Cave Escape: Monuments

By | July 29, 2019

by Cave Escape (website)

63 Mansfield Road, NG1 3FN

Nottingham

3-6 players

Languages: EN

60 minutes

It is 1945 and your country needs you! You have been called upon by the allied forces to venture deep into the salt mines of Austria. Your task is to locate and retrieve the priceless artworks, precious gems and gold bullion that have been stolen by the Nazi’s. Can your team solves the puzzles, diffuse the bomb and crack the codes to save the artefacts before the mine is blown to smithereens? There’s only one way to find out…
show full description
Thank you for helping keep Escape the Review up to date!
Let us know what needs changing:




If you own or manage this company, you can also claim the listing and update it yourself

Overall rating

Rated between 4 and 5 out of 5

based on ratings from 62 users
combined with 7 pro reviews

Your review

Player reviews

Hailstone experienced rated this:Rated between 3.5 and 3.5 out of 5
Team size: 5 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalcleverimmersivequite difficult
samsham experienced rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 24 Oct 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 59:46 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalclevergreat hosting
Elderly Escape Artist experienced rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 7 Oct 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 57 minutes Outcome: Successful escape!
immersivestory-drivengreat hostingquite difficult

This room is an absolute joy and definitely one of my favourite rooms ever played.

The immersion is second to none - a lot of thought has gone into the theming and props and being actually in the caves adds a certain something that you just wouldn't get elsewhere. Some very clever puzzles and unique, fitting clue systems really aid the immersion.  We played as a couple and it was full on hence they recommend teams of three or more if not more experienced players.

Hosting was as brilliant as expected after our previous visit here.

A "wow" room in every sense, definitely a must play for every enthusiast.

simsi747 experienced rated this:Rated between 4 and 4 out of 5
Team size: 2 Outcome: Failed 🙁
cleverimmersivestory-driven
ratsontour expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 27 Sep 2024 Team size: 3 Time taken: 58:48 Outcome: Successful escape!
immersivestory-drivengreat hostingquite difficult
roberts0502 expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 17 Apr 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 60:00+ Outcome: Successful escape!
immersivegreat hostingjam-packedquite difficult
lishahirst experienced rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 2024-06-01 Team size: 2 Time taken: 00:57:00 Outcome: Successful escape!
immersivestory-drivengreat hostingvery difficult
This was such a unique experience! A very non-linear game which I’m usually not a fan of but this was so fun. They usually recommend a team of 3 for this room, but you can attempt as a team of 2 if you’re more experienced. We did it as a team of 2 and escaped with a few minutes to spare. Our GM, Phoebe was incredible! The clue system is awesome!
spbc expert rated this:Rated between 3.5 and 3.5 out of 5
Played: 22 Feb 2022 Team size: 4 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulgreat hostingconfusing
Team Jophie experienced rated this:Rated between 4 and 4 out of 5
Played: 30 Mar 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 49:54 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifuloriginalimmersivequite difficult
liam and rosie experienced rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Team size: 2 Time taken: 59:48 Outcome: Successful escape!
cleverimmersivestory-drivenvery difficult
This was the most outstanding room we’ve played , the adrenaline we had was like no other 
Dan Getliffe experienced rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 10 Mar 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 59.47 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulgreat hosting
The highlight of this is without doubt the room itself - the settings and the props are fantastic and really add to the experience! Another highlight was the hosting from Imogen - we've had a few indifferent hosts recently so it was great to get a good one! Good puzzles, with some good variety in there as well, and a clever and immersive clue system too. Very strong all round! 
escapeartist1212 expert rated this:Rated between 4 and 4 out of 5
beautifuloriginalimmersive
A Blacksmith expert rated this:Rated between 4 and 4 out of 5
Team size: 3 Outcome: Successful escape!
cleverimmersivegreat hosting
🔐SpontaneousIllusion expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Team size: 2
originalimmersivegreat hostingquite difficult
HazelChester rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Mark Crossley experienced rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 28/03/2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 47:45 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulimmersivestory-drivenquite difficult
Anonymous experienced rated this:Rated between 3.5 and 3.5 out of 5
confusing
Byromodon experienced rated this:Rated between 3.5 and 3.5 out of 5
Played: 9 Sep 2023 Team size: 5 Time taken: 48.50 Outcome: Successful escape!
story-drivenquite difficult

