The Escaporium Halifax: Area 51½

By | May 28, 2019

by The Escaporium Halifax (website)

Ground Floor, Berwick St Mills, 23 Square Rd, HX1 1QG

Halifax

2-8 players

Languages: EN

60 minutes

🐶

Well known alien hunter and conspiracy theorist, Professor Ross Well lives at 51½ George Street.  After years spent collecting, and hunting evidence of extra-terrestrial life, he got his lucky break and came across a crash site up on the moors, complete with a live alien!  He brought the alien back to his house with the intention of keeping him, but the mothership has tracked their friend down and arrived to collect him!

You begin your mission outside Professor Ross Well's house - what you will find in there is anyone's guess! But what you do know is that you only have one hour to return the alien back to the mothership, or our planet will be destroyed!

Your excellent investigative observation skills will be put to the test in Area 51½!

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Overall rating

Rated between 4.5 and 5 out of 5

based on ratings from 38 users
combined with 4 pro reviews

Your review

Player reviews

Farmergeddon Outta Here experienced rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 28 Sep 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 67:30 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techimmersivestory-driven

A stunning room which was very visually pleasing, the room is an excellent example of what an escape room can be! A lot of the references went over my head but my wife understood loads of them (all alien related) but we both really enjoyed this room. Lots of puzzles, great hosting and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. We were also glad of the extra time as we still had 7:30 left!

Anonymous rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 27 Nov 2023 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
value for moneyoriginalepicquite difficult

Genuinely the best room I’ve ever played. The puzzles are great and the set was magical. Brilliant hosting too. 10/10 

woodyhudds rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 8 Apr 2024 Time taken: 55
hi-techoriginalgreat hostingquite difficult

An excellent and unique room. Did it as a team of 2 and needed the extra time, loads of brilliant and original puzzles.

samsham experienced rated this:Rated between 3.5 and 3.5 out of 5
Played: 13 Jul 2024 Team size: 2 Outcome: Failed 🙁
hi-techimmersivequite difficult

An ambitious and immersive sci-fi themed room. There's an overwhelming amount of puzzles for a team of 2 to take on despite the extra 15 minutes given to smaller teams

fraggle42 experienced rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 24 Feb 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 67.14 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techcleverimmersive
Dan Getliffe experienced rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 15 Jun 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 64 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulhi-techimmersive

Probably one of the best themed games we’ve played - the attention to detail is stunning and there are some great wow moments in this one. A few leaps in logic at times and yet another instruction booklet (we don’t like these) but still really really good! 

Mrs G expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
beautifulgreat hostingepic
An excellent game with fantastic attention to detail and great hosting from Sam. Some unique puzzles not seen elsewhere 
Lise expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 1 Mar 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 67 Outcome: Successful escape!
value for moneyhi-techimmersive
I wish I could put more tags than just three, it's was also story-driven, had great hosting, quite funny and really well decorated with tiny details and sci-fi references.A must-do!
escapeartist1212 expert rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
beautifulimmersiveepic
Izzi Wade rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 10 Feb 2024 Team size: 3 Time taken: 56.25 Outcome: Successful escape!
immersivegreat hostingepicquite difficult
One of the best escape rooms we've done. Will certainly be coming back to the Escaporium! Highly recommend if you're in the area, especially if you're a sci-fi enthusiast. 
A Blacksmith expert rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 19 Dec 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 75:00 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techimmersivegreat hostingquite difficult
🦡cipherdelic virtuoso rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: January 2024
clevergreat hosting
Great game flow and inventive puzzles, and I loved the many little nods(easter eggs) to so many films and tv shows. Loved it.
🔐SpontaneousIllusion expert rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Team size: 3 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulvalue for moneyhi-tech
AMAZING! Personally I can't stand Sci-Fi/Space themed games... however this game completely changed my perspective on that genre! Incredible game beautiful decor and amazingly fun puzzle. And some 'gassy' aliens thrown in to. 
🔐James Bloodworth expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 13 Jan 2024 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techimmersivegreat hosting
It's been a while since I've got my X-Files vibe on but this game more than fulfils the fantasy of finding alien life.  The latest game from this venue was also the first one I've played here (been trying to visit for a while but never quite made it).  You have to gain entry to a house and then find the alien within.  This game is incredibly well done, the theming is very much on point throughout and the puzzles are a great combination with utilising either tech or traditional padlocks.  Special mention must be given to the signposting/flow, normally we hit a point where we're not sure where to go next, we never had that here.  This is a top notch game that should be on your play list.
Jordan Brown experienced rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 13 Jan 2024 Team size: 60:33 Time taken: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulhi-techimmersivequite difficult
A definite push for a team of two (hence the additional 15 minutes given) but such a delightful challenge. So so much to do in this room - tech done right! Couple of wow moments and everything looks stunning - a ‘must-do’ room!
lilyw rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Team size: 4 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalfunnyepicvery difficult
MaliceInWonderland rated this:Rated between 4 and 4 out of 5
Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techoriginalgreat hostingquite difficult
The theme (sci-fi/aliens) isn't really my thing, so many of the references went over my head, but the puzzles were challenging and different and I enjoyed it nonetheless. 
Chris Metcalfe experienced rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 27 Dec 2023 Team size: 3 Outcome: Failed 🙁
hi-techimmersiveintensequite difficult

