Brighton's new multi million pound tourist attraction aims for ‘wow’ factor

Phileas Fogg’s World of Adventures is based in Sussex House, Hollingbury, by Asda.

It features theatrical actors, special effects, puzzles, escape room style challenges and 16 incredibly crafted sets designed by Craft Work, the team behind the sets of blockbuster movies like Star Wars, Harry Potter and James Bond.

“Climb aboard a train and explore the world in just an hour” is the invitation.

Adventurers will be sent back to 1870 and meet Phileas Fogg, the protagonist of Jules Verne’s novel Around The World In Eighty Days.

The experience is the brainchild of Eastbourne resident Graham Owen, who said the adventure is unlike anything else the public will have experienced.

It opened in September and Graham said the first four months have been a success.

He said: “We’ve built it, upgraded and it’s nearly all done. It was formerly the police custody suite but now we are creating the wow factor.

“What we have is unique, there is literally something for everyone to enjoy.

“We’re placed well for both the A27 and the A23 and that is working well for us.

“The name has spread and we are now almost fully booked, we’re living off recommendations.

“Our Winter Wonderland in December proved very popular.”

Graham and his three fellow team members have spent millions on the project.

He said: “At present we are opening on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays but soon we want to be operating six days a week.

“Our box office opposite the railway station in Brighton city centre will prove to be very important us.

“Corporate business is very important. For one company, they sent one department to us for a team building day and they liked it so much the other departments have now booked with us.

“We really are hoping to be full soon. I really feel that Brighton needed this.

“We are indoor and we are very different to other attractions, although I must say other tourist venues have been very supportive.”

About 30 people are employed at Phileas Fogg’s World of Adventures ranging from office staff to actors taking on a variety of roles.

Graham said: “Everything we do here is an act and we have big plans for future months, including a huge celebrity night and Halloween with a very scary Jack the Ripper.

“We are the UK’s largest theatre-based escape room and I honestly believe what we have created is different to anything else.

“Most of our customers are coming from Brighton and London.

“Some children may never have seen Venice but by coming here they have the chance to experience just that.

“You can see parts of the world here you may never get the opportunity to go to. It really is a place for everyone.

“When it comes to team building, we can cater for up to 120 people at any one time.”

Graham wants to support children’s charities.

He said: “I want to put a smile on young people’s faces.”

Go to www.phileasfoggsworldofadventures.co.uk