Great theme. Quite a few red herrings which stumped us.  Challenging puzzles 

Anonymous rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
originalimmersivefamily friendly
A very well-put-together room. There's a lot of stuff to do with a nice variety of puzzles. I do remember there almost being a bit too much 'stuff', we'd put something down and immediately lose it in the mess of items we'd collected and boxes we'd opened. But I would still absolutely recommend this game! 
Speedy Sloth expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
beautifulgreat hosting
StaceyF expert rated this:Rated between 3.5 and 3.5 out of 5
Played: 12 Mar 2023 Team size: 5 Outcome: Successful escape!
immersive
Kates experienced rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Team size: 2 Outcome: Failed 🙁
cleverstory-drivenintensequite difficult

We probably shouldn't have tried this as a 2, or been less stubborn and asked for hints when we needed them, mainly because there's a LOT of content to get through here. I love a game where you feel like you've got your money's worth!

It's the only room we've failed thus far but despite this, we had an excellent time. Lots in there to make you smile and the caves setting makes it incredibly immersive, as does the attention to detail and authenticity of the props used within the game.

Our only struggle was clues/host input are delivered via audio only, and both of us have auditory processing difficulties and sometimes struggled to hear over the atmospheric music, or if there was any distortion in the audio.

Tatie experienced rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 2021 Team size: 5 Outcome: Successful escape!
immersivestory-drivengreat hosting

I felt 100% immersed in this game. My favourite game I've played visually 

fraggle42 experienced rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 9 Jul 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 59.59 Outcome: Successful escape!
cleverstory-driven
Spartabantam experienced rated this:Rated between 4 and 4 out of 5
Played: 17 Feb 2023 Team size: 4 Time taken: 46:53 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulimmersivegreat hosting

Really like this room.  Being set in the Nottingham caves really adds to the immersive nature of the room, and there are some lovely touches of humour throughout.  Hosting was EXCELLENT, and the props were amazing - no 3d printing here, it all seemed to be authentic WW2 equipment!  Most enjoyable.

Lotsa Locks experienced rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 16 Feb 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 52:16 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalimmersivestory-driven
Wesley Mead expert rated this:Rated between 4 and 4 out of 5
Played: 13 Feb 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 60+m Outcome: Failed 🙁
funnystory-drivengreat hostingquite difficult
Steph Norchi experienced rated this:Rated between 4 and 4 out of 5
Played: 22 Jan 2023 Team size: 4 Outcome: Successful escape!
d.green26 expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 4 Feb 2023 Team size: 4 Time taken: 59 minutes 8 seconds Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulimmersivestory-drivenquite difficult
🤘The Pick of Destiny expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
TheDreamTeam experienced rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 22 Sep 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 53:11 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifuloriginalimmersivequite difficult

Really clever use of the space - you feel completely immersed in the story with the props and puzzles on offer. Doable as a two with a bit of experience. Very friendly host. 

Anonymous expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Team size: 3 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalepicquite difficult
jakea256 expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 18 Sep 2022 Team size: 4 Time taken: 43:43 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulimmersivequite difficult

Excellent theming from start to finish, the aesthetic of the cave made the story feel even more authentic and exactly like the story (or movie) it is based off of. The puzzles were varied and included communication, searching, observation - really something for everyone. A few very clever and entertaining moments makes this game well worth playing.

Catherine K experienced rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 11 Sep 2022 Team size: 3 Time taken: 53:11
hi-techstory-drivengreat hosting

A brilliant game, a good challenge and kept us busy throughout. Some humour from helpful allies and a unique clue system. Lots of fun and a must do game.

