Dead Man Walking: The Ultimate Fright Night Experience at the National Justice Museum

If thrills and chills are what you are in search of this Halloween then look no further than Dead Man Walking, the latest immersive horror experience at the National Justice Museum. This intense journey is not for the faint-hearted and will leave you questioning what lurks around every corner.

The trial of a nineteenth century convict who is on the run, accused of committing harrowing crimes against his own family and friends – that is what you’ll be faced with. It goes without saying that Nottingham’s former jail and courthouse, with its narrow passageways and cramped dungeons, serves as the perfect venue in providing an authentic Victorian setting for this tale. It’s in the courtroom itself where you begin, with an eerie voice recording initially narrating the story before being interrupted by a loud thud and the sound of footsteps. And it is here where you will come face to face (quite literally!) with the fearsome gaoler who will send you on your way to uncover the truth.

From here it’s down the candlelit staircase and straight into the stony depths of the jail, where a cast of creepy characters await. From an eccentric prisoner protesting his innocence to a stricken mother seeking a healing from her injuries and others besides. Each as unnerving and unsettling as the previous in their own way. But the question is who can you really trust? Working through the various rooms and corridors it’s easy to become captivated by not only the characters that you meet along the way, but also by the stunning visuals and scenery of each set, all of which have been created with a fine attention to detail that really adds to the overall feeling of suspense.

From deep within the ancient cells, the final door out leads into the exercise yard at the rear of the building, which comes as a sudden surprise out of the almost complete darkness inside. Still, the knowledge that this area was historically used for public executions offers little reassurance, as does the appearance of a shadowy figure carrying a lantern emerging from behind. It is at this point that the intensity picks up and the flight for freedom begins. The pursuit ensues through a sequence of tightly packed rooms which hold plenty more surprises along the way.

Whether you’re a jump scare thrill seeker or a die-hard horror fan, or perhaps just fancy a little extra cortisol flowing through your veins for forty minutes or so, don’t pass up the opportunity to book this spectacular scare tour while spaces are still available. The National Justice Museum team really do a phenomenal job in making this event so unique and immersive. Just remember to send your bravest group member to the front to lead the way of course!

Are you brave enough to enter a real Victorian gaol after dark? Book now to get the final slots for ‘Fright Nights: Dead Man Walking’ on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 October. Tickets are £21 per person.

Due to the intense nature of the experience, it is not suitable for under 18s. Please be aware the venue contains narrow staircases which are often dimly lit, and the event may also contain flashing lights at certain points.

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This blog was written by Kit Clarke for Visit Nottinghamshire.