Zed Events
Zed Events
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
40 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Mike J
69 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
What can I say except.... wow! What an amazing event!
If you are the kind of person who wouldn't even watch a movie like 28 Days Later then, trust me, this is NOT for you. But if like me you love zombie movies then this is an experience not to be missed. The whole thing takes place in a real (disused) shopping mall in Reading which in itself is quite fun (especially if you like similarly mall-based zombie flick Dawn Of The Dead) but for two hours you are subjected to the most realistic experience in abject terror I could possible imagine.
After a brief health & safety chat outside the venue, you're let into the mall and from there everything becomes very real - all the organisers stay in character from start to finish.
It doesn't take long to get going - briefed and armed with pump action shotguns, you are off, into the depths of the mall, which for the most part is lit only by the small light at the end of your gun. Distant growls and screams get closer and closer as you wander through narrow corridors, up stair cases and into rooms, including the floors previously occupied by shops. Up and down dark stairs and inactive escalators, the tension is almost unbearable. And when the zombies come at you.... man alive it is scary - talk about a "brown trouser" moment.
When we were told we had to wander off without our security guards, it became even more scary - we had an objective, we had a vague understanding of the layout of the mall, but we were on our own and quickly lost and disorientated. It didn't help that factions of our group got wandered off so we were rapidly reduced in number.
The whole event lasted about two hours but for the most part actually seemed far quicker because it was so much fun.
The zombies themselves are awesome! They look exactly like movie zombies with fantastic makeup. And they literally never, ever break character - at one point I was really close to a female zombie trapped in the old children's play area so I thought it was time for a witty action hero quip of "honey, you really need to cut down on the partying" ..... all this did was enrage her and make her scream at me and try to rip open the cage (actually one of the better reactions I've had to one of my chat up lines, to be fair).
Everything about this evening - from the fabulously atmospheric venue, the brilliant zombies and even the little touches (inside the security room, CCTV footage plays of zombie shoppers wandering the mall - which kind of resembles Lakeside in Essex on a Saturday afternoon, albeit with more blood and more intelligence!), the whole event was just absolutely sensational from beginning to end and worth every penny. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
This is not for the faint hearted - seriously, this is not play acting, it really is as authentic a zombie experience as you are likely to get. But if your idea of fun on a Saturday night is turning the lights out and scaring yourself stupid watching The Walking Dead or whatever, then I cannot recommend this more highly. Simply astounding.
If you are the kind of person who wouldn't even watch a movie like 28 Days Later then, trust me, this is NOT for you. But if like me you love zombie movies then this is an experience not to be missed. The whole thing takes place in a real (disused) shopping mall in Reading which in itself is quite fun (especially if you like similarly mall-based zombie flick Dawn Of The Dead) but for two hours you are subjected to the most realistic experience in abject terror I could possible imagine.
After a brief health & safety chat outside the venue, you're let into the mall and from there everything becomes very real - all the organisers stay in character from start to finish.
It doesn't take long to get going - briefed and armed with pump action shotguns, you are off, into the depths of the mall, which for the most part is lit only by the small light at the end of your gun. Distant growls and screams get closer and closer as you wander through narrow corridors, up stair cases and into rooms, including the floors previously occupied by shops. Up and down dark stairs and inactive escalators, the tension is almost unbearable. And when the zombies come at you.... man alive it is scary - talk about a "brown trouser" moment.
When we were told we had to wander off without our security guards, it became even more scary - we had an objective, we had a vague understanding of the layout of the mall, but we were on our own and quickly lost and disorientated. It didn't help that factions of our group got wandered off so we were rapidly reduced in number.
The whole event lasted about two hours but for the most part actually seemed far quicker because it was so much fun.
The zombies themselves are awesome! They look exactly like movie zombies with fantastic makeup. And they literally never, ever break character - at one point I was really close to a female zombie trapped in the old children's play area so I thought it was time for a witty action hero quip of "honey, you really need to cut down on the partying" ..... all this did was enrage her and make her scream at me and try to rip open the cage (actually one of the better reactions I've had to one of my chat up lines, to be fair).
Everything about this evening - from the fabulously atmospheric venue, the brilliant zombies and even the little touches (inside the security room, CCTV footage plays of zombie shoppers wandering the mall - which kind of resembles Lakeside in Essex on a Saturday afternoon, albeit with more blood and more intelligence!), the whole event was just absolutely sensational from beginning to end and worth every penny. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
This is not for the faint hearted - seriously, this is not play acting, it really is as authentic a zombie experience as you are likely to get. But if your idea of fun on a Saturday night is turning the lights out and scaring yourself stupid watching The Walking Dead or whatever, then I cannot recommend this more highly. Simply astounding.
