MAIDENHEAD BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Murder Afloat: A Three-Hour Sherlockian Whodunit Across Windsor and Maidenhead
An interactive, three-hour murder mystery cruise led by a live Sherlock Holmes performance—this guide explains the flow, what to expect on board, and how to prepare.
Murder Afloat: A Three-Hour Sherlockian Whodunit Across Windsor and Maidenhead.
Step aboard for a theatrical, interactive three-hour cruise in which Sherlock Holmes and the Sherlock Holmes Society stage a live murder mystery: guests are greeted by Mr Holmes, invited to take roles as suspects, follow clues revealed during a plated lunch, search the boat for physical evidence and watch the final denouement and prize-giving over tea or coffee.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Live, Participatory Sherlockian Drama
The Windsor & Maidenhead Boat Company teams with the Sherlock Holmes Society to put Mr Holmes on board: a mixer quiz, volunteer suspects furnished with props and costumes, staged scenes and clues create a genuine whodunit you help to unravel.
A Meal That Moves the Mystery Along
The investigation unfolds around a sit-down main course and dessert—clues are revealed during the meal and guests finish with fresh tea or coffee as the final scenes and denouement take place.
Scenic, Intimate River Cruise
The game plays out afloat on the scenic waters between Windsor and Maidenhead, with the compact, social setting of the boat making it easy to move between scenes, inspect hiding places and trade theories with fellow detectives.
What the day feels like
What It Feels Like On Board
From boarding to denouement the pace is staged and social: a warm welcome by Mr Holmes is followed by a mixer quiz and the selection of volunteer suspects; roughly thirty minutes after departure a murder is staged and the main course is served as scenes and clues are revealed; afterwards guests search the vessel for physical evidence, enjoy dessert, and conclude with tea or coffee while the culprit is revealed and prizes awarded.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Guests are welcome to come in costume; volunteers will be supplied with suitable props and clothes when they take on suspect roles—beyond that, bring whatever you need for a three-hour seated cruise.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Murder Mystery Cruise?
The cruise runs for three hours.
Where do I board the boat?
There are two pickup locations: Windsor Leisure Centre (Stovell Rd, Windsor SL4 5JB) and Maidenhead Riverside Gardens (Jenner’s Cafe, Ray Mead Rd, Maidenhead SL6 8NP).
Is food included?
Yes—guests are served a main course and dessert, followed by a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee; examples include braised beef with fondant potato for main and a lemon posset with shortbread for dessert.
Can I come in costume or play a role?
Guests are welcome to come in costume; during the mixer some volunteers are invited to act as suspects and will be provided with suitable props and clothes.
How many guests are required to run the event?
The event has a minimum of 36 guests and a maximum capacity of 60.
What happens after the investigation?
After the evidence search and dessert, tea or coffee is served and the denouement and prize-giving take place, with the murderer—one of the guests—being revealed.