From atmospheric farmhouses to sprawling manors perfectly poised for plotting and sleuthing, discover the best UK properties for a Traitors-inspired retreat
With jaws on the floor after each weekly episode of The Traitors, Britain’s love affair with secrets, suspicion and a good old-fashioned plot twist shows no sign of slowing down. With Britons around the country fully embracing their inner detectives, the allure of a suspense-soaked countryside escape complete with shadowy hallways, crackling fires and the irresistible question of “who’s hiding what?” – is literally stronger than ever.
And while no grand turreted castle is required to recreate the thrill, groups can immerse themselves in their very own plot twist this winter. From atmospheric farmhouses to sprawling manors perfect for plotting and sleuthing, the scene is set for the ultimate Great British Whodunnit Weekend.
Blencowe Hall, Blencowe, Cumbria
With its 15th-century fortified towers, spiral staircases and grand, atmospheric rooms, this Grade I listed manor is practically made for a whodunnit weekend. Blencowe Hall’s secluded setting, sprawling grounds and richly historic interiors create the perfect backdrop for plotting, clue-hunting and big-reveal moments, all with modern comforts and a touch of luxury to keep your detectives happy.
Make it happen
Wallet: Short breaks from £3,622
How many: Sleeps 24
How: Find out more via ruralretreats.co.uk
Upper Helmsley Hall, York, Yorkshire
Uncover secrets at Upper Helmsley Hall, a Georgian-Victorian estate with oak panelled rooms and grand reception spaces. Perfect for a Traitors-style murder mystery weekend, it sleeps 20 and combines period elegance with modern comforts, manicured gardens, and a private tennis court for a truly unforgettable escape.
Make it happen
Wallet: Short breaks from £3,348
How many: Sleeps 20
How: Find out more and make a booking via ruralretreats.co.uk
Askrigg Chapel, Askrigg, North Yorkshire
With its dramatic stained-glass windows, vaulted ceilings and striking wrought-iron staircase, this former chapel offers a uniquely atmospheric setting for a mystery weekend. Spacious, character-filled rooms make perfect stages for clues and reveals, while the Yorkshire Dales backdrop adds a moody, cinematic edge to your countryside mystery.
Make it happen
Wallet: Short breaks from £1,307
How many: Sleeps 8
How: Find out more and make a booking via ruralretreats.co.uk
Creaky Cottage, Dorchester, Dorset
Creaky Cottage’s spacious, cosy interiors and secluded rural setting make it perfect for a memorable group escape. With generous gathering spaces, cosy wood-burning stoves, and room for up to eight guests, it’s ideal for plotting, games, and evening storytelling, all set against the rolling Dorset countryside for a truly atmospheric getaway.
Make it happen
Wallet: Short breaks from £957
How many: Sleeps 8
How: Find out more and make a booking via ruralretreats.co.uk
Birkdale House, Windermere, Cumbria
Birkdale House combines traditional Victorian charm with modern luxury, offering spacious rooms, a cinema and games room, and stunning views over Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells. Surrounded by private farmland with easy access to walks and scenic viewpoints, it’s the perfect setting for a group escape full of relaxation, adventure, and memorable moments.
Make it happen
Wallet: Short breaks from £2,476
How many: Sleeps 10
How: Find out more and make a booking via ruralretreats.co.uk
Butley Priory, Woodbridge, Surrey
Butley Priory is a one-of-a-kind, 700-year-old Grade I listed house. With soaring Gothic ceilings, vaulted reception rooms, smouldering log fires, and a secluded garden, it offers an unforgettable setting for group escapes or special celebrations — perfect for plotting twists and turns in a murder-mystery weekend.
Hidden corners, secret rooms, and luxurious bedrooms create a sense of discovery and drama, while the surrounding Suffolk countryside and coastline provide endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
Make it happen
Wallet: 7 night breaks from £5,850
How many: Sleeps 11
How: Find out more and make a booking via ruralretreats.co.uk
Marrington Hall, Montgomery, Shropshire
Marrington Hall is a show-stopping 16th-century country house where historic grandeur meets modern luxury, and maybe a dash of mischief.
With grand reception rooms, a baronial dining hall, and seven bedrooms, it’s perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or a cheeky weekend of intrigue. Wander the sprawling lawns, dodge the croquet balls, take a dip in the pool, or gather around the fire pit plotting your next “crime” in true country-house style.
Make it happen
Wallet: Short breaks from £3,354
How many: Sleeps 14
How: Find out more and make a booking via ruralretreats.co.uk
Melmerby Hall & Stag Cottage, Penrith Cumbria
Melmerby Hall and Stag Cottage, 5* Gold Award retreats in the North Pennines, offer the perfect atmospheric setting for a Traitors style getaway. With 25 acres of woodland, walled gardens, an archery lawn, and cosy period charm, they combine space, style, and secrets for an unforgettable countryside escape.
