Masquerade Yorkshire Murder Mystery Weekend
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Experience a flamboyant masquerade party and a weekend of hiking or climbing in North Yorkshire... and with the impending likelihood of a murder, more thrills and blood spills could ensue...
Join Marshall Inglewood on this weekend away Mardi Gras party with a difference!
What's Going To Happen
You are invited by Marshall Inglewood to his rural hideaway located upon the banks of Thruscross Reservoir where we can enjoy panoramic views of the countryside.
West End Outdoor Centre is situated amidst stunning landscape overlooking the peaceful and tranquil Thruscross Reservoir in a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Centre has an upstairs lounge which has recently been updated to take advantage of the panoramic views across the Washburn Valley.
This is a perfect place to enjoy a day's hike or climb before we return for a masquerade party and scandalous evening of dinner, drinks and murder mystery entertainment. There will be some prizes awarded for the best costume and for playing the best character.
You will be supplied with character and costume notes in advance with a choice of male or female characters. You are encouraged to wear a mardi-gras mask and a costume to add to Saturday's evening of fun. You may choose your character from a set list once you have signed up for the event, details of this will follow. We have 25 main parts and 4 investigator roles to be assigned shortly.
Prepare yourself to be in character for the Saturday evening, and with dastardly deeds and an unsavory scandal afoot you will need to help unravel a mystery and identify the murderer so that you can sleep soundly at night!
Outdoor Activities
During this weekend these are two climbing event which you are welcome to sign up for by following these links: Saturday and Sunday.
Alternatively there will be a full day's walk heading onto the moors for some scenic hiking and views of the Thurscross reservoir and Washburn vally.
On Sunday we can meet other ODL Climbers at Brinmham rocks and explore the area before we head home. The balancing rock formations on Brimham Moor stand at a height of nearly 30 feet in an area owned by the National Trust which is part of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There are many variations of rock formations, caused by Millstone Grit being eroded by water, glaciation and wind, some of which have formed amazing shapes. Many formations have been named, though imagination is required and the correct viewing angle is helpful.
Examples include the Sphinx, the Watchdog, the Camel, the Turtle and the Dancing Bear. The area was recognized as being a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1958.
Other Local Attractions
If you don't feel like a day hike there are plenty of attractions nearby to explore from the West End Outdoor Centre, including:
- Stump Cross Caverns. One of Britain's premier show caves.
- Ripley Castle and gardens.
- Newby Hall. An 18th century country house with award winning gardens.
- Bolton Abbey. 12th Century Augustinian monastery with over 80 miles of woodland walks.
- Skipton with its medieval castle, regular market and colourful canal basin.
- Harrogate with its Turkish Baths, RHS Harlow Carr and Betty's Tea Rooms.
- The small cathedral city of Ripon with Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden just 3 miles away. This World Heritage Cistercian Abbey Ruin includes an 18th-century landscaped water garden.
The Bedrooms
Rooms will be allocated on arrival. There are four bunk-bedded rooms to accommodate 2 people, four rooms to accomodate 4 and one room accommodates 6. You will need to bring a sheet and a duvet or sleeping bag.
Dogs
Sorry, this event is not suitable for dogs.
Photo credits:
Cover: Masquerade free image from Pixelbay, modified with Mardi Gras title
Thurscross Revervoir by Ian S, unmodified
Thurscross Reservoir Dam by Tom Blackwell, unmodified
Brimham Rocks photo by alh1, unmodified
Brimham Rocks photo by jcw1967, unmodified
Greenhow Hill and rainbow by Matt Buck, unmodified
West End Centre dining room and lounge, West End Centre, unmodified
What to bring
Theme: The weekend includes a masquerade murder mystery event and you will be supplied with costume and character notes in advance with a choice of male or female characters. You are encouraged to wear a mask and a costume to add to Saturday's evening of fun. Your character may be chosen once you have signed up for the event, details of this will follow.
Bedding: You will need to bring a sheet and duvet or sleeping bag as bedding is NOT supplied.
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Food & drink
The event cost includes breakfast on the Saturday and Sunday mornings, dinner on Saturday night and tea/coffee throughout the weekend.
On Friday night there will be a buffet dinner, for which you will be asked to provide a contribution. The event leader will provide more details nearer the time.
You will need to bring any other drinks you want for the weekend, and food for a packed lunch on Saturday.