Travel back to the 1830’s as you solve clues to prove your innocence and explore hidden spaces in Nottingham’s ancient gaol.
Following a successful pilot last year, the National Justice Museum has announced more dates for its immersive, multiple-choice escape room that takes players into the depths of their authentic Georgian gaol.
The game takes players back to Nottingham in 1831. King George IV died the previous year, and King William IV is yet to be crowned, triggering the dissolving of parliament and a general election that leaves the city on the brink of riots. The Reform Bill leads to civil disturbance across the country when The House of Lords blocks a motion by parliament to give more men the vote than just nobility and landowners.
You find yourself in Nottingham’s Narrowmarsh, a cramped, smelly slum rife with criminal activity. The local constable has found you at the site of a Reform Bill riot where a local pub was set ablaze. Two people lost their lives – and you are the central suspect, accused of arson and manslaughter. If found guilty, the death penalty beckons.
Over the course of an hour, players will explore the Grade II* listed Georgian museum, including areas not usually open to the public – from the slums of Narrowmarsh, the exercise yard, and cells of the gaol. Solve puzzles, and gather your evidence before deciding – will you stand trial and try to prove your innocence, or will you try to escape your fate?
The game has been created in collaboration with Sacha Coward, a freelance museum professional who has worked at local, national, and international museums and galleries. Sacha has produced events, managed educational programmes, and built gallery interactives and interpretation. He is passionate about working with hidden histories and underrepresented audiences. He has created escape rooms for the National Trust, Royal Museums Greenwich, Oxford University, Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Maritime Museum and more.
“The whole experience was amazing although a little intense at times, and after speaking with friends who had done other escape rooms before, they confirmed that this one was like no other.” – Nottingham Post
“Intertwining Nottingham’s rich history into the game adds another layer to an already fun format. Compared to many escape rooms, which confine players to a small room or two, Guilty?! makes excellent use of the centuries-old gaol, courtyard and accompanying spaces.” – LeftLion
“With different endings depending on what you decide, this innovative element brings a choose-your-own-adventure charm that puts you in the driving seat!” – Visit Nottinghamshire
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“Our games master’s presence ended up being one of my favourite things about the whole experience… probably my favourite museum-escape room crossover” – The Escape Roomer
Guilty?! A National Justice Museum Escape Room is on sale now for groups of 4-6 people, available on select evenings between 17 April to 31 May 2025, with more dates to be confirmed soon. For more information and to book, visit nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk.
Posted on 26 March 2025
