The popularity of the BBC television show *The Traitors* has brought renewed attention to Britain’s historic castles, boosting interest in stays and immersive events at these properties. Filmed at Ardross Castle in Scotland, the murder mystery-style series has sparked a surge in demand for themed experiences, prompting many castle owners to adapt their offerings in response to industry challenges.

Since the show gained traction in 2022, searches for UK castle accommodations on platforms like Airbnb have reportedly increased by 120 percent. This trend has encouraged historic estates across the country to diversify beyond traditional activities such as shooting and formal banquets. Properties like Augill Castle in Cumbria, Rothes Glen Castle in Scotland, and Lumley Castle near Durham now host Traitors-inspired weekends or evenings that combine immersive challenges with overnight stays. Prices for these experiences vary widely, from £189 per person for an event with meals and activities, up to thousands of pounds for exclusive use of a castle over several days.

Augill Castle’s owner, Wendy Bennett, who has managed the 12-bedroom neo-Gothic property for three decades, credits the show with revitalizing her business after a difficult period marked by the Covid-19 pandemic and financial pressures. “The upkeep, the staffing, the constant legislation — it all adds up,” she said. Bennett purchased the then-derelict castle in 1997, transforming it into a hotel, and said the increase in popularity since *The Traitors* has been significant enough for her to consider the pandemic’s impact largely behind her business.

The broader castle and country estate sector has faced multiple challenges in recent years. Maintenance and repair of listed buildings come with steep costs, including a 20 percent VAT on work, alongside modern regulatory requirements. Additionally, the loss of European Union subsidies following Brexit has hit large estates reliant on agricultural payments, particularly those with grouse moors. Parliamentary forecasts anticipated an 86 percent reduction in direct payments in England between 2020-21 and 2025-26, creating a need for alternative revenue streams.

Industry experts highlight the shift away from traditional pursuits like shooting, which have declined due to rising costs, bird flu outbreaks, economic uncertainty, and poor bird populations. “Traditional shoots and hunting have seen a decline in popularity in recent years,” noted James Rollo, marketing manager at Rothes Glen Castle. Instead, new activities such as watersports are being integrated into events to attract guests during off-peak seasons.

Roger Masterson, founder of Celtic Castles, said many private estates have increasingly embraced hospitality over the past two decades to offset rising running costs and maintain their properties. He pointed out that foreign investment in castles has also grown, with owners seeking diversified income sources and returns on investment. “Traitors-style events are another tick of the box,” he added.

Middleton Castle in Norfolk, a 15-bedroom moated estate, offers a similar approach. Tom Barclay, who manages the property alongside Will Parry, said *The Traitors* often triggers a spike in interest for themed bookings. Parry described the show’s format as a fresh evolution beyond traditional murder mystery evenings or classic country pursuits like falconry and clay pigeon shooting. These interactive weekends provide immersive entertainment that appeals to a younger demographic, including Generation Z.

While the experiences generally cater to a premium market—ranging from thousands of pounds for exclusive castle hires to several hundred for themed nights—owners acknowledge the appeal in bringing new audiences into historic settings. Bennett reflected that *The Traitors* has updated the murder mystery concept, making it fresh and engaging for those who might not have previously participated.

As castles continue to adapt to shifting societal interests and economic realities, *The Traitors* appears to have provided a timely boost, reaffirming these properties’ relevance in contemporary leisure and tourism markets.