A wonderful, beautifully designed escape room. Great hosting. We didn’t quite escape, but came very close! Probably would have been better with our team of 5 instead of 3. If you are around Halifax then it’s a must play escape room as are their other rooms. Highly recommended 

leighton_87 experienced rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 30 Nov 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 65 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techoriginalimmersive

All I can say is wow, what a game. Definitely the best game we have ever played.

A beautiful, immersive and high tech room.

Relies on cooperation between teammates almost no puzzle can be done by one person. Love the fact that teams of 2 get an extra 15 minutes as well.

Hosts were lovely and very accommodating when we turned up 1.5 hours late due to a flat tire on the M62

arandzom experienced rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulhi-techimmersive
Spanishfleas expert rated this:Rated between 3.5 and 3.5 out of 5
Played: 27 Nov 2023 Team size: 4 Time taken: 53 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-tech

This is a difficult review. I think anticipation hurt this one. Hearing nothing but wonderful things. Some of the puzzles were clever and the design was top notch. 

I think the GM was too trigger happy with prompts and clues - also the padlocks didn’t fit overly well with the theme. We like to take our time in rooms but it all felt a little too rushed. Such a shame. Of course everyone’s mileage will vary. 

Adam Bravery expert rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 12 Nov 2023 Team size: 3 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifuloriginalclever

A fantastic game with a great theme and set, plus loads of brilliant puzzles too. This is crammed full of sci-fi references to keep you entertained if you ever pause to admire the scenary. Puzzles are enjoyable, challenging and logical - signposting in particular was excellent. A memorable finale rounds out the experience. Brilliant overall, and we had an awesome time

Seven Of Diamonds experienced rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 2023 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulimmersivestory-driven
Ashley Archbold rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulhi-techoriginal

A lovely escape room from the guys at Escapeorium. I loved the ending, and felt fully immersed throughout. A good use of space and mixture of puzzles. 

d.green26 expert rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 23 Oct 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 74 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulhi-techepicquite difficult

WOW what a room. Some great puzzles that really get you thinking so much to do but the set is worth paying the cost of the room to see alone. I absolutely loved this room from start to finish. The ending was certainly memorable but the level of detail in the set is incredible. They really are going to have to go to great lengths to try and match or beat this room in the future. As a group of 2 they allowed us an extra 15 minutes and we needed it but was happy to be in there for nearly 75 minutes.  I would say this is a must do room for me if thinking of going do it.

Noz rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 11 Oct 2023 Team size: 5 Time taken: 58:28 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techoriginalimmersivequite difficult

First of all-if you haven’t visited The Escaporium in Halifax, you should put it high on your to-do list as they have some fab games (at the least Operation Moonshine is a must, as is this room!) & the hosts are super nice! 

The words which came out of my mouth immediately after playing this game was ‘this takes escape rooms to another level’ and indeed it does! The decor, immersiveness and the puzzles were of high quality and kept 5 of us very busy right till the end. 

We have successfully completed 30+ games and this was the first we felt we will be pushed for time which resulted in a frenzy towards the end with all of us shouting between our own sub teams to get the endless puzzles solved! But alas we managed to escape by the finest of margins!

There are loads of different types of puzzles to do & I have to make a special mention of the newer, hi-tech type puzzles incorporated which gives it an edge over other rooms for sure! 

TheAllatts rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 14 Oct 2023 Team size: 4 Players Time taken: 62:21 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techoriginalepicquite difficult

This was our first escape room after a short hiatus but what an introduction it was back into the game. On arrival, the host set the scene eloquently and really got us in the mood to save the planet. With bated breath we stepped forth into the room. 

From the moment of entry you could tell this was going to be a special room. The initial room was small but packed with plenty of puzzles to allow entry into the main spectacle. The scenery was as good as any escape room we have ever played before. There was so much to do within the room that none of us had a second of rest. The puzzles were challenging but logical and thought-provoking. When successfully making it into the main room our jaws collectively dropped. It is exactly what you would want Area 51 to look like. You felt like you were really there. The immersion was second to none. There was plenty of Hi-Tech wizardry but nothing too difficult to manage, a novice would definitely be able to cope. We’ve always loved multi-room games and this did not disappoint us and it required excellent communication amongst the team whilst split apart from one another. Upon completion of the game we were treated to one of the greatest finishes ever seen in an escape room. No spoilers but you definitely need to check it out. 