Make it happen
Wallet: Short breaks from £3,099
How many: Sleeps 24
How: Find out more and make a booking via ruralretreats.co.uk
Highland Coast Hotels’ new Traitors-inspired breaks in the far north of Scotland from spring 2026
Taking inspiration from the hit BBC TV series ‘The Traitors’ and new ‘Celebrity Traitors’, Highland Coast Hotels has devised a new visitor itinerary to help showcase the dramatic and rugged landscape of the North Highlands and the region’s most iconic castles, including Dunrobin, near Brora; and The Castle & Gardens of Mey, near John O’Groats.
The Traitors was filmed at Ardross Castle, just north of Inverness, which is the gateway to the North Highlands and the official starting point of the world-famous North Coast 500. Unlike Ardross Castle, Highland Coast Hotels’ venues are open to guests all year round and are the ideal starting point for exploring the land of ‘The Traitors’, including lochs, castles and breathtaking Highland scenery.
Highland Coast Hotels is now offering travellers an easy new way to explore a variety of historic castles and lochs on the popular coastal route with a one stop shop booking facility.
The four-night Traitors-inspired break includes two nights at Royal Marine Hotel in Brora and two nights B&B at Tongue Hotel, which has views towards Castle Varrich. The package price also includes entry to Dunrobin Castle and The Castle & Gardens of Mey, as well as a freshly prepared packed lunch to take on each day trip.
Highland Coast Hotels’ local reservations team can arrange the entire Traitors-inspired adventure in advance through one central booking system, including overnight stays and dining options at a choice of Highland Coast Hotels’ seven venues; as well as castle visits and whisky tastings at some of the oldest distilleries in the world. Properties include:
Dunrobin Castle, near Brora
Affectionately known as the ‘Jewel in the crown of the Highlands’, Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the North Highlands. Dunrobin is also one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland. The castle enjoys an elevated position overlooking the Dornoch Firth, near Brora.
How: To find out more, go to dunrobincastle.co.uk
The Castle of Mey, near John O’Groats
The Castle of Mey was the much-loved residence of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother from 1952 until 1996, when it was gifted by Her Majesty with an endowment to The Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust. As the now sole trustee, The King’s Foundation is responsible for the stewardship of the historic Royal property and gardens, underpinned by His Majesty King Charles III’s enthusiasm for protecting the legacy of his grandmother’s home and its ongoing positive impact on the local community.
Now a five-star visitor attraction which regularly welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year, the Castle of Mey helps to boost employment and tourism in the local area. The Castle’s facilities include a visitor centre, animal centre, and former granary building which has been developed into luxury bed and breakfast accommodation, a conference centre and a wedding venue.
Visitors have the opportunity to extend their stay and include a night at Lochardil House in Inverness and add other sites of historic interest to their itinerary; including Cawdor Castle and Gardens, near Nairn; the remains of Castle Varrich, near Tongue; Loch Glass Pink House; Carbisdale Castle, near Lairg; and Inverness Castle. Highland Coast Hotels also work in partnership with a range of local driver guides to offer guests a chauffeured experience around the North Highlands, including Go Highlands and Grant Driving Tours.
How: To find out more, go to castleofmey.org.uk
Make it happen
When: May to September 2026
Wallet: Priced from £149 per person, per night, and are based on two people sharing a standard double room on a B&B basis. The package price includes two nights at Royal Marine Hotel in Brora and two nights at Tongue Hotel, entry to Dunrobin Castle and The Castle of Mey & Gardens, as well as a packed lunch for guests to take on each day trip.
How: Find out more and make a booking via highlandcoasthotels.com
Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire
Glenapp Castle – a 21‑bedroom Relais & Châteaux hotel – is inviting guests to step into the drama themselves. The official Traitors board game is now available for all guests to enjoy during their stay, offering the chance to play Faithful or Traitor within the grandeur of a luxurious Scottish castle. For the ultimate experience, guests can stay in the Castle Penthouse Suite, the largest and most luxurious penthouse in Scotland.
The Castle Penthouse Suite spans the entire top floor of the castle, creating an atmospheric backdrop for plotting, alliances and the occasional betrayal Offering more than 420 square feet of refined, romantic accommodation, it features sweeping views across Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Arran and the Mull of Kintyre — the perfect setting for any late‑night round‑table moment. The super‑king Master Room adds to the drama, while the suite’s secluded position allows guests to scheme in total privacy. Recognised by Elite Traveler as one of the world’s 100 most luxurious and exclusive suites, it’s an unforgettable stage for anyone wanting to recreate the tension, twists and triumphs of The Traitors.
Set on the breathtaking Ayrshire coast, Glenapp Castle sits within 110 acres of private estate, gardens, woodland and seascapes. Known for exceptional service, world‑class dining and more than 70 activities, from wild swimming and falconry to curling, stargazing and the once‑in‑a‑lifetime Hebridean Sea Safari , Glenapp offers an escape worthy of any Faithful or Traitor plotting their next move.
Make it happen
Wallet: Guests can stay in one of Glenapp Castle’s Garden View Suites from £415 on a B&B basis. Guests can stay at The Castle Penthouse Suite from £3,500 per night.
How: For more information, please visit glenappcastle.com / +11 1465 831212.