Written May 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
callingallsunseekers
Southampton, England, United Kingdom59 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
I was petrified before I went to this event as it got brought for me as a Christmas present. I was dreading it and got myself so wound up as I hate anything to do with horror or Zombies... In fact, it's my worst nightmare, however I went along with everything and I had a really great time!!! I was scared but it was fun at the same time and after a while you really get into the whole storyline. I even brought a spare pair of knickers, I thought I would be THAT person. But no need, I would definitely recommend the experience to anyone that likes the whole Zombie/Horror type of genre films because it feels like you're in one, or even to people who want to try down new/conquer a fear :)
Written February 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BerkshireAH9
Berkshire, UK46 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
If you like Zombies and are a fan of the Walking dead - this is a must!
This is a fun and quite scary experience where you and a team are trying to survive the Zombies in a derelict shopping Mall.
The actors and props are great and it's good value for money.
I was surprised at how many couples were on this event - forget Flowers and Chocolates - test his love and see if he protects you from the zombies or if you have to fight for your own survival!
We're booking to go again before this building is demolished.
This is a fun and quite scary experience where you and a team are trying to survive the Zombies in a derelict shopping Mall.
The actors and props are great and it's good value for money.
I was surprised at how many couples were on this event - forget Flowers and Chocolates - test his love and see if he protects you from the zombies or if you have to fight for your own survival!
We're booking to go again before this building is demolished.
Written April 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cigar Smoker UK
Southampton, UK27 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
Ok so I'll be straight I'm giving this a poor review for the service not the experience. I'm also writing now as it seems we won't get a refund or a new date to go.
So this was meant to be a stag weekend. The information provided stated that we should not be under the influence of alcohol. So we had one drink and none of our party was remotely drunk or under the influence. On arrival they asked if we had been drinking. We were honest and said we'd all had one or two pints that afternoon and it was now 9pm. We were told that because we had consumed alcohol we would not be allowed in. When we asked if we could re book we were told to contact the management. A little bit annoyed we tried to persuade them but they said it was invalidating their insurance.
So since then our party has been trying to get a refund or book another date. To say that we have been ignored would be putting it lightly. They do not care that they have had about ÂŁ900 from us and we have nothing. The wording about drinking on their website is vague and non specific.
So to sum up, I'm sure this is a great experience if you get past the front door. However if you have had a drink you will not get in.
Piss poor customer relations from this company. I'll be making sure I tell everyone not to use this experience or this company.
So this was meant to be a stag weekend. The information provided stated that we should not be under the influence of alcohol. So we had one drink and none of our party was remotely drunk or under the influence. On arrival they asked if we had been drinking. We were honest and said we'd all had one or two pints that afternoon and it was now 9pm. We were told that because we had consumed alcohol we would not be allowed in. When we asked if we could re book we were told to contact the management. A little bit annoyed we tried to persuade them but they said it was invalidating their insurance.
So since then our party has been trying to get a refund or book another date. To say that we have been ignored would be putting it lightly. They do not care that they have had about ÂŁ900 from us and we have nothing. The wording about drinking on their website is vague and non specific.
So to sum up, I'm sure this is a great experience if you get past the front door. However if you have had a drink you will not get in.
Piss poor customer relations from this company. I'll be making sure I tell everyone not to use this experience or this company.
Written March 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chico2001
glasgow6 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
Booked and confirmed for 2 people in Glasgow for sep the 28th. Arrived to find the place closed down and locked up. No reply from Facebook, email or phone. Lost ÂŁ40
Written October 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martinfjlewis
Wokingham, UK382 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
This was the first part of my stag do - and I could not have asked for a better start . The setting was awesome and the staff / actors put so much into it - creating an atmosphere and making sure we all had great fun . Working as a team added a good dimension to it . Would love to do again in the future before they smash the building down !
Written June 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nadia
Bournemouth, UK122 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
After doing some research, it became clear that this was the best of its kind in the country, so my partner and I stumped up the pricey fee and booked ourselves places.
Now, I'm a huge horror fan and watch a lot of slasher movies and shows, so I've become desensitized to horror themed stuff which made me wonder how much I would really get from this experience. However; from the very first second you hear the bang and chaos erupts I felt tiny, pathetic and well out of my depth. A large group of men in their 20s/30s were in our group and they soon went from being lads and acting macho to shaking morons crying out in the darkness.
I can't say too much without spoiling it for you, but for me, hearing the zombie snarls and hissing in the pitch darkness was far more terrifying than I ever thought imaginable. The mall is large and genuinely abandoned, so it has an authentic eeriness about it.
The team who run this are amazing... the actors stay in character throughout and it's even appreciated when the military actors lay in to the people in your group who are being silly and ruining it for others.
