Bothwell School of Witchcraft Avis 

I've crewed & photographed Bothwell twice now, and both had a profound impact on my life. Which sounds dramatic, until you go yourself!

The first was lifechanging, the second life-affirming - and I'm very much hoping to be back next April for a third run!

It's friendly, joyful, accepting - and you get to play a giant game of magical pretend with 80+ people who get you - it's glorious. Plus did I mention the castle?!

Pure magic and highly recommended!!

I've worked behind the scenes for Bothwell School of Witchcraft a number of times and will continue to do so because the organizers care very much about giving everyone an enjoyable experience.

This was my first larp and it is hands down one of the best experiences of my life. I recommend this both for beginners as well as experienced players, the organisers pay a lot of attention to detail, the volunteer NPCs do an amazing job bringing the castle to life and making this an amazing immersive experience and at the end of the event it really feels like you've become part of the Bothwell family and made friends for life.

Bothwell School of Witchcraft is a fantastic experience; fun, exciting and run with enormous care and attention by the organisers and volunteers. It was my first LARP, so I can guarantee that this is a great choice for anyone new to it. The whole atmosphere is enormously supportive and inclusive. I highly recommend it, and am definitely hoping to go back myself soon!

I went to Bothwell with my mother (Leola Stewart) and I think I can say that both of us had a great time.
I do have somethings I would have changed - like the way I played my character and how I did things, but I'm new and I was learning.
I think that Bothwell is a great LARP and is a good place to go if you're new to things like this - I personally would go again (but maybe as someone else and try to play them better)
I've also got a few great ideas for next time which will make things fun ;-)
Go Boyeswick 🐺!

Can't wait to see how next time will go :-)

I was a participant in the first Bothwell weekend and only distance (I live in Japan) has kept me from attending the other two. It was a fabulous experience and I had a marvelously magical time.

I have been a volunteer for Bothwell School of Witchcraft since its first run and it has been one of the greatest experiences ever. It has boosted my confidence and given me the opportunity to meet some amazing people I hope to call friends for a long time.
There is a Bothwell family community that regularly interacts between events both online and regular meet ups. These meet ups are so open and welcoming to anyone connected to Bothwell you have been to one event or a regular player or a volunteer everyone is invited.

I had never been to a larp before Bothwell so is very suitable for those new to the idea of role play events.

I would highly recommend Bothwell as a life experience that is unbeatable and unforgettable!

Amazing event!
Great community, friendly organizers and crew, spectacular venue, and absolutely stunning experience. Be prepared for a lot of walking if you don't want to miss all the action, grab your pompoms to cheer your housemates, and stay prepared for organizers-driven plot that will surprise you when you least expect it!
Recommended for first-timers, and any adult who wants to have fun.

If you are new to LARP this is an excellent opportunity to get involved and have a great experience. I expect it is equally as good if you consider yourself an expert LARPer, though I'm not an expert there were lots of very positive comments made from many who are.
You can be as involved as you want to be, and join in as many storylines as you want, even write your own with help on hand to make those "dreams" come into being. Or you can take a more relaxed "go with the flow" approach. My one word of caution however is "IT'S ADDICTIVE".

Once in a lifetime opportunity... unless you come back again and again like me.
I've been to every run of Bothwell so far and I hope I won't miss any in the future either. Absolutely amazing experience, you get to be a witch for a weekend, live a fantasy life and make incredible friendships with brilliant people from all over the world - trust me, it's worth it!

How to describe the Bothwell experience? In the words of a certain red headed character.... That was bloody brilliant! I've attended all 3 events now and can confess I'm somewhat of an addict, and each time gets better and better. This is on account of having organisers who actually listen to and act upon feedback. Yes, it's not cheap but each run provides an entirely unique, never to be repeated again, mind blowing experience. You'll be tired like you've never been in your life by the end of the game, but the memories you will make will last you a lifetime. As will the friends. The Bothwell community is such a friendly and welcoming one, with people from all over the world coming together to have a truly magical time. I've got too much to say about Bothwell, but there are many reviews on their Facebook page and be sure to check out the new blog as it grows where you can read first hand experiences from players.

I've now been twice to Bothwell and I can honestly say it's the highlight of my year! It's an incredible experience and run by an amazingly talented and passionate group of people. I'm already planning my next visit!

Honestly the most incredible experience of my life. Everything during the event ran so smoothly that you forget it's not actually real.
Before the event I heard people talk about the Bothwell family and thought they were being overly sentimental but there's no other way of describing the amazing people you'll meet at Bothwell. I have intense love for the organisers, NPC's, and other players and can't wait to see them all again.

Once in a lifetime experience! Well organized, thoughtfully executed and player-driven, Bothwell gives you plenty of opportunities to flex your creative muscles and use your imagination to turn a weekend in an English castle into a memorable and magical experience. Plus you're guaranteed to meet so many diverse, talented, genuine and generous people along the way. Worth every penny and highly recommend it!

This is an amazing experience for imaginative people of all ages to come together and play. As a volunteer I have seen players of all levels of experience grow in confidence from shy newbies to committed characters over the few days. It's an experience that bonds people and the community of Bothwell is very strong, accepting and a safe place to be. Lots of thought goes into making the best experience possible for both players and volunteers and I recommend Bothwell School of Witchcraft to anyone who fancies running around in robes with wands, going to classes to learn how to be a witch, meeting crazy, fun people and magical creatures and having awesome adventures.

Awesome! So much fun and feels so real whilst you are there. It's one of the most amazing things I've done in my life and it's a must do for everyone!

You're going to a School of Witchcraft... what more to say to the Harry Potter Generation!
Plus you're not only making new friends, but becoming a member of a whole Family!

I went to the April edition of Bothwell and it was fantastic! The organizers did an outstanding job with everything. I loved how they prepared the castle with literally hundreds of candles and other props. The crew that participated in the game was beyond amazing. They really brought the game to life. Every single player made the experience very special and even though I first thought this would be a one time adventure for me - I will definitely attend again.

Bothwell was, simply, the best thing I ever chose to do. I had incredible fun and have made so many friends within the community. The amount of hard work and love the organisers put into it is tangible, with the characters creating, plotlines made and NPCs hired.

To anyone nervous about LARPing, they really shouldn't be. All levels of experience are welcomed, and as it's an opt-in event, a participant can be as involved as they choose to be.

Definitely going again, and I absolutely can't wait to see what else they'll have in store.

Bothwell is one of the most amazing experiences, I was lucky enough to have been a part of. It was an adventure like no other, all the while bonding with people you have only just met, forming friendships that are meant to last. These days were truly magical and I can not wait to be back next year!