Anonymous rated this:Rated between 4 and 4 out of 5
Outcome: Successful escape!
originalclevergreat hosting
Jen Wells (Get Wells Soon) expert rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
cleverimmersivestory-driven

Playing a game set in a cave and actually being in a real cave is just one of the reasons that this is a five star game. Throw in exceptional games master-ing, superb puzzles, excellent tech and a brilliant set and you get a game that it's worth travelling across the country for.

It's challenging for all the right reasons - at no point were we wondering what to do next but there is an incredible amount to do in here... As a two, it's definitely do-able (we took 53mins) but you'd ideally need another team member or two.

Our GM, Laura, was excellent and our whole experience here was incredibly enjoyable.

Jordan Brown experienced rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 1 Sep 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 53:47 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulimmersivestory-driven
Schteeeve experienced rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 16 Dec 2022 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalcleverimmersivevery difficult
gimiabreakout experienced rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 11 Jun 2022 Team size: 6 Time taken: 53 Outcome: Successful escape!
immersivestory-drivenepicquite difficult

A well thought out game with a variety of puzzles and surprising elements, a fantastic escape room. 

The puzzles and props were authentic and well in keeping with the theming, made better by being located underground in a real cave! Truly special, professional and incredibly well managed.

Ksen experienced rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 24 Jul 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 57 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifuloriginalimmersive

Very well themed with great story and props. Puzzles also fun with a good mix of searching and solving. 

Mrs G expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Team size: 3 Time taken: 51.01
beautifuloriginalimmersive

Having heard so many good things about Monuments we just had to play on our trip to Nottingham, we were not disappointed! A great game loaded full of puzzles which fit the theme perfectly. An unusual and unique setting used perfectly to compliment the game play. Highly recommended

Jess_keds expert rated this:Rated between 4 and 4 out of 5
Played: 2 Jun 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 52:16 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalimmersivegreat hosting

Fully immersed from start to finish. Beautiful space utilised creatively with scenery and props to suitably match the storyline. Some unique puzzles and a suitable amount of reading required. Great variety of mechanical, physical, mental and electronic puzzles and thankfully minimal use of number locks. Great hosting during our visit which can make such a difference. 

matt_keds expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 2 Jun 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 52:16 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulfunnyimmersive

#72

Brilliant theming and a really unique game. The space is really well used and the unique story makes it a fun and exciting experience. Cave Escapes are the top venue we’ve visited, very accommodating letting us do what is normally a 3 person+ room as a pair. Unmissable.

Jemileh experienced rated this:Rated between 4 and 4 out of 5
Team size: 3 Outcome: Failed 🙁
abooth expert rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 22 May 2022 Team size: 2 Time taken: 47 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulimmersivestory-driven

Flawless. The space is absolutely tremendous and like being on the set of a movie. The puzzles are terrific - well thought out, logical and flow well. It's on the harder side, but I loved that, felt like we worked for our escape. Highly recommended.

Anonymous expert rated this:Rated between 3.5 and 3.5 out of 5
Played: 27 Apr 2022 Team size: 3 Time taken: 60:00 Outcome: Failed 🙁
beautifulvalue for moneyquite difficult
flyingoctopus expert rated this:Rated between 3 and 3 out of 5
Team size: 4 Outcome: Successful escape!

The props and theming of the room are very immersive and we really appreciated how well the space had been used to create the atmosphere in the room.

We got off to a great start, storming through the puzzles and really enjoying ourselves. The second half of the room sadly wasn't as enjoyable. The GM wouldn't leave us alone. We had barely had time to think about a clue he had given before he was giving us another (we didnt ask for these clues). He was actually quite bossy and unfriendly at times over the speaker.

We got out in under 50 minutes, feeling bullied and rushed. We had loads of time left so I have no idea why the GM thought it necessary to  behave in the way he did. 

