Hidden away in the Welsh countryside, The Key of Dreams is a 24-hour immersive experience unlike anything else in the UK. With occult mysteries, eccentric characters, secret societies and dark storylines inspired by real folklore, it’s the closest thing I’ve found to a spooky live roleplay experience. Here’s what it’s really like to spend 24 hours at Treowen Manor.
How did I find myself gripping a flickering lamplight and climbing into a centuries-old priest hole searching for clues beneath the floorboards in a historic manor house in Wales?
By taking part in the only 24-hour immersive experience in the UK, of course – complete with eccentric characters, fine dining, an overnight stay and puzzles galore!
I was kindly invited to experience The Key of Dreams at Treowen Manor recently, and it was one of the craziest and most unique things I’ve ever done… and I still can’t stop talking about it. Part immersive theatre, part mystery and part folklore-fuelled fever dream, this overnight experience is unlike anything I’ve experienced before.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to spend 24 hours solving mysteries inside a historic Welsh manor house, here’s everything you need to know about The Key of Dreams.
What Is The Key of Dreams?
It’s actually kind of hard to define The Key of Dreams – you simply must experience it for yourself to truly understand – but the creators describe it as a ‘luxury overnight immersive experience, where you investigate occult mysteries, join secret societies and uncover the dark secrets of the house’.
Occult mysteries alone had me sold, but I was still none the wiser until I experienced it for myself. The Key of Dreams takes place over 24 hours inside a 17th-century manor house in the Welsh countryside. It’s not quite a murder mystery weekend in Wales, nor is it an escape room experience. It’s not necessarily a live roleplay experience, and it’s definitely not The Traitors (although the setting certainly felt like it at times!). And yet… it encompasses elements of them all.
From getting into character and aiding (or going against) the house’s eccentric inhabitants and their interwoven storylines, to running around the grounds hunting for clues and piecing together puzzles, it’s kind of a mix of everything immersive – just on a more luxurious level.
Embracing themes of folklore and the occult, The Key of Dreams feels like a total fever dream even weeks later. It’s one of the most unique things I’ve ever done and truly one of a kind. Each run focuses on a different season of the overarching storyline, where your actions within the house directly affect the outcome. That means you can return year after year to see how the story unfolds and continue your own journey through Treowen Manor.
What Happens During The Experience?
Your adventure begins the very moment you arrive at Treowen Manor in Monmouthshire, Wales. The Grade I listed manor house is simply magical – surrounded by charming gardens and miles and miles of breathtaking countryside. Inside, the house offers open fires, creaky staircases and even witch marks in a couple of the rooms.
Upon arrival at noon, you’re greeted by the actors already in character and welcomed inside to meet everyone. You’re then taken to your rooms to drop off your bags and freshen up before lunch. It’s here you have the chance to flick through a beautifully illustrated Field Guide book – basically your companion for the entirety of the experience. Inside you’ll find clues, background information, a handy map and plenty of space to jot down your own notes.
A tasty lunch offers the chance to mingle with other guests and get properly acquainted with the characters before the day unfolds. You’re then given the chance to take a short tour of the house and grounds (I highly recommend doing so!) or dive straight into the experience.
There are a few different ways to enjoy the experience. You can spend your time hunting for clues around the house and grounds (which change throughout the experience), or interacting with the characters to learn more about their storylines and motivations. Everything interweaves, but it’s entirely up to you how you’d like to get involved.
You’re given pretty much free rein of the house (except for guests’ bedrooms) from then on out, with a wonderful banquet and supper while the story continues to unfold around you. Depending on the time of year, you might even find yourself taking part in a midsummer ritual or solstice gathering. We were lucky enough to gather around the Tree to sing and dance by lamplight, which was a wonderful touch and added to the magical atmosphere.
The evening winds down at around 11pm and you can choose to spend a little longer poring over your notes and theories, or head to bed.
The following morning, you enjoy a delicious breakfast and then have a few hours to tie up any loose ends. The mystery isn’t quite over yet, with the final reveal and performance taking place around noon. This, by the way, is completely dependent on the choices made by the guests: who you side with, what societies you join and which paths you choose to follow.
Sadly, it’s then time to say goodbye and spend the following few days constantly thinking, ‘Was that even real???’.
