From family-friendly ghost hunts to immersive horror and true crime stories, the National Justice Museum has something for every level of bravery this October
Halloween feels like second nature to the National Justice Museum in Nottingham, where centuries of crime, punishment and justice provide the perfect setting for a series of chilling events this autumn. Based in Nottingham’s historic County Gaol and Shire Hall, the museum’s authentic courtrooms, cells, and gaol corridors set the scene for four very different Halloween events – from spooky fun for younger visitors to intense immersive horror for those looking for a serious scare.
New for Halloween 2026, The Killer Chronicles is a one-night-only theatre-style experience, telling the true crime stories from the dark history of this building. Take your seat in the museum’s atmospheric candlelit Civil Courtroom, a space rarely seen by daytime visitors, and hear the stories of notorious murderers who passed through the courts and gaol. Their crimes, trials, and final moments will be brought to life through dramatic storytelling and song. With two performances at 6pm and 8.30pm on Saturday 31 October, the event is suitable for over 16s and tickets priced at £20 or £25.
For younger visitors, Kids’ Ghost Hunter Tours offer a more family-friendly way to explore the museum. Children aged 5-11 can help the museum’s over-worked Ghost Hunter catch the pesky ghosts causing mayhem throughout the building, with spooky games and craft activities included along the way. Tours begin at 5pm on selected dates from Thursday 22 – Friday 30 October, with tickets priced at £8.95 for children and £7.95 for accompanying adults.
If you’re looking to dip your toe into the paranormal, Ghost of the Gaol is back with a refreshed tour for 2026. Suitable for visitors over 14, retrace the steps of those imprisoned and executed in this building’s history as an active gaol. Hear eerie stories told to the museum team by staff and visitors alike and learn more about the paranormal experiences that have been reported over the years. Tours take place on selected evenings from September to March, with tickets priced at £16 and £15 for concessions.
And for those brave souls looking for a truly terrifying experience, Fright Nights: Dead Man Walking returns for a second spine-chilling year. Set in 1844, the immersive experience begins in the authentic Criminal Courtroom with the conclusion of a gruesome murder trial, before taking visitors down into the dark corridors and cells of the Georgian gaol. Live actors, jump scares, disturbing encounters and flashing lights combine to create an intense horror experience. Fright Nights run on selected evenings from Thursday 22 – Friday 30 October, with tickets priced at £21, for over 18s only.
For more information, and to book your experience, pay them a visit on High Pavement, Nottingham, or visit nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk
Posted on 30 September 2026
