Frequently Asked Questions
Booking & Tickets
Q. How can I book?
The quickest way to book your visit is through our Booking Page, where you can view live availability and secure your preferred entry time. CLICK HERE TO BOOK. If you have a special request, please visit our Contact Us page or email info@puzzlingworldyork.co.uk, and one of our Curators will be happy to help.
Q. Can we just turn up and pay on the door?
Yes, if we have availability. We recommend pre-booking, particularly during weekends and school holidays, to guarantee your preferred entry time and ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy the attraction. We always welcome fellow followers of puzzlingness and imaginosity, so if space allows, you're very welcome to purchase tickets on arrival.
Q. Do you offer discounts for group bookings?
Yes. We offer discounted rates for group bookings of 15 or more people. Whether you're planning a family gathering, birthday party, school trip or corporate event, we'd be delighted to welcome your group. Visit our Group Visits section for more information or contact us to discuss your booking.
Families – Large family groups and general group bookings
Parties – Birthday parties and private celebrations
Corporate & Groups – Businesses, clubs and organisations
School Visits – Schools, colleges and educational groups
Q. How many guests can book together?
Our booking system offers entry slots every 15 minutes, with a maximum of 18 guests per booking slot. During busy periods, your group may enter alongside other visitors, but once inside you're free to explore the attraction at your own pace. Please note this guest limit includes all children aged 4 and under, even though they receive free admission.
Every guest, including children aged 4 and under, still requires a ticket.
Q. Who qualifies for a concession ticket?
Concession tickets are available for:
Students with a valid student ID
Seniors aged 65 and over with proof of age
Valid physical ID must be shown on arrival. If proof cannot be provided, the difference between the concession and standard ticket price must be paid before entry.
Q. What ID is required for a discounted Essential Companion Ticket?
We're committed to providing an inclusive experience for all our guests. As part of this, we offer a discounted Essential Companion Ticket with each full-paying guest. This ticket can be booked online in advance or issued at our admissions desk. To qualify, the Essential Companion must provide evidence that they are the registered carer of the paying guest.
Accepted forms of evidence include:
Carer's Allowance Letter
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Carer's Card
Blue Badge
Valid photo identification must also be shown on arrival. We reserve the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time.
Q. Do you accept the York Pass?
Yes. Simply present your valid York Pass when purchasing your tickets. York Pass admission is available for walk-in visitors only. Please note that we do not currently accept the VIP York Pass.
Find out more about The York Pass HERE
Q. Can I buy gift vouchers?
Yes! Gift vouchers for The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring make the perfect gift for families, couples, puzzle lovers and anyone planning a day out in York. Gift vouchers can be purchased online or in our gift shop and can be redeemed against admission tickets, making them an ideal present for birthdays, Christmas and special occasions.
Q. What happens if we miss our booked slot?
All pre-booked guests have an allocated entry time and we allow a 15-minute arrival window. If you're running late, we'll always do our best to accommodate you, although this can't be guaranteed and you may need to wait for the next available entry slot. If you miss your booking completely, refunds aren't available. However, please email us and we'll do our best to accommodate you on another date where possible.
Q. What if I need to move or cancel my booking?
You can cancel your booking for a full refund up to 5 days before your visit. Bookings can be moved up to 48 hours before your visit. Refunds and booking changes aren't available within 48 hours of your booked date.
To change your booking, please use the Change Booking link in your booking confirmation email or visit our Change Booking page. Bookings cannot be changed by phone. Please note that bookings can only be moved once. Once a booking has been transferred to a new date, no refund will be available.
Planning Your Visit
Q. How long will it take?
Most guests spend around 45 minutes exploring The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring, with larger groups often taking up to an hour. This includes entry into the attraction and time to enjoy all nine immersive realms. During weekends and school holidays there may be a slightly longer wait before entry. We always endeavour to admit guests as close to their booked time as possible. The Professor and his Curators appreciate your patience.
Q. Is The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring suitable for adults?
Absolutely! While families love visiting, The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring is just as popular with couples, friends and solo visitors. With immersive illusion rooms, interactive exhibits, brain-bending puzzles and plenty of unique photo opportunities, it's a fun and memorable experience for curious minds of all ages.
Q. Is The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring suitable for teenagers?
Yes! Teenagers are some of our biggest fans. Whether they're looking for incredible photo opportunities, interactive challenges or something completely different to do in York, there's plenty to keep them entertained throughout the attraction.
Q. Can children join in?
Absolutely! The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring is suitable for all ages. We recommend it for children aged 5 and over to get the most from the experience, although younger children are more than welcome to join in the fun too.
Q. Do children need to be accompanied by an adult?
Yes. All guests aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or over at all times while visiting The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring.
