The Museum’s popular Fright Night event returns for their 30th anniversary, along with other spooky favourites
Infamous for being a place where a person could be imprisoned, tried, and executed, the National Justice Museum is based in Nottingham’s former County Gaol, and has had a court on site for nearly 650 years. The Criminal Courtroom, where you can take part in a historical trial reenactment on a daytime visit to the Museum, dates back to the 1870s, where real people would have received their sentence before being sent down into the gaol to await their punishment.
Are you brave enough to walk the halls of a real Victorian gaol after nightfall in Fright Night: Dead Man Walking?
Travel back to 1844 and step into an authentic courtroom to witness the chilling conclusion of the murder trial of the century. But justice is just the beginning…
From the courtroom, you’ll descend into the cold, stone depths of the gaol, where desperate prisoners, dark deeds, and unspeakable secrets await. Don’t expect help from the Gaoler… they’re almost as unhinged as the inmates.
And whatever you do, stay alert. Something is down there. Something that doesn’t want you to leave…
Also returning this year is the Museum’s ever-popular Ghosts of the Gaol – a guided evening tour through the many paranormal experiences reported in what has been called one of the UK’s most haunted buildings.
Many people have been imprisoned and executed over the centuries of this building’s macabre history. Do these souls still reside in the cells and halls of the ancient gaol? Are you a believer or a sceptic? Join one of the musuem’s expert interpreters, and retrace the steps of those who were locked away here. Uncover eerie tales from staff and visitors alike, and learn of the many paranormal experiences reported within this historic building.
There’s something for the kids too! They can get hands on helping the museum’s over-worked Ghost Hunter. Can you help them catch the pesky ghosts which are causing mayhem throughout the museum? The Kids Ghost Hunter tours also include craft activities and spooky games, and are tailored to the ages of children attending.
The museum is also open daily from 10am – 5pm. A museum of crime, punishment and social justice, it is based in the Grade II* listed Shire Hall in Nottingham. Over five floors, the building houses a Victorian courtroom, Georgian gaol, and cells that date back hundreds of years.
Meet the people who lived and worked in Nottingham County Gaol – from gaolers and matrons to prisoners and judges – ready to share real stories from the history this unique building. Take part in a historical trial re-enactment, and experience one of Georgian England’s favourite entertainments – a public execution.
With the launch of their annual passes this year, all general admission tickets entitle you to free return visitors for 12 months from the date of purchase, giving families a day of entertainment and education they can return to again and again.
For more information, pay them a visit on High Pavement, Nottingham, or visit nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk
Posted on 23 September 2025