I was nervous about my level of fitness, especially when we had to run up a few flights of stairs, but thankfully the group stop are made to stop regularly in different rooms as part of the story, so you are never running for more than a minute at a time.
I highly recommend this to everyone. Just get involved, don't worry about looking like an idiot and be prepared to runnnnnnnnnnnnn!
Now, I'm a huge horror fan and watch a lot of slasher movies and shows, so I've become desensitized to horror themed stuff which made me wonder how much I would really get from this experience. However; from the very first second you hear the bang and chaos erupts I felt tiny, pathetic and well out of my depth. A large group of men in their 20s/30s were in our group and they soon went from being lads and acting macho to shaking morons crying out in the darkness.
I can't say too much without spoiling it for you, but for me, hearing the zombie snarls and hissing in the pitch darkness was far more terrifying than I ever thought imaginable. The mall is large and genuinely abandoned, so it has an authentic eeriness about it.
The team who run this are amazing... the actors stay in character throughout and it's even appreciated when the military actors lay in to the people in your group who are being silly and ruining it for others.
I was nervous about my level of fitness, especially when we had to run up a few flights of stairs, but thankfully the group stop are made to stop regularly in different rooms as part of the story, so you are never running for more than a minute at a time.
I highly recommend this to everyone. Just get involved, don't worry about looking like an idiot and be prepared to runnnnnnnnnnnnn!
Written June 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harrie T
Surrey, UK4 contributions
Jan 2016 • Family
I went and did this with my two brothers and 2 cousins and, my god, you come out feeling like a hero. It takes about 2 and a half hours, you get a quick brief at the beginning until you're led in.
They tell you "it's best to loose yourself in the experience" of which I thought would be rubbish. But once the building is in lock down and you hear screams, your heart is like putty and you put your trust entirely into these actors.
The acting was great, you can tell they are really good at improv - mainly because of the amount of ridiculous questions my brother would ask.
The make up was amazingly good and the zombies... purely terrifying. I was shocked how scared I was.
The actually location is immense. It's so easy to get lost in their and it's so dark.
I was concerned at the level of cardio that would be involved, but the actors are really considerate when moving the group.
Overall, would totally do again! I've heard they've adapted the plot AGAIN so we're going back for round two this Christmas as they've got a Christmas deal on at the minute. SO EXCITED!
They tell you "it's best to loose yourself in the experience" of which I thought would be rubbish. But once the building is in lock down and you hear screams, your heart is like putty and you put your trust entirely into these actors.
The acting was great, you can tell they are really good at improv - mainly because of the amount of ridiculous questions my brother would ask.
The make up was amazingly good and the zombies... purely terrifying. I was shocked how scared I was.
The actually location is immense. It's so easy to get lost in their and it's so dark.
I was concerned at the level of cardio that would be involved, but the actors are really considerate when moving the group.
Overall, would totally do again! I've heard they've adapted the plot AGAIN so we're going back for round two this Christmas as they've got a Christmas deal on at the minute. SO EXCITED!
Written November 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
relayer247
Blandford Forum, UK17 contributions
Nov 2016 • Friends
Went with a friend and was blown away!! Whole event was amazing...full of scares and jumps...but at the right level, was so immersive that the fear dissipates quickly...although there were a few jumps..was an excellent laugh as was just excellent!! Actors and guide at the start were brilliant - the zombies never broke character...held in an amazing venue too...loads of floors to explore, stairs, dark corridors...and safe rooms to be led to to take a breath and drink water along the way...story line was constant, wasn't sure of the ins and outs of it though as I was focused on shooting the zombies with the air gun...which worked well!! Ten out ten, guys - thank you for an amazing experience...I'd recommend to everyone!!!!!
Written November 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Benjamin D
26 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
I was bought this as a surprise birthday present. My legs were literally shaking before but as soon as it starts you're thrown into it. It's a pretty scary experience at times but there are also times when you feel like an absolute movie hero. Holly and Chris were our leaders and they were excellent. I would recommend it to anyone who loves zombie films, games or The Walking Dead.
Brilliant
Brilliant
Written October 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When are you going to refund the ÂŁ198 that I paid in good faith in April 2018? I'm not getting any response from you
Written December 2, 2018
Maybe a silly question but after the experience are you all sweaty and need a shower afterwards? We're thinking of doing something in Reading after so it would be useful to know this! thanks!
Written January 15, 2018
we did this event for the third time last weekend and didn't break a sweat because of the cold weather outside. There is no heating inside and you only need a light jacket or even a T shirt if your a warm person. This event is finishing in February so you need to book up quick, although something new is promised to be starting in March.
Written January 24, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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