Frequently Asked Questions

The Escape Rooms

What are Escape Rooms?

The ethos behind Cryptology is to actively encourage teamwork, creating an experience to be shared and remembered with others. Cryptology has developed this core concept to create unique adventures within Sheffield, with the option to explore further around the city than other leisure pursuits allow.

What makes Cryptology different?

With Escape Rooms popping up all around the country, something needed to be different. Something that stood out and embraced working as a team and most importantly, keep you talking about the experience to each other and people you know. Cryptology has embraced this thinking to create a unique experience in the heart of Sheffield city centre.

Where is Cryptology located?

We are in the popular area of West Street near to Devonshire Street. Near our entrance is the Eldon Street Car Park, our entrance door is on the corner of Eldon Street and Westhill Lane. Please visit this page for maps and local information.

Where is the best place to park?

The Eldon Street Car park is quite cheap, especially after 4:30pm and is quite literally on our doorstep. If this is full, the Devonshire Street Car Park is a very short walk away.

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 clues to complete a goal(s) before the time is up.

Are we actually locked in during the game?

Health and Safety policy prevents any deadlocks being implemented, and a member of staff is on hand at all times during your game.

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

The 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 a text or answer phone message with the best way to contact you and we will get back to you as soon as possible, or pop us an email via the contact form.

How do I book a room?

The easiest method is to book via this web page. Simply look at the date you wish to attend and see if there are any slots free on that day. However, if you prefer a more human touch, please feel free to give us a call.

Can I play without pre-booking a room??

The free slots are available via the booking page and you’re welcome to pop by and pay for a free slot. Alternatively you can contact us and we will be happy to try and accommodate you.

How long does the experience last?

All of our escape rooms have a 60 minute time limit. You can expect the experience to last 75 minutes from start to finish as there is a small briefing and some post-escape analysis.

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.

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?

Afterlife and The Mysterious Case of Hugh Dunnitt have a maximum of six, and First Contact can accommodate up to eight players. If you have a group larger than this, we would try and accommodate you, so please get in contact.

Is there an age restriction?

There is no age-sensitive material in our rooms, however all under 16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult.

What facilities are at Cryptology Sheffield?

There are four WCs which are on the same floor (First Floor) as the games. If you have any special requirements, please contact us.

What restrictions are there?

Every game at Cryptology Sheffield means you need to walk up 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?

No alcohol is allowed on our premises. If any team member is suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs they will be refused entry or ejected from the game and no refund will be given. We want everybody to enjoy themselves, please do not arrive drunk and force our staff into having the difficult conversation.

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, however, 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.

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.

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 game

Do you sell gift vouchers?

These are available to purchase on the Book Now page. These do not expire.

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. Our premises can be booked for large groups to play our games simultaneously or over the course of a day. As a city centre business, we have plenty of food and drink options available nearby. We can offer bespoke packages based on your requirements, please contact us for more information.

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

Of course, we do this for many of our guests. We can provide a pro-forma, an invoice, and/or a receipt for your bookings. Please contact us for more information.

Is there nearby accommodation?

Sheffield has many accommodation options across the city, please check here for local hotels.

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?

Though there’s no intensive reading in any of our games, many of our rooms have short pieces of text that you will need to read throughout your game, so make sure you bring your glasses!

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.

Do you offer child pricing?

Yes, we offer a Sheffield exclusive rate of £15pp for anyone age 15 or under. You must meet the minimum cost for your game, which is £44 on non-peak days, and £45 on peak days. A team with children playing must have at least one paying adult in the room with them throughout the game. If you are coming with 1 adult and 3 children for example, you must pay for 2 adults and 2 children, to meet the minimum charge. If you have any questions, please give us a call or send us an email.

What else is there to do in Sheffield?

Get more ideas on what to do on the Kayak Sheffield Travel Guide