★★★★★
Enchanting!
“So many people, with so much positive energy in one place gives you such a great vibe that all of my worries vanished within an hour of walking into the castle and I was able to have the greatest time I've had in a single trip.”
Who are we?
Every person behind D&D in a Castle is a dreamer. From the event organisers to the globally esteemed Dungeon Masters, we hold a steadfast belief in the potency of storytelling and the remarkable connections that can be kindled over a collective adventure. It's not merely about throwing dice and manoeuvring miniatures; it's about crafting memories, forging friendships, and delving into a narrative that's beyond the ordinary.
D&D in a Castle was founded by two siblings, Cameron and Tara Rout, a couple of dreamers who have a vision for the ultimate D&D Vacation in Europe. Now, after several years of hosting celebrated D&D in a Castle events, the vision has grown to be held on American soil as well!
“This was an absolutely amazing experience. It was a week of being surrounded by the kindest, nerdiest folks ... I have found my people, and I'm hoping to go back again.” — D&D in a Castle Guest, 2023
The history of D&D In A Castle
“Breaking records. The grandest event yet is organised, with 13 tables and a staggering 78 guests in attendance.”
“A season of superlatives. An astounding six events are hosted in September and October, with over 250 guests, including 14 special non-campaign attendees. Mark Hulmes enhances the experience.”
“Spring breathes new life into the venture. Two events are organised, accommodating 64 guests. The presence of Ginny Di makes it all the more memorable.”
“Growth amidst adversity. The first full-time member of staff joins the team, marking a promising development.”
“A challenging year. The global pandemic brings plans to a standstill and events are postponed, but the team’s resilience shines through.”
“A stamp of authenticity. D&D in a Castle achieves official licensing from Hasbro, a significant accolade.”
“Momentum gathers. Four events are organised across two stunning locations in England, with a total of 108 enthusiastic guests attending.”
“A landmark moment. The first-ever D&D in a Castle event takes place in France with 6 DMs and 36 keen guests. Such is the fervour that two guests mark the occasion with tattoos of the castle. A special highlight: Jeremy Crawford joins the event.”
“A leap of faith is made as ticket sales for the inaugural D&D in a Castle event are launched.”
“Sibling synergy sparks a revolution. Cameron and Tara, united by family ties and a shared passion for D&D, collaborate with an idea set to redefine the traditional D&D experience. From this fusion of passion and vision, D&D in a Castle is conceived.”
Meet the Team
Tara Rout
Co-Founder and Benevolent Dictator
One half of the sibling group who started this whole affair, Tara continues to run the company and oversee the event as CEO. She formerly expressed her passion for immersive, nerdy events by founding the Pride & Prejudice Ball and running the Festival of Witchcraft & Wizardry while practicing human rights law in Edmonton, Canada.
Mike Tinney
Criminal Mastermind
Not an actual criminal, but definitely a mastermind, Mike steers the ship and lends his extensive operational experience to the Castle as co-CEO and default CFO. Mike is an entrepreneur and game designer, formerly CEO of Whitewolf and current operator of The Independent taphouse in Atlanta, GA.
Justin Kautz
Resident Superhero
No one is quite sure if Justin is really human like the rest of us, but we are fresh out of kryptonite, so I guess we shall never know. Currently acting as our Event Coordinator, Justin is also a trained opera singer and former engineer with a longstanding passion for roleplay and a history of bookkeeping and project management for performing arts enterprises.
Jon Irons
The Artificer
A dab hand at many trades, with a long history of inventing and launching his own innovative gaming products, Jon applies his entrepreneurial prowess and marketing wizardry to the Castle venture. Creator of things, and maker of magic, Jon is our Marketing Manager and has been with D&D in a Castle since the summer of 2023.
Meet the Dungeon Masters. Who will you play with?
Meet the Dungeon Masters. Who will you play with?
★★★★★
Marvellous!
“I had a stellar DM … and had an absolutely amazing time. Our group has even talked about coming back next year, so that we can pick up where we left off.”
★★★★★
One of a kind!
"You come out the other side four days later with friends and wacky memories and a desire to rush back and do it again."
What to expect
From your grand arrival to immersive gaming sessions and enchanting castle activities, discover the magic of each day at D&D in a Castle. Here's a detailed journey into what your D&D adventure will entail.
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The courtesy shuttle will drop off its riders at Lumley Castle’s magnificent front steps where all of the celebrity DMs will ceremoniously gather up their tables to be taken into the castle. Immediately moving into session 0, your tagged bags will be whisked away to your room so that you can get started on the game right away without any encumbrance. Enjoy refreshments as you finally get to discover what it will be like to begin the campaign you’ve been waiting for!
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Arrival Day is filled with festivities, including a banquet and ball! We understand you may want a bit of time to settle and rest before the big night. After your session zero, you will be guided to your room where your luggage will be waiting. You will have about 2 hours to settle in and get ready for an amazing night.
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Our Borovian banquet is an evening filled with traditional dances of Borovia, a formal dinner, quests and intrigue and other D&D related festivities and entertainment. Each Banquet is completely different as the events are crafted by the Dungeon Masters themselves. Formal attire or costume is encouraged and celebrated, but not required.
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The Gaming Days are broken up into 3 gaming blocks that are each 4 hours long. You will spend two of these blocks gaming with your D&D campaign (the same players and DM for all 3 days) and your third gaming block you may spend as you wish.
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Roam the castle grounds, enjoy high tea in the library bar, challenge yourself in the Castle's escape room, play some board games or paint minis in the gaming cafe or join a one-shot game or session of archery. There is always plenty on offer.
Unlock the Secrets of D&D in a Castle!
From echoing chambers of ancient castles to tales of legendary quests and epic dice rolls, there's always something magical happening at D&D in a Castle. Want to be the first to know about upcoming events, special guest DM announcements, and exclusive offers? Sign up for our newsletter and let the adventure come to you, right in your inbox.