My Experience At Treowen Manor
I had the best time at The Key of Dreams in Wales. I took my sister, and we had so much fun – it was a lovely bonding experience for us too!
We enjoyed ourselves from start to finish, and I really loved that the experience basically began as soon as we arrived. Although it took us a couple of hours to fully get our bearings, we found ourselves immersed in the world of The Key of Dreams from the very beginning.
I personally loved the spookier elements of the experience. Without wanting to give too much away, a lot of it is based on real folklore. At times, we were investigating unsolved murders and reading about a paranormal investigator. At other times, we found ourselves collecting herbs from the gardens and taking part in occult rituals. The sheer variety kept things feeling fresh and unpredictable throughout.
The house is almost a character in itself. Narrow winding staircases, rooms that feel frozen in time and creaky floorboards only add to the atmosphere of this immersive manor house experience.
The attention to detail – and atmosphere – was incredible. I really enjoyed taking a time out in the cosy snug room, solving some puzzles and listening to broadcasting announcements and vintage music from a crackling old radio, just as much as I loved exploring the hidden corners of the house and interacting with the characters.
I also loved that the house completely changed atmosphere after dark – we were given lamplights to explore with and as the storylines darkened in nature, so did the atmosphere. As midnight approached, there was a growing sense of urgency as we rushed around completing tasks and starting (or stopping!) rituals.
It’s great if you’re bored of traditional escape rooms or love to roleplay (one guest mentioned to me that it felt just like LARPing!), but if chatting to strangers and roleplaying isn’t your thing, there are still lots of ways to enjoy yourself. Whether you want to work closely with the actors, run around collecting clues or simply soak up the atmosphere while solving puzzles, you’re free to approach the experience in your own way.
One character, Sophie, was particularly lovely and helpful. She always seemed to know when people needed a little nudge in the right direction and did a wonderful job of making sure everyone felt included and supported throughout the experience.
The actors were incredible. The fact that they remain in character for a full 24 hours is hugely impressive, especially as the storylines can shift depending on guest choices. I can only imagine how challenging it must be to step into each role and never break character. They did an amazing job – as did everyone else behind this incredible experience.
All the food was freshly prepared on site and genuinely delicious. We never went hungry, with lunch, dinner, supper and breakfast all provided, plus unlimited tea and coffee throughout our stay. And our room was lovely too – providing the most beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and even some historic witchmarks etched into the wooden beams.
The Key of Dreams is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. We left with our heads full of theories, a notebook packed with clues and some wonderfully bizarre memories of our time at Treowen Manor.
Is The Key of Dreams Scary?
The Key of Dreams is probably the closest thing you can get to a spooky live roleplay experience in the UK – and I bloody loved it. Though it’s not marketed as such, I’d even go as far as to describe it as immersive horror, with eerie themes of folklore, witchcraft and a touch of the paranormal.
It is a little scary in places, but it’s more subtle and story-led than other horror attractions. For example, here you’re more likely to take part in eerie rituals or climb under the floorboards to collect gruesome artefacts than you are to be chased by zombies or clowns wielding chainsaws!
And it’s all based on real folklore too – even down to the moment we were tying knots with rope and had to choose between a Hangman’s or Witches’ knot. I think that’s what made it all the more eerie, knowing that so much of it is rooted in real folklore and traditions.
It’s exactly the sort of thing I think dark tourists and folklore lovers will appreciate.
Is The Key of Dreams Worth the Price?
Tickets start from £450 per person for The Key of Dreams, with accommodation available at an additional cost. Rooms are priced per room rather than per person, making it more affordable if you’re sharing. Although the price tag might seem steep, when you consider how much you get for your money – and how much hard work goes into it – I think it’s absolutely worth the cost.
This isn’t just an escape room where you have to solve all the puzzles within an hour to escape, nor is it a murder mystery with a three-course dinner. Your ticket includes a full 24-hour immersive experience, food and drink throughout, an overnight stay in a historic manor house (if you decide to stay overnight) and a lovely memento to take home afterwards.
