A Royal Beginning: My First Day at the Regency Immersive Experience
- Cynthia Holden
- Apr 6
- 3 min read
The excitement was palpable as my best friend and I arrived at the castle, our hearts racing with anticipation. We were about to step into a world where time seemed to stand still—a world of elegance, mystery, and luxury, where the grandeur of the Regency era awaited us.
As soon as we entered, a butler greeted us in the most dignified manner. He didn’t say much, but his quiet competence spoke volumes. With a soft voice and graceful movements, he escorted us to our room, making sure we knew where everything was—everything from the delicate glassware to the hidden treasures in the room. As he left us to settle in, we noticed a basket placed on the bed. It was filled with treats—water, fruit, and biscuits, of course, a term we had learned is used for what we would call cookies. Along with this thoughtful welcome was a letter, detailing the event agenda. The schedule promised a day filled with activities and experiences that we could only dream of.
Unable to contain our excitement, we whispered and giggled with each other, still in disbelief that we were actually here. The castle, the atmosphere, the attention to detail—it was all so surreal.
Eager to explore, we hurried downstairs to tour the castle and its sprawling grounds. Everywhere we looked, there was something breathtaking to see—beautiful gardens, regal tapestries, and marble floors gleaming under chandeliers. The air felt alive with the spirit of royal life. As we wandered through the halls, people bowed to us in a gesture that felt so authentic to the Regency period. I couldn't help but feel like I was truly a part of history.
The castle was brimming with life, and cakes, cookies (or as they call them, biscuits), and fruit were scattered around every corner. The aromas and sights were enough to make anyone’s head spin, but there was one more thing to see—the Duchess of Stornaway was making her grand entrance. We knew we had to respect the protocol, so we both dropped a perfect curtsy as she passed, feeling like true ladies of the court.
After that enchanting moment, we made our way back upstairs to change for the evening's main event—the Masquerade Soirée and the Ceilidh. We couldn’t wait to see how the evening would unfold.
When we descended the grand staircase once more, the atmosphere had shifted—there was an air of mystery and excitement. The room was alive with guests in their finest attire, masks, and gowns. The night had begun. We were greeted with an array of canapés, sparkling Prosecco, and for those who preferred it, sparkling water or fresh orange juice. It felt like stepping into a dream.
And then, the Queen arrived. Her entrance was nothing short of majestic, and her presence sent a wave of anticipation through the crowd. The Murder Mystery and Scavenger Hunt soon began, with people circulating, exchanging whispered theories and clues. It felt like a whirlwind of excitement—everyone was in character, embracing the Regency spirit, and we, too, got caught up in the magic.
This was only the beginning, but already, I felt like I had stepped into a different world. The perfect blend of elegance, mystery, and adventure—it was everything I had hoped for, and more. As the evening unfolded, I couldn’t wait to see what other surprises the Regency Immersive Experience had in store. And the murder mystery began...
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