This helps us ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. If you're visiting as a family or group, you're welcome to explore the attraction together at your own pace.
Q. Can I visit on my own?
Absolutely! Many guests visit on their own, and our Curators are always happy to help take photos or assist with illusions that work best with more than one person.
Q. Is The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring indoors?
Yes. The entire attraction is indoors, making it the perfect activity whatever the weather. Whether it's raining, too hot or simply a chilly York day, you can enjoy the full experience in comfort.
Q. Is it a good rainy day activity in York?
Definitely! As a fully indoor attraction, The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring is one of the best rainy day activities in York for families, couples and groups looking for something fun, interactive and completely different.
Q. Do I need to solve puzzles to get through the attraction?
No. While you'll discover plenty of brain teasers, puzzles and interactive exhibits along the way, there's no escape-room style challenge or time limit. You're free to explore at your own pace and enjoy as much or as little puzzling as you like.
Q. Can I take photos and videos inside?
Absolutely! Many of our illusion rooms have been designed with photography in mind, so you're welcome to take photos and videos throughout your visit. We love seeing your creations, so don't forget to tag The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring on social media.
Q. How many illusion rooms are there?
Your adventure takes you through nine immersive realms, each packed with optical illusions, interactive exhibits, brain teasers and unique photo opportunities. Every realm offers something different, so no two parts of your visit are the same.
Q. Is there a gift shop?
Yes! Before you leave, be sure to visit Professor Kettlestring's Gift Shop, where you'll find puzzles, games, optical illusions, brain teasers, gifts, souvenirs and, of course, our popular gift vouchers.
Q. Can we eat at the venue?
To ensure everyone can enjoy our mind-boggling exhibits, food and drink aren't permitted inside The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring. If you're looking for somewhere to eat before or after your visit, take a look at our Discount Partners page for exclusive offers at restaurants, cafés and local eateries across York.
Q. Are there places to eat nearby?
Yes! We're surrounded by fantastic cafés, restaurants and family-friendly places to eat in York city centre. Even better, your visit to The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring unlocks exclusive offers at many local venues through our Discount Partners programme.
Accessibility
Q. Is there disabled access?
Due to the historic nature of the building and the design of some of our exhibits, guests with certain access requirements, particularly wheelchair users, may not be able to experience every immersive realm.
The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring is all on one level and includes an accessible toilet. The accessible entrance into the immersive realms is via the gift shop.
For full details about accessibility, Essential Companion tickets and visitor information, please visit our Accessibility page.
Q. What ID is required for an Essential Companion Ticket?
We're committed to providing an inclusive experience for all our guests. As part of this, we offer a discounted Essential Companion Ticket with each full-paying guest.
This ticket can be booked online in advance or issued at our admissions desk. To qualify, the Essential Companion must provide evidence that they are the registered carer of the paying guest.
Accepted forms of evidence include:
Carer's Allowance Letter
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Carer's Card
Blue Badge
Valid photo identification must also be shown on arrival.
We reserve the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time.
Q. Are there flashing lights?
Yes. There are four professional photo spots that use flash photography, most of which are self-operated.
If you have any concerns before or during your visit, please speak to one of our Curators, who will be happy to help.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
Q. When are the quieter times to visit?
Our quietest times are typically weekdays outside of school holidays, along with weekends after 3:30pm.
These periods are often more suitable for neurodivergent visitors or anyone who would prefer a calmer experience.
If you'd like advice before your visit, please don't hesitate to contact us and we'll do our best to help.
Q. Are pushchairs allowed inside the attraction?
Yes. Pushchairs are welcome during quieter periods.
If the attraction is particularly busy, we have space to store them safely in our gift shop while you explore. Simply speak to one of our Curators on arrival and they'll be happy to assist.
Q. Do you allow dogs in the attraction?
Only registered assistance dogs are permitted inside The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring.
If you have any questions before your visit, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Q. Do you accept Disability Max Cards or Blue Light Cards for a discount?
Unfortunately, we don't currently offer discounts through these schemes. However, we always endeavour to keep our admission prices as affordable as possible.
Getting Here
Q. Do you have parking?
We don't have parking at The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring, but the nearest public car park is Coppergate Centre, Piccadilly, York YO1 9NX, just a short walk away.
There are also several other city centre car parks nearby, and you can use Parkopedia to find the most convenient parking option for your visit.
Policies
Q. Will there be a refund if we are asked to leave?
No. Guests asked to leave due to anti-social behaviour or for failing to respect The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring, its Curators or fellow guests will not be entitled to a refund. The Duty Manager's decision is final.
Still Need Help?
Q. You haven't answered my question?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please visit our Contact Us page or email info@puzzlingworldyork.co.uk. One of our Curators will be happy to help.