The Core 4 & More rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 20 Aug 2023 Team size: 6 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalimmersiveepic

Absolutely loved it!!!! As a team of 6 it can be quite hard to find something for everyone to do but this room had us all sweating (in the best way). The boys loved it the most out of all of us as it was right up their ally and have rated it their favourite room from the puzzles all the way down to the decor.

The hosts as always were amazing! 

CJEscapes rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Team size: 6 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalimmersivegreat hosting
xoTami rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 13 Oct 2023 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techcleverepicquite difficult

What an amazing room and team. I was hooked from start to finish and our host was lovely, very smiley! Very highly recommend all rooms here, especially this one.

Rjh747 rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 19 Sep 2023 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techcleverepic

Amazing theme and attention to detail in the room. Lots to do to keep you entertained great for both small and larger teams.  Immersive story line which flows well with an awesome wow factor. Highly recommend this room. 

TheEscapeBoomers expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 7 Oct 2023 Team size: 3
originalcleverimmersive
Jess_keds expert rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 23 Sep 2023 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techcleverimmersive

Beautiful scenery and well built. Puzzles are on theme and a good challenge. It’s a well written, logical room with lots of beautiful moments. Looking forward to their next room! 

matt_keds expert rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 23 Sep 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 1:07
beautifuloriginalmagical
flyingoctopus expert rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
🤘The Pick of Destiny expert rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 3 Sep 2023 Team size: 2
hi-techoriginalimmersive

Beautiful. Value For Money. Funny. Clever. Story Driven. Great Hosting. Family Friendly. Intense. Epic. Magical. Logical. Great Signposting. 

I had to add all of the tags and more! This room is truly one of the best rooms we have ever played! From start to finish we were impressed by the puzzles, the set, the props and the general attention to detail that the Escaporium is known for! 

A fantastic mix of locks and tech which felt very much within the theme of the game. Escaporium is a must visit venue in any case, but if you were 'ummming' and 'ahhhing' about whether or not to take a trip up north, Area 51&1/2 is a reason to make that trip!

Lots to do; and lots of fun!! 

Anonymous expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulhi-techepicquite difficult
Jen Wells (Get Wells Soon) expert rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 2 Sep 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 51.51 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulclevergreat hosting

Wow! We booked this for our 200th room, knowing that it would have the trademark attention to detail and quality puzzling that The Escaporium always deliver: we are so glad that we did.

The set is superbly put-together and crammed with incredible detail; the puzzles themselves are plentiful and beautifully thought-out; the hosting is - as always - friendly and welcoming; and the overall game experience is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.

What made this even more special was how our 200th room was celebrated... Such kindness and thoughtfulness.

This room is a real testament to the strength of independent escape room centres run by enthusiastic owners who know the value of an excellent puzzle. It is utterly delightful and exceptionally clever and we loved every moment.

Reviews by escape room review sites

It seems like Area 51.5 has been tantalisingly under construction ever since I first visited The Escaporium, many years back; it’s been through quite a catalogue of setbacks, but is finally open and receiving considerable acclaim. In it, you’re trying to get into the home of a UFO enthusiast who might just be hiding a live alien - who you’d better find before the alien fleet turns up.
The Escaporium never short-change players on puzzles, in either quantity or quality. As with their other rooms ...

We already played four rooms of Escaporium in Halifax in April 2022 and were very excited about the latest adventure Area 51 1/2, which we had already heard a lot of good things about. A 208th place in Terpeca’s first year (second best newcomer from the UK) also bodes well for a great experience.

What’s it about?

Professor Ross Wells is a conspiracy theorist and alien hunter. It is suspected that he discovered and abducted an alien. We are now standing in front of his house at 51½ George Street and have little time to get to the bottom of the matter. The mother ship is already approaching Earth to search for the missing friend. Will we succeed in freeing the alien from the professor’s clutches?

Area 51 1/2 is actually a 60-minute room. However, if you play with two people, you get 75 minutes of game time due to the quantity of puzzles and their mainly parallel structure. Some tasks require teamwork and good communication. We needed almost the entire time because there is really a lot to do. Puzzle lovers will get their money’s worth here.

There’s a reason everyone is talking about The Escaporium in general, and Area 51 ½ in particular, and it’s not just because people love aliens. Area 51 ½ is charming, beautifully designed, and full of puzzle perfection.

Overall, I loved Area 51.5. In fact, in my whole trip down to Yorkshire to visit Al, Ash & Tasha, this was my very favourite room I did – and I’d be surprised if it didn’t make a regular appearance on all the enthusiast lists in the future.

Lists

This game is part of the following user-created game lists:
  • Best UK escape rooms 2023 by Escape the Review virtuoso
    These are the 100 highest rated escape rooms in the UK, as of 31st Dec 2023, based on combined ratings from enthusiasts, bloggers and experts - every game here comes highly recommended. 

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