The second series of Celebrity Traitors is finally returning to our screens this Autumn, and we couldn’t be more excited. With its tense psychological twists and turns, all set against the dramatic backdrop of a remote 19th-century estate in Scotland, this show has us completely hooked.
We couldn’t help but marvel over the stunning architecture and grand interiors of the iconic Traitors castle, imagining what it would feel like to be a part of the game in such a unique setting. Sadly Ardross Castle, the castle featured as the Traitors set, isn’t open for the public; however, its stately elegance, brooding landscapes, rich history and impressive grounds bear a close resemblance to one of our beloved retreats.
Taking inspiration from the popular BBC series, why not plan and execute a bespoke Traitors immersive experience within the setting of grand country estate, Kentchurch Court. Gather 20 of your friends or family members and play your very own game of mystery, deception and strategy.
Like all the best games, they have rules…
Ensure you are aware of the house rules below*
Arrive at Kentchurch Court
Welcome to a world of royalty, grandeur and elegance. Prepare to experience a one-of-a-kind stay.
Kentchurch Court is a Grade I listed stately home tucked in a Herefordshire valley on the English/ Welsh border. Dating back to 11th century, this significant historical asset has been the ancestral family seat of the Scudamores’ for almost 1000 years and holds an interesting tie with Welsh Prince, Owain Glyndwr.
Convene in the Entrance Hall and either pick a card for a random bedroom allocation (adding to the mystery!) or choose amongst your group which bedroom each guest will be staying in. Boasting 10 uniquely styled bedrooms, every space tells its own story.
Role Allocation
Settle into your rooms before convening in the Banquet Hall for role allocation. Prior to your stay, a designated host should be chosen. Their responsibilities include deciding who will be the ‘Traitors’ and who will be the ‘Faithfuls’, leading players through daily challenges and overseeing the banishments and ‘murders’.
Once the roles have been allocated appropriately, guests can explore the property’s impressive grounds.
‘The Turret’
In the context of Kentchurch Court we, at Bolthole Retreats, have a few suggestions for where the central secret meeting place for the Traitors could be:
- The Painted Bedroom – Accessed via a stone spiral staircase, this mimics the spooky feeling of the secret meetings seen in the show
- The Old Smoking Room – Located on the ground floor, this room is a chamber of history and an atmospheric place to plot
- The Snug – With comfortable sofas, this is a cosy space to convene and converse
Breakfast in the Banquet Hall
Kentchurch Court’s Banquet Hall is the room arguably most reminiscent of the Breakfast Room in the Traitors Castle. Spend mornings around the dining table in this impressive space and discover which guest has been ‘murdered’ from the game.
The Round Table
At the end of each day, gather around the large dining table in the Banquet Hall, debate suspicions and accuse and vote to banish players from the game. This is where the game gets tense!
Missions and Challenges
When it comes to missions and challenges, this retreat offers an abundance of options. Please note, you must bring your own equipment.
- Tennis – Utilise the estate’s tennis courts and battle it out for top place. The winning team wins immunity from being ‘murdered’
- Come Dine With Me – Compete against your fellow estate guests to host the best dinner party. The host will decide who wins and they will receive a shield
- Scavengers Hunt – Use your imagination and come up with your very own hunt. Work under the pressure of a time limit, the team who work the fastest secure ‘money’ for the pot (Disclaimer, this doesn’t have to be actual money, it could be unlocking a crucial clue about of the Traitors)
- Croquet – Head over to the lawn for this classic outdoor game. The winning player wins immunity at banishment
- Snooker/ Pool – Convene in the Billiards Room for rounds of Snooker or Pool, the winning team will win immunity to banishment
- Rounders – Gather into two teams and aim to score as many rounders as possible. The losing team will be the only players up for ‘murder’
The Secluded Corners
Whether it’s gossiping in The Drawing Room, whispering in The Chapel or eavesdropping in The Gallery, Kentchurch Court boasts a wealth of clandestine spaces for sharing suspicions and theories with other players in secret. With acres of land surrounding the property, hidden staircases and long corridors, this is the perfect context for your plotting.
*IMPORTANT Ground Rules and Player Notes –
1. The Historic Backdrop
You are not walking onto a filmset, you are stepping into a deeply historical home that should be treated with care and respect.
2. Responsible Hosting
As much as this home offers a wonderful and exciting place for your imagination to run free, it is first and foremost a heritage asset. You’ll find a number of antiques and decorative items on display throughout Kentchurch Court. It is vital that these are treated with care and remain for display purposes only.
3. Damage Liability
Any accidental damage, stains, or breakage to historic surfaces and furnishings will be the financial responsibility of the guest.
4. Preserve the Estate
While you’re welcome to lean into the immersive experience, please ensure any props you bring are used gently, nothing is hung on the historic walls or to cause permanent damage, and the venue is treated with total respect.
Read more about the history of Kentchurch Court here >>
The Final Verdict: Immersive Escape Pending…
So, whether you’re a superfan or just looking to experience a lavishly unique break away, Kentchurch Court is waiting for you. With the quintessential setting and the ultimate playbook to execute your very own immersive Traitors experience, the stage is set. All that’s left to do is choose who you are bringing and book!
FAQ’s
Q – Can you stay at the actual Traitors Castle?
No, Ardross Castle is not open for the public but Kentchurch is easily the most similar and accepts up to 20 guests. If you wish to bring more than 20 guests: Upper Lodge (sleeps 6) takes the total number of guests up to 26 people.
Q – What should I pack for a Traitors-inspired stay?
The Essentials:
- Hooded cloak or cape – channel your inner Alan Carr
- Smart evening wear – think blazers, bow ties and evening dresses, adding to the dramatic regal effect
- Blackboards and chalk – vital for the banishments, write down your suspect!
The Missions:
- Sportwear – battle it out in style!
- Sport equipment for your chosen missions – ensure you bring the desired equipment for your sporting activities for example, Tennis racquets
- Layers for outdoor activities – bring suitable clothes for the unpredictable British weather.
Downtime and Deduction Supplies:
- Comfortable loungewear – for unwinding by the fire in the evenings
- A good pair of boots – for exploring the estate grounds
- Notebook and pen – for noting down clues and suspicions
Q – Is this trip suitable for both hardcore competitors and those who just want to relax and spectate?
Absolutely! There is ample space across the entire estate for everybody, meaning you don’t have to be in the middle of the drama all the time. If you’re coming along for the getaway and not the game, the estate features two further properties: Upper Lodge and Lower Lodge. Both offer the ideal setup for those who wish to immerse themselves in the atmosphere whilst enjoying their own space.
There is ample space at Kentchurch for everybody. If people wish to join the getaway but not participate, there are two other properties on the Kentchurch Estate, Upper Lodge and Lower Lodge, which are ideal for those wishing to spectate but have their own space.