Frightworks - Turret of Terror - Review 2025
Caldicot Castle is one of those places that feels built for Halloween, stone walls, echoing corridors, and a history steeped in superstition. So when FrightWorks returned this year with Turret of Terror, we couldn’t resist seeing how they’d transform the medieval fortress into an immersive scare experience.
Arriving at the castle, parking was straightforward though signage could have been clearer from the side path we used. Entry flowed smoothly once we reached the ticket cabin near the side gate. A roaming actor immediately began working the queue with screams and jumps, setting the mood perfectly. As the castle loomed behind a wash of eerie lighting, the atmosphere was incredible, firelight flickering off stone towers, guests watching Halloween films on the outdoor screen, and families gathered for face painting and snacks. It was clear this was more than a maze; it was a full evening experience.
Once inside, the event’s layout felt self-contained and well-balanced. One main maze, two smaller immersive add-ons, a wide choice of food vendors, and plenty of people soaking in the entertainment. Fire dancers, side stalls, and an open-air cinema gave the courtyard a festival feel. Everything was neatly tucked within the castle grounds, keeping the focus intimate but busy.
The central attraction took guests deep into the castle’s historic halls. An introductory host — blending charm with humour — explained the 1500s inspiration behind the story. The concept was clear: rather than pure horror, this was a theatrical journey through history, meeting monks, knights, witch doctors, and witches whose stories were rooted in the building’s past. Inside the Castle Actor energy was superb from the start. A priest playing the organ set an eerie, almost cinematic tone before the surprises began. What looked like mannequins suddenly burst to life, delivering unexpected jump scares. A quarrelling couple offered a moment of comic relief before the tension returned with wilder characters — some wielding body parts and “cleansing” guests in macabre humour. Each scene tied neatly into the setting, blending comedy, shock, and atmosphere in equal measure.
Technically, the production was spot-on. The lighting highlighted every imperfection of the ancient stonework, ensuring safety while maintaining dread. The audio design, a low drone underscored by occasional crescendos added genuine tension without overpowering the actors. Minimal set dressing was needed; the castle itself was the set, and it worked beautifully. Dialogue occasionally lingered too long, but the flow remained strong.
Queue times for the main maze moved well, though the secondary hooded “torture” experience suffered heavier delays, with around a 20-minute wait. That said, the hooded attraction proved worth it, full sensory interaction with actors adding to the immersion and keeping the fear alive even outside the main castle route.
Outside of the single roaming actor at the entrance, all performance focus was inside the maze, and rightly so. Every actor played their part convincingly, leaning into historical dialogue and the castle’s own folklore. A Welsh-speaking witch at “Witches’ Corner” was a highlight, grounding the event in local authenticity. The standout trio, however, were found in the dungeon: an axeman, his henchman, and a woman accused of witchcraft. Their teamwork and audience interaction, including placing guests into cages — created one of the most memorable sequences of the night.
For around thirty minutes of maze time plus additional activities, the event feels well-priced. Fire pits, shelter areas, and welcoming staff gave the night a warm, community feel. The organisers clearly value guest comfort and atmosphere as much as scares, which paid off.
The entire maze stood out as the evening’s core achievement, an immersive, historically grounded experience that used its setting to full effect. Guests familiar with Caldicot’s heritage would especially appreciate how authentically the storylines mirrored the castle’s past.
Leaving Turret of Terror, it was clear we’d had a thoroughly enjoyable night. The maze delivered consistent energy, creative scares, and strong storytelling. The two smaller experiences weren’t as strong but still added flavour, especially considering they were run by castle staff as extras.
Arriving at the castle, parking was straightforward though signage could have been clearer from the side path we used. Entry flowed smoothly once we reached the ticket cabin near the side gate. A roaming actor immediately began working the queue with screams and jumps, setting the mood perfectly. As the castle loomed behind a wash of eerie lighting, the atmosphere was incredible, firelight flickering off stone towers, guests watching Halloween films on the outdoor screen, and families gathered for face painting and snacks. It was clear this was more than a maze; it was a full evening experience.
Once inside, the event’s layout felt self-contained and well-balanced. One main maze, two smaller immersive add-ons, a wide choice of food vendors, and plenty of people soaking in the entertainment. Fire dancers, side stalls, and an open-air cinema gave the courtyard a festival feel. Everything was neatly tucked within the castle grounds, keeping the focus intimate but busy.
The central attraction took guests deep into the castle’s historic halls. An introductory host — blending charm with humour — explained the 1500s inspiration behind the story. The concept was clear: rather than pure horror, this was a theatrical journey through history, meeting monks, knights, witch doctors, and witches whose stories were rooted in the building’s past. Inside the Castle Actor energy was superb from the start. A priest playing the organ set an eerie, almost cinematic tone before the surprises began. What looked like mannequins suddenly burst to life, delivering unexpected jump scares. A quarrelling couple offered a moment of comic relief before the tension returned with wilder characters — some wielding body parts and “cleansing” guests in macabre humour. Each scene tied neatly into the setting, blending comedy, shock, and atmosphere in equal measure.
Technically, the production was spot-on. The lighting highlighted every imperfection of the ancient stonework, ensuring safety while maintaining dread. The audio design, a low drone underscored by occasional crescendos added genuine tension without overpowering the actors. Minimal set dressing was needed; the castle itself was the set, and it worked beautifully. Dialogue occasionally lingered too long, but the flow remained strong.
Queue times for the main maze moved well, though the secondary hooded “torture” experience suffered heavier delays, with around a 20-minute wait. That said, the hooded attraction proved worth it, full sensory interaction with actors adding to the immersion and keeping the fear alive even outside the main castle route.
Outside of the single roaming actor at the entrance, all performance focus was inside the maze, and rightly so. Every actor played their part convincingly, leaning into historical dialogue and the castle’s own folklore. A Welsh-speaking witch at “Witches’ Corner” was a highlight, grounding the event in local authenticity. The standout trio, however, were found in the dungeon: an axeman, his henchman, and a woman accused of witchcraft. Their teamwork and audience interaction, including placing guests into cages — created one of the most memorable sequences of the night.
For around thirty minutes of maze time plus additional activities, the event feels well-priced. Fire pits, shelter areas, and welcoming staff gave the night a warm, community feel. The organisers clearly value guest comfort and atmosphere as much as scares, which paid off.
The entire maze stood out as the evening’s core achievement, an immersive, historically grounded experience that used its setting to full effect. Guests familiar with Caldicot’s heritage would especially appreciate how authentically the storylines mirrored the castle’s past.
Leaving Turret of Terror, it was clear we’d had a thoroughly enjoyable night. The maze delivered consistent energy, creative scares, and strong storytelling. The two smaller experiences weren’t as strong but still added flavour, especially considering they were run by castle staff as extras.
Links:
Official website
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