The scene was certainly set for Nottingham’s National Justice Museum’s Terror Tour, with smoke eerily flooding throughout the main entrance hall as we entered
. I was unsure of what to expect, but I was hoping for a few chills from a tour which promises that you will “Experience true terror as you are plunged into the darkness and creep through the winding corridors and darkest dungeons of the old gaol.”
It began with a warm welcome from the staff who had dressed the part to welcome us into the Victorian Age. The evening began with a choice of cocktail and a few vague words on what was to come, as the element of surprise was key to building up the suspense. The staff, however, made sure we were at ease before the terror began.
Walking through the dark corridors, our tour began in the old court which was both creepy and informative. We began with a friendly tour guide who then quickly exited as we met new characters along the way. As the lights went out, the suspense began to build as the menacing characters used sounds which had driven us to watch our backs as we delved deeper into the underground cells and chambers.
They played heavily on making us jump and all the characters interacted directly with the group, giving it that personal touch as it gave us a chance to answer back and provoke a response from them. These characters were based on the previous workers and prisoners who were once residents in this Victorian prison, which provided us along the way with further details of how they met their fate – with some stories far more disturbing than the others. Although I found the characters entertaining, some more than others, I found myself wanting to know more about their lives and would have loved the chance to be guided further into the darker parts on the prison’s history.
The setting is perfect for any curious minds to have a real feel for the fear experienced by the prisoners some time ago and is a perfect beginner’s tour for those interested in all things spooky. If you fancy an hour’s walk back through time to the darkest corners of the Victorian Ages, look no further.
Although the live actor’s antics during the tour caused some jumps, squeals and even some laughs among the tour group, I believe more interaction with the characters and a more in-depth look into the eerie prison cells could only increase on what was already a hair-raising experience. That being said, this is definitely not for the faintest of hearts as there are sinister characters lurking in deepest shadows of the National Justice Museum which may leave you feeling uneasy.
Words by Danielle Denby
Photos by Richard Newbold
