The Castle’s Captivating Call
I’ll never forget the day I first heard about this incredible escape room experience taking place at an actual castle in the UK. It was like something straight out of a fantasy novel – playing Dungeons & Dragons in the halls of a real medieval fortress? Sign me up! At the time, it felt like a distant dream, something I’d love to do someday, but never truly expected to make a reality.
You see, I’m not much of a traveler. My ideal vacation involves a tent, a fishing rod, and enough food to keep me from starving if my angling skills fail me. But even that was put on hold during the pandemic. Our family trips were cancelled, and I found myself stuck at home, longing for adventure. That’s when the announcement came – Never Give Up Newcastle was hosting a series of immersive D&D events at Lumley Castle in 2023 and 2024. My excitement, which had waned during those isolating years, surged back to life.
I started to wonder, could I really make this happen? The cost of flights and accommodations from Canada seemed daunting, not to mention the logistics of navigating a foreign country on my own. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After all, I was turning 50 that year – what better way to celebrate than to embark on an epic fantasy adventure in a real-life castle?
With the support of my family, I decided to take the leap. I reached out to a travel-savvy friend, and together we crafted an itinerary that would minimize the stress of airports and airlines. Before I knew it, I had booked my flights and accommodations, and I was on my way to Never Give Up Newcastle’s summer event at Lumley Castle.
A Fairy-Tale Arrival
As the shuttle rounded the corner and Lumley Castle came into view, I felt a surge of excitement and trepidation. I was really here! After all the planning and anticipation, the moment had finally arrived. The castle stood tall and majestic, its imposing silhouette framed against the cloudy English sky. I couldn’t help but feel a touch of nervous awe as I approached the grand entrance.
The staff at Never Give Up Newcastle were warm and welcoming, putting me at ease as I checked in and made my way to my room. I had opted for one of the on-site accommodations, eager to fully immerse myself in the experience. As I unlocked the door and stepped inside, I was struck by the charming period decor – heavy wooden furnishings, ornate tapestries, and a cozy fireplace that seemed to beckon me to settle in and get comfortable.
After a quick unpacking, I decided to explore the castle grounds. I wandered through the winding hallways, marveling at the intricate stonework and ornate details that hinted at the building’s rich history. Peering out of the windows, I caught glimpses of the lush, rolling countryside that surrounded the castle, creating a sense of isolation and enchantment.
As I made my way back towards the main hall, I started to encounter other attendees – adventurers like myself, eager to embark on their own fantasy quests. I couldn’t help but strike up conversations, swapping stories and character ideas as we all buzzed with anticipation for the events to come.
Diving into the Depths of Imagination
The first day of the Never Give Up Newcastle event was a whirlwind of activity, but in the best possible way. After a grand opening ceremony that set the stage for our weekend of adventure, we were ushered into the castle’s private gaming rooms, each one more captivating than the last.
I had the privilege of sitting down at a table led by the renowned Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master, Mark Hulmes. As he began to weave the narrative of our campaign, I felt a surge of excitement coursing through me. The room transformed before my eyes, with subtle lighting and ambient sound effects immersing us in the fantastical realm we were about to explore.
What struck me most was the level of detail and thoughtfulness that had gone into the experience. The props, the handouts, the carefully crafted non-player characters – every element had been meticulously designed to transport us from the castle’s stone walls into a vivid, tangible world. I found myself leaning in, hanging on Hulmes’ every word, as my character awakened in a mysterious domain called “The Vast in the Dark,” with no memory of how they arrived.
As the story unfolded, my fellow adventurers and I worked together to unravel the mysteries of this dark realm, forging alliances, facing unexpected challenges, and navigating the razor-thin line between victory and madness. The tension was palpable, our imaginations running wild as we grappled with the uncertainty of our situation.
An Extraordinary Escape
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Never Give Up Newcastle experience was the way it seamlessly blended the fantastical with the real. While we were undoubtedly playing a game, the level of immersion was unlike anything I had ever encountered. The castle’s ancient walls and hidden nooks and crannies became the backdrop for our adventures, heightening the sense of discovery and wonder.
Between gaming sessions, I found myself exploring the castle, stumbling upon hidden alcoves or discovering secret passageways that seemed to echo the narrative we were experiencing at the gaming tables. It was as if the castle itself had come alive, responding to the stories we were weaving within its halls.
The attention to detail was truly astounding. From the carefully curated music and sound effects that set the mood, to the meticulously crafted props and set pieces that brought our fantastical realm to life, every element worked in harmony to create a truly immersive experience. I found myself constantly in awe, marveling at the level of creativity and dedication that had gone into crafting this extraordinary adventure.
But the true magic, in my opinion, lay in the connections I made with my fellow adventurers. We were a diverse group, hailing from all walks of life, yet we were united by our shared love of storytelling and our desire to engage in something truly extraordinary. Over the course of the weekend, we forged bonds, shared laughs, and supported one another through the challenges we faced in our imagined realm.
A Bucket List Fulfilled
As I reflect back on my time at Never Give Up Newcastle, I can honestly say it was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I had dreamed of something like this for years, but the reality far exceeded my expectations. From the moment I stepped into Lumley Castle to the final moments of our shared adventure, I was captivated, inspired, and forever changed.
One of the highlights for me was the opportunity to play Dungeons & Dragons with Mark Hulmes, a Dungeon Master whose work I had admired for years. I had a mental list of “bucket list” game masters I’d love to experience, and Hulmes was right at the top. sitting at his table, watching him effortlessly guide us through the narrative, was an absolute thrill. I found myself hanging on his every word, my imagination running wild as the story unfolded.
But it wasn’t just the gaming sessions that left a lasting impression. The peripheral experiences – the conversations in the shuttle, the camaraderie shared over meals, the chance to explore the castle’s nooks and crannies – these were the moments that truly made the event feel like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. I found myself connecting with people in a way that I rarely do, bonding over our shared love of storytelling and our enthusiasm for the fantastical.
Even now, a month after the event, I’m still processing the impact it has had on me. The memories feel vivid and alive, like I’ve been transported to another world and returned with a renewed sense of wonder and possibility. I may not be able to attend another Never Give Up Newcastle event, but the lessons I learned, the friendships I forged, and the experiences I had will stay with me forever.
If you have the chance to embark on this extraordinary adventure, I urge you to seize it. Step into the shoes of a hero, explore the depths of your imagination, and let the magic of Lumley Castle sweep you away. It may just be the most transformative experience of your life, too.
