The golden age of detective fiction comes to life in one of Brighton’s most mysterious historic houses
Mystery at the Manor Family Weekend, Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 August, 10am–5pm. Free with Preston Manor admission, drop-in, suitable for all ages
Who did it? Where and how? Preston Manor is inviting families to step into their very own Agatha Christie-style adventure for a weekend of hunting for clues, solving puzzles and cracking a mystery.
Mystery at the Manor Family Weekend on 8 and 9 August will transform one of Brighton’s most historic houses into the ultimate detective playground – and everyone’s a suspect.
Inspired by the clever mysteries of Agatha Christie, the event also celebrates two major milestones in the Queen of Crime’s legacy: the 100th anniversary of the publication of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and 50 years since her death. Visitors will discover nods to some of Christie’s best-loved stories hidden throughout the Manor.
Calling all mini Miss Marples and pint-sized Poirots
A priceless ruby – the Star of Southwick – has been stolen from Lady Stanford’s safe and it’s up to you to discover who took it. Joined by Seagull Syd and the irrepressible Jim the Dog (who, it turns out, has a few secrets – and a rather suspicious interest in cake), young investigators can explore the Manor’s atmospheric rooms, solve riddles and puzzles, question a cast of suspicious roaming characters and piece together the clues to solve the case.
Before setting off, budding detectives can choose a detective disguise with a moustache or glasses, grab a magnifying glass and begin their investigation. Along the way, they’ll be able to create their own Preston Manor Police ID card and design a ‘Wanted’ poster of their prime suspect. Every young detective who completes the trail will receive a small prize for solving the mystery.
Alongside the trail, the weekend features live music (Saturday only), brain-teasing challenges and family activities, all wrapped in vintage flair. Visitors can try their hand at a traditional game of croquet on the Manor lawn, just as Edwardian families would have done, before calling in at Brighton favourite Café Rust – keeping an eye out for Jim the Dog’s sneaky cake-stealing antics before enjoying a slice themselves.
A house full of secrets
Preston Manor is the ideal backdrop for a mystery. The Grade II listed Edwardian manor, managed by Brighton & Hove Museums and lovingly restored to its upper-class heyday, is the perfect venue for a super-sleuthing family day out. Its wood-panelled rooms, sweeping staircases and shadowy gardens were practically made with mystery in mind.
Admission
The event is free with standard Preston Manor admission, no booking required. Simply turn up and start sleuthing.
Adult admission £14
Child (5-18) £8.50
Child (under 5) free
Visitors travelling by Brighton & Hove Buses or Metrobus can enjoy 15% off adult and child admission by showing a valid bus ticket on arrival.
Those arriving by train can claim two-for-one admission by presenting a valid rail ticket at the entrance, making it one of the best-value family days out in Brighton this summer.
Visitors can simply turn up on the day, or book tickets in advance via the website.
