Always excited to be among the first to try something new, a recent visit to Hatton Country World had plenty to satisfy my appetite for adventure.
The premise of being locked in a room for up to an hour with only your wits to guide you, is not everyone’s immediate idea of fun. But, as a family we are well versed with the escape room concept and were ready to take on Hatton’s third, and newest, offering, Nottah Temple.
So let’s set the scene. . .
In 1824 your long-lost relative, Lord Archington Harrow, the world-renowned explorer and his wife Lady Bessie first discovered an ancient temple. Hidden deep in the jungle, the intrepid explorers found a secret entrance which led them directly into the tomb.
Now inside this dark and mysterious chamber they discovered the place was full of gold and precious jewels. Lord and Lady Harrow, like all explorers, began to loot and stash the treasure. But then the temple walls began to rumble, and the ground began to shake.
Little did they know they had released the curse of Queen Conteptua, a curse that will destroy anyone in the blood line of Lord Archington Harrow. Now many years later, it is your quest to revisit the temple, return the stolen treasure back to Queen Conteptua and lift the curse!
After a brief introduction to the story – and run through the various lock mechanisms(!), we were allotted 60 minutes on the clock to complete the task before the temple collapses and the treasure is lost forever! No pressure then!
I’d love to say we prevented this from happening, but in fact, were sadly lacking on the day. And this, despite a proud record of successful escape room conquests to our family name. This one just had us so stumped, we wasted time that we could ill afford on a couple of the riddles and puzzles and were unable to pull it back.
Having already successfully escaped the other two rooms, it must be said, this one proved a tougher proposition, even for five of us and a steady stream of clues. Despite this, we thought the puzzles and props were superbly created and the impressive theming gave our jungle adventure real added authenticity. Certainly one of the better escape rooms we have tackled, but also one of the most frustrating!
While I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to experienced ‘escapees,’ it’s not the best introduction to escape rooms for the novice. You’d be far better breaking yourself in with the whole escape room concept in one of Tulley’s other rooms at Hatton – Mutiny – a swashbuckling adventure to overthrow a bloodthirsty buccaneer – or The Oufitters – where you’re part of a special police task force to crack gangs in Prohibition Chicago.
Nottah Temple is geared towards adults and teenagers and can be booked from August 2nd and bookings can be made via HERE.
After working up an appetite we felt fully justified in treating ourselves to a visit to Hatton Adventure World’s other new addition – Bell’s Diner, affectionately named after milking cow Bluebell who has been residing at Hatton Adventure World since it opened over 30 years ago.
A stop-off at this friendly, cosy cafe is, ultimately, all about satisfying those comfort food cravings.
Here, you can choose from a Breakfast or Lunch Menu, with options ranging from an English Breakfast or Breakfast Roll or pancakes and waffles, through to burgers and indulgent sundaes and shakes. Perfect fare ahead of – or during – a busy day at Hatton Adventure World farm park, but also nicely convenient for a breakfast or brunch stop for locals who are limited on morning options in the area. (I say this with some knowledge as a local.)
The meal portions were generous and reasonably priced (by today’s standards) and my pancakes were tasty and laden with bacon, sausage and eggs. It certainly set me up for the day.
Whether looking to satisfy your hunger for adventure or delicious food, there’s now more to explore in Hatton.
Bell’s Diner opens between 9am-5pm every day and further information is available HERE.
Visit: https://hattonworld.com/
