Murder on Mincarlo

Explore historic vessels, sail to the ship’s graveyard, and unravel a murder mystery like no other

Launching February 2026!

We hope to launch this experience in February 2026. Join our signs ups list to be the first to hear!

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contact for groups 12+

A Murder Mystery Like No Other on the Water

Step aboard the historic Mincarlo, uncover hidden clues, sail aboard Shearwater to Lake Lothing’s ship graveyard, and solve a chilling murder mystery before the grand reveal at Fisherman’s Wharf Pub. This immersive adventure combines history, exploration, and interactive puzzles for an experience you won’t forget.

explore the mincarlo

Step aboard the Mincarlo, a 1961–2 Lowestoft-built trawler, and begin your interactive murder mystery investigation into the mysterious death of Captain Stanley Johnson, discovered at the bottom of the stairs. Explore the shadowy corridors, descend into the crew quarters, and scrutinise the wheelhouse and skipper’s cabin to uncover the first clues of this gripping murder mystery experience in Lowestoft.

a boat ride to the ship’s graveyard

Board the Shearwater and sail through Lowestoft’s Lake Lothing to the historic ship’s graveyard, retracing Captain Johnson’s final footsteps that night. Investigate key evidence at each wreck, hear witness statements from each suspect, and begin piecing together who could have committed the crime, with unexpected twists and discoveries at every stop of this immersive boat trip adventure.

grand reveal at fisherman’s wharf

Join us at the Fisherman’s Wharf Pub for the grand reveal of what happened to Captain Johnson on Mincarlo. Savour classic British seaside pub food and enjoy a drink at a discounted rate, while reflecting on the clues uncovered and celebrating the conclusion of this unforgettable Lowestoft murder mystery experience that combines historic vessels, puzzles, and interactive investigation.

TESTIMONIES

I just want to say how much I enjoyed the murder mystery boat trip. It was great fun, well orchestrated, excellently planned with a lot of thought and very interesting. I would highly recommend it. I have done quite a few murder mystery events and this was up there with the best of them.
Suzan St GawithCompany Name
This was a really exciting variation on a classic murder mystery. Adventuring around a historical ship turned museum was fun, hunting for clues and discovering a really rich backstory among the actual real-life cabins and engine room, and then it escalated when the adventure led us out onto the water to investigate shipwrecks in real life! The crew are great, full of enthusiasm and knowledge about the museum as well as the murder. Even without the murder it’s a great little boat trip around the harbour and Lake Lothing – definitely dress for the weather though. The mystery itself is compelling and dynamic, with plenty of red herrings and several sneaky little revelations that bust the case wide open again and again! Murder on a ship, mystery in the harbour, museum with adventure, boat trips, voice overs, puzzles – what’s not to love!
Maria Kinsella & Josh HarbordCompany Name
From walking gingerly past the body of the poor skipper lying at the foot of the steps, to the final summary in the pub I found the whole event brilliant. It was a novelty to be in the crew room with the other detectives. The descriptions of the suspects were good, also maps etc. When we went to the skippers quarters and wheelhouse we were presented with looking for the code for his safe. Once resolved we went on the jet boat after being fitting with life jackets, the next part of the mystery unfolded. On return we went into the pub, Fisherman’s Wharf to put together our conclusions. I think its a brilliant idea and bound to be popular. Have been on murder mystery dinners but this is a whole new idea very innovative.
Mary Broadbridge ThompsonCompany Name

what makes this the best murder mystery in norfolk and suffolk?

Interactive Puzzles and Challenges

Test your detective skills with engaging, hands-on puzzles throughout the experience. From unlocking boxes on the Mincarlo to cracking combinations on the Shearwater, every clue brings you closer to solving the murder mystery. Perfect for thrill-seekers and puzzle lovers looking for an immersive adventure in Lowestoft.

Historic Boats and Local Wrecks

Explore the iconic Mincarlo, a 1961–2 Lowestoft-built trawler, and sail aboard Shearwater to investigate Lake Lothing’s historic ship graveyard. Discover wrecks like Eadwine, MV Probe, Yellowtail, and Platessa, combining history with intrigue for a truly unique murder mystery boat trip.

Immersive, Team-Based Adventure

Work together with friends, family, or colleagues to uncover hidden clues, interrogate suspects, and piece together the story. This interactive experience encourages teamwork and problem-solving, making it an unforgettable group activity in Lowestoft.

Perfect for Friends, Families, and Corporate Groups

Whether it’s a fun day out with friends, a family adventure, or a team-building event, this murder mystery boat trip caters to all groups. Engaging, exciting, and suitable for a wide range of participants, it’s an ideal outing for any occasion.

