A new detective-themed attraction has opened in Durham, offering visitors the chance to step inside a live investigation and test their skills as amateur sleuths.
Detective Rooms Durham brings a fresh concept to the city’s leisure scene, moving beyond the traditional escape room format by placing guests at the centre of an unfolding case. Instead of simply solving puzzles, participants are invited to examine evidence, assess suspects, follow leads and work together to uncover the truth.
The attraction has been founded by award-winning private investigator Jen Jarvie and former forensic photographer and expert witness Howard Little, bringing real investigative experience into the heart of the visitor experience.
A New Kind of Interactive Experience for Durham
Located in Durham, the venue is aimed at friends, families, tourists, corporate groups and anyone looking for a hands-on experience that combines teamwork, communication and critical thinking.
The concept has been designed to feel more like a genuine investigation than a conventional game, with guests encouraged to make decisions based on evidence and build their own conclusions as the case develops.
“We wanted to create something that felt like a genuine investigation rather than a game of puzzles,” said Jen Jarvie. “Visitors become part of the story, making decisions based on evidence and building their own conclusions.”
Real Investigative Experience Behind the Concept
The founders’ backgrounds help set Detective Rooms apart from other interactive attractions.
Jen Jarvie’s experience as a private investigator and Howard Little’s work in forensic photography and expert witness services have shaped the way the rooms are designed, giving the experience a more authentic investigative feel.
The attraction offers visitors the chance to think like detectives, study the details, question what they are seeing and work as a team to solve the case.
Remaining Open Day Takes Place on 25 June
Following its first open day earlier this month, Detective Rooms Durham will host a further open day on Tuesday 25 June 2026, from 10am until 4pm.
Local residents, businesses and visitors will have the opportunity to explore the venue, meet the founders and learn more about the experiences on offer.
The opening adds a distinctive new attraction to Durham’s growing leisure and tourism sector, with the potential to draw visitors from across the North East and beyond.