And when you think about all the hard work that’s put in behind the scenes, from creating the food fresh on-site to the actors who remain in character at all times, you can start to understand where the price of your ticket goes. And that’s just the stuff you get to experience. Behind the scenes, there’s also a huge team responsible for everything from puzzle design and production to sound design, logistics and running the event itself. It is, essentially, an entire production – one that you get to step inside and experience for yourself.
I won’t pretend £450 isn’t a lot of money – it is. But having experienced The Key of Dreams for myself, I genuinely understand why it costs what it does. It’s an incredibly ambitious production with an astonishing amount of detail packed into a single weekend, and I came away feeling it was worth every penny.
Who Will Enjoy The Key of Dreams?
Puzzle and escape room enthusiasts will definitely get the most out of this unique experience, particularly if they’re looking for something beyond the traditional escape room format. I also think theatre lovers will get a kick out of this, particularly anyone who has attended a Punchdrunk or Secret Cinema event in the past. It even reminded me a little of Gingerline – the immersive food adventure in London!
Fans of Dungeons & Dragons, LARP (live action roleplay) and other immersive storytelling experiences will probably appreciate the freedom to shape their own experience and interact with the various characters and storylines. The same goes for folklore lovers and anyone drawn to the occult and macabre mysteries.
But even if you’re entirely new to the world of puzzles, roleplay and immersive experiences, don’t let that put you off. The mixture of puzzles, storytelling, folklore and atmosphere means there really is something for everyone.
Things I Wish I’d Known Before Visiting
As I explained before, The Key of Dreams is one of those experiences that’s difficult to fully understand until you’re actually there. Keeping an open mind and being willing to go with the flow will help enormously. That said, there are a few things I wish I’d known before my visit!
- Don’t skip the pre-show emails: They’re a great introduction to the storyline and can help you get a head start on what’s going on.
- Familiarise yourself with last year’s storyline first: Each year is a different season, which is a continuation of the same storyline with the same characters. So read up on what happened last year, who’s who and where everyone is at for your part of the experience.
- How to get started: Once you arrive, there are more or less three ways to get involved: following Story Strains (by solving clues and liaising with the characters), finding and solving ‘cuttings’ and strange boxes (basically wooden clues hidden throughout the house) or by joining a society. They all interlink, but it can be pretty overwhelming to know where to start, so I’d recommend picking one route at first and going from there. As beginners, we focused on Story Strains, but those more advanced with puzzles might prefer a cutting trail. If you’re more outgoing and enjoy roleplay, joining a society might be more your thing.
- Get acquainted with your Field Guide: This is basically your bible for your time at Treowen. There’s a map inside, advice on what to do and lots of flavour, including drawings and notes from previous expeditions. There is a lot to look through, so I’d recommend taking some time to ease in and read it before diving headfirst into the story.
- There is no right or wrong way to take part: Honestly, there is so much going on that there’s no way you’ll have time to experience everything. Choose one Story Strain to start with and go from there. If you ever feel overwhelmed, there are lots of ways to take a time out or participate in your own way. That’s one thing I particularly loved about The Key of Dreams – the creators really do care about you having a fantastic time. Whether that means running around the house after dark or putting your feet up with a cup of tea and a puzzle, make the most of the experience in whatever way works for you.
Most importantly, don’t worry if you feel a little overwhelmed at first. Once you’ve found your feet, everything starts to click into place – and before long, you’ll be completely immersed in the world of The Key of Dreams.
How To Book The Key of Dreams
If The Key of Dreams sounds like your kind of weird, here’s everything you need to know before booking your place.
Availability: There are eight shows left for this season (Season Two) of The Key of Dreams, with various dates across September, October (perfect for unique Halloween plans!) and November.
Cost: Tickets are £450 per person, which includes the 24-hour immersive experience, a lavish banquet and all food and drink (breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, plus unlimited tea and coffee), as well as a Field Guide and enamel badge to keep.
Book Your Place: View upcoming tour dates and book your place here. You can either book directly onto a show, reserve a future place with a refundable deposit, or purchase a gift package for someone else.
Morbid Tourist Bonus: Use code MORBID at checkout to receive an exclusive Key of Dreams badge inspired by The Morbid Tourist.
Accommodation: You can either book a room and stay on site (from £350 per room) or stay elsewhere nearby. I’d highly recommend staying at Treowen Manor, as staying on site really adds to the experience.
