We want everyone to enjoy the rich tapestry of heritage and stories from the locations we use during the tours. Over twenty years we have vast experience of how to safely handle over 30,000 people who have attended our events. In the background we will do our utmost to keep you safe, but to do this - we need your co-operation with the following so that when you turn up for one of our tours you can expect it to run safely.
During the Tour
Please be aware that anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be turned away from the tour. The safety of our guides, actors, public and the very fragile buildings we have the privilege of using, is our prime concern.
In most cases toilets are not available during the tour.
Some historical content may be of a distressing nature and may include content related to abuse, torture, hangings and gruesome death.
Filming or live streaming of the tour is strictly forbidden and could result in ejection from the tour. If you are observed recording during the tour you will be challenged.
We will light spaces to make them safe, but it is important to keep you all in low level lights (so your eyes become adjusted to the dark). You are welcome to use your own torches or lights, but please keep them pointed to the ground and switch them off when listening to tales.
Special Requirements
We would warn that some of the Tours inside heritage locations may not be suitable with anyone with mobility impairments, due to the uneven surfaces and moving in low level light. Also some of the locations do not have access to upper floors or basements. We will whenever possible make attempts to make each tour as inclusive as possible.
We would not recommend these tours for anyone under the age of 12 years. Anyone between 12 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult and we would suggest Parent Advisory that these tours do tackle challenging themes and topics and are designed to scare.
Keeping you safe
Turn of the Screw - Serving Cast at Stansted House
Turn of the Screw - Cast at Stansted House
Turn of the Screw - Stansted House 2019
Turn of the Screw - Miss Jessel at Wymering Manor
Turn of the Screw at Wymering Manor
Turn of the Screw - Wymering Manor 2019
From the Casebook: The Turn of the Screw
In 2019 The Theatre of Dark Encounters brought to life Henry James’ classic Ghost Story told in the atmospheric settings of Wymering Manor and Stansted House.
A young governess agrees to look after two orphaned children in a seemingly idyllic, but remote, country house. But shortly after her arrival, she realises that the house is haunted by a troubled past. The Governess will risk everything to keep the children safe, even if it means giving herself up to the ghosts. As the audience arrived in the impressive entrance Hall of the Tudor Manor House, Wymering Manor, or the country house grandeur of Stansted House, characters from the play beckoned them deeper into the house where the story unfolds and the tension increases.
The Theatre of Dark Encounters created a truly unique immersive experience, where actors taking the roles of Serving Staff, moved the group around the location as characters emerged from corridors and entrances and even windows around them as the sinister ghosts finally sought revenge against the Governess.
