Missing Traitors? Plot the ultimate DIY murder mystery weekend

Plot your own murder mystery, with local locations, caterers and companies to run the show for you, in our one-stop guide to executing a bloody, fun-filled weekend.

Missing your fix of chunky knits, tartan and treachery? Still reeling from The Traitors finale? Gather your faithfuls and go at it DIY-style with everything you need to execute your very own murder mystery weekend. From the best rentals and venues in Notts and Derbyshire to the companies that will run the show for you, here’s your one-stop guide to executing a bloody fun-filled weekend with a splash of Traitors’ style.

BBC/Studio Lambert

Set the scene

Whether you’re after an atmospheric Traitors-inspired castle, a rural Agatha Christie cottage or a Glass Onion-esque contemporary pad, take your pick from these stunning scene setters.

high peak manor derbyshire

High Peak Manor (above) near Hayfield is true Traitor territory. We’re talking chandeliers, an oak-beamed medieval great hall, and rugged Peak District views. This former hunting lodge is a proper Baronial bolthole and, with 11 opulent bedrooms and four lounges, there’s plenty of space to sprawl (or cower in the corner).

cuckney house welbeck

Cuckney House, part of the Welbeck Estate in Nottinghamshire, is more Cluedo-style country house – but one that’s been brought bang up to date with utterly gorgeous interior design. Bedrooms are exquisite and the large open-plan kitchen is a corker. Outside you’ll find beautiful gardens, complete with tennis court, garden games and cute potting shed outdoor changing area by the hot tub.

foxlow grange buxton

Foxlow Grange in Buxton combines elegant Georgian charm with contemporary cool and gives you the option of renting the whole place or just a few apartments. It’s super-luxurious and has a lovely big lounge and dining area downstairs where everyone can come together to solve the mystery.

616 venue sherwood

Cool, contemporary and with its own basement nightclub to drown out the screams, The 616 Venue near Sherwood Forest is a perfect venue for a full weekend murder mystery party. With bedrooms for 28 guests and hot tubs to plot your next move from, it’s also home to a fabulous grand dining hall and bar, perfect for the denouement.

Dinner is served

You won’t have time to cook when you’re busy puzzling clues, so call in the experts and keep everyone happy. Wirksworth-based caterers extraordinaire Rhubarb Kitchen can cook up a storm to your requirements and are easy-going and professional. Pantry Catering is run by a team of award-winning chefs and its catering squad whips up restaurant-grade food that’ll tickle your tastebuds.

Murder mystery nights out

murder mystery traitors night at makeney hall

Oo, this spooky overnight stay at Makeney Hall Hotel is the one to book for die-hard Traitors fans. The Traitors: The Final Move turns the show on its head as host Cornelia Shrinkleman takes charge but the producer is murdered and guests work together to solve the mystery. Book for 13 September, from £55.

Tuck into a decadent three courses of great locally-sourced food and a side of whodunnit at Murder at The Maynard in Grindleford on Sat 16 March. £40pp.

Play detective, interview suspects and find the clues to catch the culprit at Cocktails and Crime: Dead to Writes at the National Justice Museum, Nottingham on Sat 10 February. Tickets cost £23.99.

A 19th century stately home is the setting for the Murder Mystery night at Renaissance at Kelham Hall near Newark on Fri 29 March. Costs £60pp and includes a three-course meal.

All aboard! Book in for a Murder on the Orient Express-inspired murder mystery dinner train experience just across the Derbyshire border through the beautiful Churnet Valley. These glamourous vintage-feel evenings are pretty popular so book in for one of the three summer dates now. A similar murder mystery event is scheduled for Sat 25 May at Peak Rail, Matlock.

Binary Bar & Restaurant in Mickleover also has a Murder Mystery night on Tues 28 March. The plot centres around an author killed in mysterious circumstances and the food is a selection of tapas and desserts (£49.99).

Do it yourself

traitors-board-game

Murder mystery on a shoe-string? The Traitors Board Game is about as close as you’re going to get to the real thing. With one player appointed the artful traitor, use your wits to root them out alongside your fellow faithfuls, teaming up to complete challenges to win gold for the prize fund along the way. Hours of guaranteed fun. I’ll bring the gin. Get it for £26.99.

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