Location: Treowen Manor is located in Wonastow, Monmouthshire, South Wales, surrounded by beautiful countryside. If you’re planning to explore the area before or after the experience, I’d also recommend checking out my Dark Tourism & Stargazing in Wales guide for more unusual places to visit nearby.
Getting There: Treowen Manor is easily accessible by both car and public transport. There is parking available on site, and Newport Station is the nearest railway station.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Key of Dreams
By now, you probably have a rough idea of what The Key of Dreams is all about. But if you’re still curious, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Can You Stay Overnight at The Key of Dreams?
One of the most unique aspects of The Key of Dream, Wales is that you can stay overnight in the very manor house where the entire experience takes place. This means you’re right amongst the action at all times (although you do, of course, have the opportunity to sleep!) and can fully immerse yourself in the world of Treowen. I would definitely recommend doing this, but if you’d prefer to save a bit of money, you can stay elsewhere. Just be aware that the experience ends quite late at night (around 11pm). You won’t miss out on any of the performances by staying off-site, but you’ll miss out on the atmosphere of spending the night in the house itself.
Is The Key of Dreams Suitable for Beginners?
Yes – The Key of Dreams is absolutely suitable for beginners. In fact, apart from a couple of escape rooms, we were total beginners ourselves! I would say you’ll probably get a little more out of it if you have previous experience with immersive experiences or are returning for a second visit, but the team do a fantastic job of making sure everyone feels welcome, whatever their experience level.
How Long Does The Key of Dreams Experience Last?
The experience runs from 12pm to 12pm the following day – so a full 24 hours. You do, of course, have the opportunity to sleep, with the experience winding down at 11pm and picking up again at breakfast the following morning. You get food breaks throughout, but the show doesn’t stop, with the actors eating dinner with you and continuing to interact with each other – and guests – the whole time.
Do I Need to Roleplay at The Key of Dreams?
Not at all! If you’d like to, you’ll probably get a little more out of the experience. You can even dress the part and take on your own persona. But if roleplaying isn’t your thing, that’s fine too. There will be times when you need to interact with the characters, but it’s really up to you how you approach this.
What Should I Wear to The Key of Dreams?
I’d recommend comfortable clothing, although you’re welcome to dress up if you’d like. You will be on your feet a lot exploring the house and grounds, so comfortable footwear is a must. Guests are encouraged to dress up for dinner too, and my sister and I changed into some pretty dresses for the occasion.
Can I Attend The Key of Dreams Alone?
You can absolutely attend The Key of Dreams alone – I almost did! In the end, I attended with my sister and loved having someone to share the experience with, especially as we could compare notes and theories throughout our stay. That said, there are lots of opportunities to work with other guests and team up with people, so even if you attend alone, you’ll no doubt make friends along the way.
Is Food Included at The Key of Dreams?
All meals are included at The Key of Dreams, including soup at lunch on arrival, afternoon tea with cakes and scones, a six-course banquet dinner, a light supper in the Snug and a continental breakfast. You certainly won’t go hungry! The food is genuinely delicious and freshly made on site. There’s also unlimited tea and coffee throughout, plus a bar where you can purchase additional soft or alcoholic drinks, including a menu of themed cocktails and mocktails.
Hopefully, that answers some of the most common questions about The Key of Dreams. Still curious? If you’d like a behind-the-scenes look at The Key of Dreams, you can watch my reel about it here.
Final Thoughts From a Morbid Tourist
When I first discovered The Key of Dreams, I thought it sounded absolutely amazing and completely up my street – but I wasn’t quite sure how spooky it would be. I’m so glad I got to experience it though, because I think it’s the ideal experience for anyone who seeks out immersive and quirky experiences with a dark twist.
With characters shrouded in mystery, unexplained deaths and dark storylines based on real folklore, it certainly has an eerie twist to it. If you’re looking for something truly unique to try, I’d absolutely recommend it. As I said before, The Key of Dreams is probably the closest thing you can get to a spooky live roleplay experience in the UK – and I bloody loved it.
*Please note, I was kindly invited to attend this event on a discounted media rate. There was no obligation to post about my experiences. This review is entirely honest and unbiased.
Leave a Reply