We had a totally different experience with a different GM in their other room.

Escape Enthusiast expert rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 13 Feb 2022 Team size: 3 Time taken: 52:14 Outcome: Successful escape!
immersivestory-drivengreat hostingquite difficult

Monuments is an absolutely fantastic escape room. The setting within the cave works perfectly for the story told throughout the room. It's deeply atmospheric and immerses you into this wonderful historical narrative that ties heavily into the puzzles you'll be solving. It's a rather challenging escape room, but don't let that put you off. The puzzles are magnificent and are very well thought out. It's an utter joy to play and has gone straight up towards the top of my escape room rankings. 

🏆Annagramma expert rated this:Rated between 4 and 4 out of 5
Played: 29/08/2021 Team size: 3
originalimmersivegreat hostingquite difficult
Moosehead expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Team size: 4
beautifulimmersive

Beautiful game!  It had some things in it that we’ve never seen before tech-wise.  There definitely should’ve been more sign posting for some puzzles and we had a very pushy GM, which frustrated us a bit.  But it is an incredibly beautiful set and should be near the top of everyone’s list to play!

Anonymous rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 28 Nov 2021 Team size: 3 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulimmersivestory-drivenquite difficult
Joe Brown expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 12 Sep 2021 Team size: 4
Set in an actual cave, the puzzles fit the story really well and were very challenging. Greatly enjoyed, but not for newcomers!
Anonymous expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Team size: 4 Time taken: 55:34 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifuloriginalstory-drivenquite difficult

Monuments is outstanding. Really uses the caves to their full potential and create a fantastic and exciting mine that is perfectly on theme. Clue systems are well thought out and fun, plus the way the story is delivered is innovative. Puzzles are pretty good, though some are bloody hard and need a little more to suggest what to do. Luckily our GM was good and always quick to berate us for being idiots. Thoroughly enjoyed and one of the country's finest games

Exotic Turtle experienced rated this:Rated between 3.5 and 3.5 out of 5
Played: 27/07/2021 Team size: 3 Time taken: 54 Outcome: Successful escape!
hi-techclevergreat hostingquite difficult
Arjay Henshall expert rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Played: 27 Jun 2021 Team size: 3 Time taken: 54 Outcome: Successful escape!
immersivestory-drivenepicquite difficult

Wow.

Another great room by Cave Escapes. 

Loads of things to do, very story driven and immersive. 

This room will be a challenge for most so I advise taking as many people as possible. 

Loads of different elements and a great little touch of humour and something I haven’t seen before.

You must play 🥰

🌵Juliette B expert rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 9 Jun 2021 Team size: 2 Time taken: 59:32 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifuloriginalstory-drivenquite difficult

This game is beautiful - the cave, and the audio/video has you immersed in the story instantly. There is plenty to keep you busy and the puzzles are enjoyable, with a couple of very clever ideas. The hint system is on theme and excellent at pointing you in the right direction rather than telling you the answer. We played as a two and completed it, but only just (and that was playing with relatively few now-what moments). Excellent flow. I enjoyed this more than Carfax as it was less search heavy, but they are both absolutely worth playing (and I understand Carfax has undergone a lot of change since we played it, and that is no longer the case). 

🦡cipherdelic virtuoso rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5

I do love how Cave Escape incorporate the cave into the room, and it does this perfectly for Monuments. The confines of the caves enhances the feeling of secrecy and espionage, and within minutes you completely forget your in Nottingham, I was in Austria in WWII for the whole game. Don't let this game deceive you, it may look straightforward when you enter the room, but its packed with puzzles.
The Cave Escape team have incorporated some lovely comedic moments, which brings a little light to a rather dark part of history, but these dont detract from or mock the subject matter. Theres also a large number of historical 'easter eggs' throughout the game, which you may spot (especially if you've watched the film) but ask you GM and they'll point them out at the end.
Its a stunning room, you really must play this.