Optional Food and Drink at the Final Stage

Conclude your adventure at the Fisherman’s Wharf Pub with a grand reveal of the mystery. Enjoy classic British seaside pub food and discounted drinks, with the option to pre-book meals, providing the perfect finish to a gripping interactive murder mystery in Lowestoft.

Scenic Boat Trip Across Lake Lothing

Experience Lowestoft from a unique perspective as you sail aboard Shearwater. Take in panoramic views of the harbour, the historic ship graveyard, and the surrounding waterfront while investigating a murder mystery on the water. This isn’t just a puzzle — it’s an unforgettable boat trip adventure combining history, scenery, and intrigue.

RESERVE YOUR MYSTERY ADVENTURE TODAY

Whether you’re planning a fun day out with friends, an immersive family adventure, a solo challenge, or a team-building event, The Mystery of the Murder on Mincarlo is designed for all types of groups. Experience the thrill of exploring historic vessels, solving interactive puzzles, and uncovering clues across Lake Lothing.

Conclude the experience at the Fisherman’s Wharf Pub with classic British pub food and drinks. Guests can pre-book meals and enjoy discounted rates on food & drink during the grand reveal.

sign up | be the first to hear!
contact for groups 12+

Lydia Eva & Mincarlo CHARITY

Moored in Lowestoft and preserved as a floating museum, Mincarlo is the last surviving side-winder fishing trawler built in the town. Once a working North Sea vessel, she provides an authentic, characterful setting rooted in real maritime history, making the mystery feel grounded, immersive and inseparable from its environment. She is free to visit but accepts donations.

Jet adventures BOAT TRIPS

Based in Lowestoft, Jet Adventures is a locally run maritime experience company operating along the Norfolk and Suffolk coast and within Lowestoft Harbour. With experienced skippers and a purpose-built boat, they provide the essential journey between locations, making the boat trip itself a core part of the experience rather than just a means of transport.

People in orange safety gear on a yellow boat, sandy shore with wind turbines in background.

fishermans wharf pub

Located on Lowestoft’s South Pier, Fisherman’s Wharf Pub is a well-known waterfront pub with deep ties to the town’s maritime life. A traditional meeting place for locals, sailors and visitors alike, it provides a relaxed and atmospheric setting to conclude the experience—where stories are shared, suspicions linger, and the mystery can be reflected on over food and drink.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does the experience last?

The full murder mystery adventure is a 2-3 hour experience. This includes exploring the Mincarlo, sailing on the Shearwater to the Lake Lothing ship graveyard, and concluding with the grand reveal at Fisherman’s Wharf Pub.

Who can take part in the experience?

This interactive murder mystery is suitable for solo adventurers, friends, families, and corporate groups. The experience is designed to be engaging and accessible for all ages, though younger children may need assistance with puzzles.

What happens on the boat trip?

Guests will board the Mincarlo to begin the investigation, then sail aboard the Shearwater to explore historic wrecks in Lake Lothing. Throughout the trip, you will find clues, solve puzzles, and interact with the story to uncover Captain Stanley Johnson’s mysterious death.

Are the puzzles difficult?

The puzzles are designed to be challenging but fun, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving. Both experienced detectives and first-time players can enjoy the interactive murder mystery adventure.

What if it rains or the weather is poor?

The experience starts on the sheltered Mincarlo. The boat trip stage, however, takes place on an open vessel, so guests may encounter wind or light spray and are advised to dress accordingly. The trip will run in most weather conditions, and we recommend comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. In the event of extreme conditions, alternative arrangements will be provided and communicated in advance.

Can we pre-book food and drinks?

Yes. Guests can pre-book meals at Fisherman’s Wharf Pub and enjoy discounted food and drink during the grand reveal. This ensures a seamless finish to your immersive murder mystery adventure in Lowestoft.

Can we book private or corporate events?

Absolutely. Private bookings are available for friends, family groups, or corporate team-building events. Custom experiences can be arranged to suit group size and special requests.

How do I book?

Booking is easy through our online reservation system. Simply select your preferred date, indicate your group size, and choose any optional food or drink add-ons. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended to secure your adventure.

Is this suitable for children?

Yes, older children and teenagers can enjoy the experience with supervision. Some puzzles may require adult assistance, but the adventure is designed to be family-friendly and engaging for all ages.

Do we need prior experience with murder mysteries or puzzles?

No prior experience is needed. The experience is fully guided, and clues are designed to be interactive and accessible for all skill levels.

General FAQ’s

Please be sure to view our generic FAQ’s which apply to all our trips. You can find these by clicking here.