Forest Of Freaks: Showman’s Rest

“June 22, 1920, members of the Rellik Brothers Circus were asleep in the rear cars of their train when it was involved in a horrific accident. A second train went smashing in the Circus cars, killing many instantly. The majority of the dead were Clowns & Performers, who were buried at the scene, which is still known today as the Showmen’s Rest! We invite you, if you dare, to enter The Forest of Freaks – Showmen’s Rest! For the star of tonight’s performance is YOU!“

A returning scare zone at Yorkshire Scare Grounds which starts your experience. This is outdoors in the forest area and starts off with a very eerie feel and some very twisted characters. Whilst only a short walk before you reach your end destination and just a few actors, the ones you do come across are not ones you want to stick around for, as they really want you to stay! We didn’t note any changes compared to last year and we feel this is a light start to your haunted journey, but gives you an expectation of scarier things are soon to come and to be prepared.

Human Safari

“Deep in the misty jungle danger lies ahead, hunters are on the prowl for fresh meat to satisfy their blood thirsty lust! They have become hungry for human flesh as food no longer satisfies them., they are waiting for you, lurking in the distance, ready to make your heads their prize catch. Are you ready to take the Tour of Terror? We are the Hunters! You are the Prey! Human Safari!”

Human Safari leads straight on from They / Them and is an outdoor maze across the deep forest. Sadly this was our weakest maze across the 5 but we are sure in a dark setting later on the night, it would of been a lot more terrifying! Some of our favourite bits was the introduction character who really set the scene and bantered with us prior to letting us out for the hunt with his friends. Some of them were very hidden and again, at night you may struggle to see them until they jump scare you very close by. Whilst we say it was the weakest for us, it was an improvement from last years attraction and we love the theme change from voodoo to a slaughter game. Make sure you stick to the path and move along quickly however, as if you hang about you may get an unexpected spray and lets say, we didn’t come out as dry as we went in!

Whitechapel

“Take the trail of terror through London’s East End in 1888 where crime, murder & prostitution is rife, the dark dirty fog filled alleyways offer no escape as you walk the streets of Whitechapel, beware of what’s lurking in the shadows as there’s a killer on the loose, he goes by the name of Jack! Jack the Ripper!”

Our third maze of the night was Whitechapel, which is a theme that has started to appear more so than not lately, being themed on Jack the Ripper. The attractions story was impeccable and was complimented by the theming. Using the same huts as last year, we feel these were used better this year and built some great tension along the way. Similar to last year, we managed to attract an actor from the start to the very end, who interacted with us and other actors throughout. This made us terrified and kept us at a good pace to try and keep away from him. It was a mixture of funny and scary, with the whole team of actors really being the best we’ve seen at this event. As our favourite maze and highest rated, it shows that even in the daylight in an outdoor attraction, that impressive work can be put in and pay off!

Twisted ToothFairy

“Disgraced Doctor D.Cay the demonic demented Dentist from Hell opens up the appointment book once more. Come on inside, and take a seat in the chair – the pain will be excruciating – much more than you can bear! With her sinister sidekick Sister Smile, they will do anything to get to the root of the problem! Can you hear the drills? They are beckoning! Your appointment is Now – just sit back, relax and say Awhhh!”

Twisted Tooth Fairy was our final attraction along our 40 minute journey. Two demented dentists met us at the entrance as they inspected our teeth and gave us a frightening introduction to this attraction. We were then led into the maze by one of them as we watched a short video before being sent on our way. The theming was realistic and matched many dentist like scenes, amongst other dark & twisted corridors. We were scared in many ways whilst walking through, with actors using a range off skills to pull of this effect. Hiding in the shadows, around corners and in between props, we were left screaming. A fun attraction to end on and really showed how many attractions this year have taken a huge step up! 

Not forgetting the end when you come out of the maze, it isn’t that easy to escape. You are met by some of the roaming characters and they like to have the last laugh…