🔐James Bloodworth expert rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Played: 12/10/2020 Team size: 2 Outcome: Failed 🙁
I've waxed lyrical about their other room, CarFax, before but this takes those high standards and builds on them.  Theming is appropriate, there is a great mix of puzzles and a lot of tech, but this is a hard room, Cave Escape will let you run as a 2 but the minimum recommended is a 3 and I can see why, if we'd had a third person we would have got out but there is a lot to get through.
SiSitAndWait rated this:Rated between 5 and 5 out of 5
Team size: 4 Time taken: 58odd Outcome: Successful escape!

Wow! Carfax looked great and a very good first game. This is pretty much flawless! I don't want to write much more! Go play it!

Durkules rated this:Rated between 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5
Outcome: Successful escape!

Reviews by escape room review sites

A World War II theme might not seem the obvious choice to set in a cave, but in fact the story is a perfect match for the setting: in Monuments you are in the Austrian salt mines where the Nazis stashed their looted treasures, trying to rescue precious works of art before the defeated occupiers blow the place up.

Cave Escape‘s unique underground setting again gives an instant authenticity to the environment, and the games builds on that with a great deal of 1940s equipment and decor. It’s not a...

A game with plenty of highlights, whether it’s the story interludes, the beautiful set or the feeling of being on a virtuous heist. Well worth playing if you’re in the Nottingham area.
I loved Cave Escape from the moment I stepped into the reception area two years ago to play Carfax, but Monuments has completely blown me away. Not only was this game one of the highlights on our nearly 60 game road trip, but it ranks among my favourite Top Ten games I have played to date.

One word: AMAZING.

History lovers will especially get a kick out of this room, and I definitely feel it’s one for adults rather than children, but no one could fail to be impressed by the attention to detail in this room, the effort made to bring in props and technology that blend seamlessly to give life to the story and authenticity to the experience. The effort gone to by the team is top-notch. Highly recommended.

If you had asked me last week if I ever thought that I would need to experience an escape room in a cave i'd have laughed, that was until I visited Cave Escape in Nottingham. Cave Escape currently have two escape rooms in Carfax, their Dracula themed room and Monuments their World War 2 themed room, (With a third, Judgement, opening at a different location called Judges Escape Emporium nearby soon). We arrived slightly early but were let in and told just to chill on the sofa. I have seen some beautiful receptions before but Cave Escape really take the top spot on this. It was stunningly beautiful and so cosy and the staff are all so lovely and are so passionate about escape rooms as at a few times in our interactions we got distracted talking about other rooms. Anyway, we got given a locker by our lovely host Imogen and we descended down some stairs to our room Monuments.



Monuments was quite simply brilliant. 3 out of the 4 of our team absolutely loved this room and very nearly got 5* for that reason. The sheer size of this game is something quite special, let alone the puzzles, the theme and atmosphere of feeling like you are in a bunker underground because of the natural caves. All 3 rooms at Cave Escape are fantastic and Monuments is right there with being one of the best in our back catalogue. Becky was brilliant with us all afternoon, answering any questions we had and even let us know of a sister company soon to open their doors to an incredible sounding experience just down the road. We can’t wait to come back!

Lists

This game is part of the following user-created game lists:
  • Best UK escape rooms 2022 by Escape the Review virtuoso
    These are the 100 highest rated escape rooms in the UK, as of 31st Dec 2022, based on combined ratings from enthusiasts, bloggers and experts - every game here comes highly recommended. 
  • Best UK escape rooms 2021 by Escape the Review virtuoso

    These are the 100 highest rated escape rooms (out of 1600) in the UK, as of 31st Dec 2021, based on combined ratings from enthusiasts, bloggers and experts - every game here comes highly recommended. 

  • Best UK escape rooms 2023 by Escape the Review virtuoso
    These are the 100 highest rated escape rooms in the UK, as of 31st Dec 2023, based on combined ratings from enthusiasts, bloggers and experts - every game here comes highly recommended. 

See also