Illustration of a toy stage with red curtains where two nutcrackers and a dancer perform for a small seated audience (Caveat Emptor – A Ghost Story for Christmas)

Caveat Emptor – A Ghost Story for Christmas

Audiences are guided room by room through the historic manor by live performers as an eerie theatrical drama unfolds. Inspired by Edith Wharton's ghost story Afterward, the production follows an American family who buy an English estate and uncover the dark history attached to the land. The promenade experience immerses visitors in the atmosphere using theatrical sound effects, strobe lighting, and low-lit historic interiors.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

General Entry: £23.00 plus booking fee (shown as £25.55 total on the ticket selector). Tickets are available exclusively online.

Hours

Showtimes: 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm. The listing also shows 6:00pm til 10:00pm.

Ages

Family-friendly, but may not be suitable for very young children who may get scared.

Food & Drink

Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the experience.

Accessibility

The experience requires standing throughout, navigating steps up and down, and walking over uneven floors in low lighting.

Going?

Location

Samlesbury Hall · Preston New Road, Preston, PR5 0UP, Samlesbury, Lancashire PR5 0UP Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ ⚪ (3/5)

Best For

Families with older children and ghost-story fans

Vibe

Eerie and immersive

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

Low

Tips & Advice

  • Book a specific entry slot online, as tickets are valid only for the slot selected.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before your booked slot and no more than 30 minutes early.
  • Use the facilities before entering, as there are no toilets inside the experience.
  • Leave bags and face coverings outside the experience, as neither is allowed inside.
  • Switch off your mobile phone and do not take photos or recordings during the performance.

Special Events & Promotions

  • The 2026 production is a newly written adaptation inspired by Edith Wharton’s “Afterward.”

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during the performance?

A live performer guides the audience through the manor from scene to scene as the ghost story unfolds.

Is the experience suitable for young children?

It is designed for families, but may not suit young children who may get scared.

How long does the experience last?

The guided performance lasts approximately 35–40 minutes, including time to move between scenes.

Do visitors remain seated during the show?

No. The promenade performance moves through the rooms, and the audience remains standing throughout.

What should visitors know about the experience before booking?

It includes low lighting, uneven floors, steps, strobe lighting and sound effects. There are no toilets inside the experience.

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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