The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring in York opens this week
Here are the answers you need about this new attraction
York’s about to get a whole lot more puzzling—and I mean that in the best way possible. On January the 10th, York will welcome “The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring,” an immersive attraction set to twist your perception and tickle your brain cells.
What’s the Deal?
Inspired by the mythical 19th-century York inventor, Professor Kettlestring. Kits going to be a playground of optical illusions and interactive exhibits. Imagine walking into a sideways living room where gravity takes a coffee break and you disappear into his incognito chamber, or stepping into a kitchen where your head appears served on a platter!
Nothing will be quite as it seems once you step inside The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring!
Who’s Behind the Magic?
The masterminds are Matthew and Marianne Tritton-Hughes, bringing over 45 years of customer service and hospitality experience to the table to create a space where imaginations run wild and perceptions do somersaults.
How do I book my visit?
Just head over to Merchantgate. Tickets can be reserved now at their website www.puzzlingworldyork.co.uk
How many guests can book together?
There is a maximum of 6 guests per group. However, booking slots are available in 15-minute intervals and can be booked concurrently.
How long will it take?
On average The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring's experience will last around 45 minutes for 2 guests and an up to an hour for 6 guests. This includes time to get in to the venue (usually 15 minutes) and enjoy the 9 immersive realms.
At weekends and during school holidays you may have a longer wait to get in to the venue and we will always endeavour to get you in as quickly as possible and at your booked time slot.
Can children join in?
Minimum age to experience Professor Kettlestring's mind boggling inventions is 5. Children under 5 accompanying the group must be booked in with a complimentary ticket in order to attend for free.
Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied in their group by someone over 16.
Can you just turn up and pay on the door?
They recommend pre-booking where possible and particularly at weekends and holidays to guarantee the time you would like to enjoy our exhibits however they always welcome fellow followers of puzzlingness and imaginosity. if they have space you can pay on the door.
Is there disabled access?
Due to the structure of the building and nature of some of their exhibits, those with access needs; particularly wheelchair users will not be able to enjoy the full experience and access all the immersive realms.
What happens if you miss our booked slot?
Those that pre-book have an allocated time slot and they allow 15 minutes around your bookings for you to start, if you are running late they will do their best to accommodate you, but nothing is guaranteed and you may have to wait a short while for the next available entry slot..
If you are coming to York and need a place to stay then check out our 3 holiday homes at www.houseofyork.org
Want to read more for your next visit to York?
Then download a free copy of our book York Local Knowledge Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less where you will discover the historic UK city of York like a local with tips, top tens, and guidance on where to find the best discounts and vouchers, so you can experience it all without breaking the bank!
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This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
With insights, amusing anecdotes, and a sprinkling of puns and dad jokes, Alistair’s love letter to York will help you see the city in a whole new way. Grab a copy and start planning the York adventure you didn’t know you were missing!
With over 240 pages, this guide is ideal for families and groups of friends planning a trip to York and includes:
Up-to-date information on everything in the ever-changing city of York—this is the 2025 edition.
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Answers to visitors’ top questions, from “Where’s the best place for ice cream?” to “Where can I find a great takeaway curry?”
Recommendations on where locals go for up-to-date information about York.
The best places to stay, from five-star hotels to holiday homes and houseboats.
Details on where to find discounts and vouchers for York restaurants, attractions, and experiences.
Want to hear a great podcast about York?
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Just search your podcast app for York Must Do Top 10s or click on this link for the show on apple podcast here
Book one of our Holiday Homes for your next trip to York
Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
To check availability and book just visit www.houseofyork.org
We pride ourselves on being couples and family friendly and we try to take any of the stress out of your stay so you can focus on enjoying yourselves and magnificent York.