Frequently Asked Questions

The Escape Rooms

What are Escape Rooms?

Escape rooms are immersive, interactive games where players are locked in a themed room and must work together to solve puzzles, find clues, and accomplish specific objectives in order to escape within a set time limit. These rooms are designed to challenge participants both mentally and physically, requiring them to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate as a team. The themes of escape rooms can vary widely, ranging from mystery and adventure to horror and fantasy. They have gained popularity as recreational activities, team-building exercises, and social experiences, providing a thrilling and engaging form of entertainment for participants of all ages.

What makes Cryptology different?

Escape rooms are all major towns and cities, but Cryptology Nottingham have designed their games to have a point-of-difference. They are made so that all groups, regardless of skill or size, an intense, near-full-time limit escape experience. Every room offers puzzles that adapt to your team, plus bonus challenges for seasoned sleuths. Ready to crack the code? 45, 60, and 90 minutes Escape Games are available.

Where is Cryptology located?

We are a stone’s throw from the fountains on Old Market Square (Slab Square). We are opposite the Premier Inn, across from Chapel Bar, at the top of Upper Parliament Street. Please visit this page for maps and local information.

Where is the best place to park?

If you are visiting Nottingham for most of the day, the NCP Car Park at the end of Castle Boulevard / start of Collin Street offers 24 hours’ at a decent price. A reasonably priced car park, and the closest to us, is based on Upper Parliament Street from Euro Car Parks. Nearby street parking is £1.50 or £3.00 per hour. All car parking can be found here. We recommend the use of public transport and we are a few minutes walk of the city centre’s bus or tram stops, and 15-20 minute walk from the train station.

What is the goal of the game?

Each goal is individual to the room, and will be revealed upon entering (or on the page for the game you have booked). Your team needs to solve as many puzzles to complete a goal(s) before the time is up.

Are we actually locked in during the game?

Most of the goals for a Cryptology game are not about escaping, therefore the entrance door is only locked to keep you in the game. Every locked entrance doo has an emergency exit switch. Basic safety, maximum adventure!

I have tried to call on the number published on the website, but I am getting no answer?

The escape rooms are very immersive and therefore our time is taken in providing an exciting experience for our guests. Therefore, if you are ringing and there is no answer, it’s more than likely we are doing just this. Please leave an answerphone message or send us an email with the best way to contact you and we will get back to you as soon as possible. All contact details are on this page contact us. We may be running games and may text you from our personal mobile number to assist you.

How do I book a room?

The easiest and most secure method is to book via this web page. Simply look at the date and time you wish to attend your escape room experience. If you prefer a more human touch, please feel free to give us a call - but please understand, for the security of your bank card we cannot take payment over the phone (but we can take your email address to send you a secure link).

Can I play without pre-booking a room?

The available slots are available via the booking page of our website. We staff the building based on the bookings we have already received. It is always best to contact us if you wish for a last-minute slot, buty we will need to confirm we have the staff available within this lead time.

How long does the experience last?

Expect each Escape Room experience to last for 15 minutes more than the time limit of the game. For instance if you have booked a 60-minute game at 1200, this is your arrival time and you should have left us by no later than 1:15pm. There is a small briefing before your game, a debrief, and some post escape game analysis with the chance for photos of your experience.

What if we are running late?

Each of the booking slots includes 15 minutes for your briefing for the room. Please arrive on the time your booking slot is made for, as if you arrive too early, we may be resetting the room from the previous group. If you are running late, please let us know as soon as you can. If you arrive too late on a busy day, we will need to deduct time off your room. If you arrive too late you may not be able to do any of your experience at all and we will not be able to refund your live booking.

I have booked my room, but I can no longer attend, what can I do?

We can issue a full refund or reschedule your booking with one week’s notice. We can provide a 50% refund with 48 hours’ notice. Our best advice is to contact us so we sort it all out.

How many people can play?

Ho Ho Hurry Up has a maximum of five, Witchful Thinking and Dreamscape has a maximum of six, Rameseize has a maximum of seven, Daylight Robbery is Nottingham's largest and can accommodate up to eight players.

Is there an age restriction?

There is no age-sensitive material in our rooms, however all under 16 year old players must be accompanied by a responsible adult player. This is non-negotiable as our liability insurance does not cover this risk. Non-compliance with this will not result in a refund.

What facilities are at Cryptology Nottingham?

We have two toilets, however these are on the second floor of the building, your game may not be on this level. We therefore recommend you go to toilet before arriving. If you have any special requirements, please contact us.

What restrictions are there?

Every game at Cryptology Nottingham is not on the ground floor meaning you'll have to go up and down stairs. Remember that every one of our games are team games, so where there may be some parts of the game where some dexterity is required, all games are written so it is not compulsory for every member to do this!

What is the alcohol policy?

For everyone's safety and enjoyment, no alcohol or drugs are allowed at Cryptology. We reserve the right to refuse entry or remove anyone suspected of being under the influence. Let's keep the fun fueled by teamwork and brainpower, not substances. Cheers (to clear minds)!

What happens if we get cannot solve the clues in the game?

The first rule of thumb is, have you searched everywhere? Is there anything you may have dismissed? We are close to hand should you be stuck. We have unique clue systems provided by Tempus Software and our Gamesmasters in every one of our games. We do not want to take the enjoyment away so will offer hints rather than answers.

What clothes should I wear?

There is no dress code… although bulky fancy dress should be avoided. Sensible footwear is advised. We love people who dress up for the theme of the game, you may notice that our Gamesmaters do this too!

Can I use my mobile in the game?

To avoid spoiling the experience for others, we ask that you do not use your mobiles or take photographs whilst in the rooms. We let you keep your possessions with you in the room of your game, but please do not abuse this good-will.

What do you do with my personal details and images that are taken?

Your name, email address, and telephone number will not get passed to anybody else. We do not sell your details on. At the end of the event we will ask if you would like your picture taken as a group so we can use this for our marketing material. This often includes uploading to Facebook and/or Instagram. We will be happy to supply you the images we take. If you do not want appearing online, you only need to let us know. There is also no obligation for a group picture at the end of the escape game.

Do you sell gift vouchers?

These are available to purchase on the Book Now page. These do not expire and make excellent gifts. They are available immediately via email or we can send the via post.

Do you take hen do / stag do bookings?

Yes we do. We can offer bespoke packages based on your requirements, please contact us for more information. We have a no-drunks policy!

Do you take corporate bookings?

Yes we do. We can offer bespoke packages based on your requirements, please contact us for more information, or visit the corporate page.

Can I have a receipt for my booking(s)?

When you make your booking, a Sale Confirmation is sent to the email address it was booked from. From this you can download a PDF VAT Invoice. You'll need to input your billing details to generate the invoice but these are not shared to any third party (and are a required for a legitimate VAT receipt).

Is there nearby accommodation?

There is a Premier Inn opposite us, a Travelodge 0.2 miles away (5 minute walk), and many more as we are in the middle of the city centre.

I would like more information…

Please visit our contact page where our email address, physical address, and telephone number are published.

Will I need my reading glasses?

No Sherlock Holmes-level deductions required! But, eagle eyes are always welcome. Some rooms have short texts to decipher, so bring your reading glasses for extra sleuthing power!

What methods of payment do you accept?

You must book in advance for your slot and you can use the website to do this. Most cards are accepted online. If you need to pay for an extra player on the day, we only accept card payments and most are accepted. To confirm, we cannot take cash.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Escape Rooms

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