious gambling addiction.
With just one hour before the getaway ferry departs, the pressure is on to uncover the money and retrace the missing man’s steps.
While the story nods to the real-life disappearance of Lord Lucan – whose car was found abandoned in Newhaven in the 1970s – the escape room follows a fictional narrative drawing from Sussex’s past, including ABBA’s famous 1974 Eurovision victory in Brighton.
Lindsay Lawrence, general manager at Newhaven Fort, said: “Whether you’re looking for an exciting way to spend the holidays or hoping to banish the post-Christmas blues, our escape room offers a fun and fast-paced challenge.
“It’s a fantastic way to spend quality time with friends or family this Christmas and New Year.”
Newhaven Fort’s escape room features plenty of tactile puzzles and cognitive challenges, as well as adjustable difficulty levels to ensure the experience is accessible both to seasoned escapers and first-time players. At the end of the game, each team receives a group photo as a keepsake.
The Lucky Escape was created in collaboration with Brighton-based company Pier Pressure and opened its doors earlier this year as part of the historic landmark’s £7.5 million restoration.
Tickets start at £31 per person (for a game with at least three players) and must be booked online in advance.
The escape room is located inside the fort’s Grand Magazine, which has step-free access and was once used to store gunpowder.
To find out more and book tickets, visit: https://newhaven.pierpressure.co.uk/
For more information, please visit: https://www.newhavenfort.org.uk/
