Underground Caves Ghost Tour

Descend 16 feet below Nottingham's city centre into an interconnected medieval cave system. The 1-hour tour combines historical narrative with theatrical elements - dim lighting, sound design, and actor interaction heighten the atmosphere. You'll visit chambers used for storage, refuge, and (according to local legend) darker purposes. The caves maintain a constant 8-10°C temperature year-round. Best for those wanting underground adventure with scares. This is a moderate activity lasting 1 hour. Group size: max 20. You meet at Broadmarsh Shopping Centre caves entrance. Key highlights: 500+ year-old sandstone cave system beneath city streets, Theatrical performances enhance ghost storytelling, Maximum 20 people per tour ensures intimate experience.

Price: £18

Duration: 1 hour

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: max 20

Minimum age: 8+

Best for: those wanting underground adventure with scares

Best time: October and November (darkness/atmosphere enhanced indoors). Weekday tours less crowded than weekends. Schools holidays book fast.

Meeting point: Broadmarsh Shopping Centre caves entrance

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Tour start Safety briefing and descent via narrow stone steps into first chamber - Ceiling height varies; taller visitors should note 6.5ft clearance in some areas. Wear sturdy shoes.

First 15 minutes Medieval history and cave excavation explanations - Learn why medieval Nottingham residents carved these spaces from sandstone bedrock.

15-35 minutes Theatrical storytelling in low-lit chambers with period-appropriate sound - Actor performers deliver ghost stories tied to specific cave locations and past residents.

35-50 minutes Explore connected chambers and narrow passageways - Some passages require crouching or squeezing through tight spaces. Not for claustrophobic visitors.

Final 10 minutes Return to entrance level and Q&A session - Opportunity to ask questions about cave engineering and paranormal stories.

The whole experience takes 1 hour. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Broadmarsh Shopping Centre caves entrance.

• 500+ year-old sandstone cave system beneath city streets
• Theatrical performances enhance ghost storytelling
• Maximum 20 people per tour ensures intimate experience
• Genuine medieval chambers with documented history
• Consistent 8-10°C temperature (bring warm layer)

What is included: Guided cave tour with theatrical performance, LED torches and safety equipment, Historical commentary and ghost stories, Access to entire connected cave network.

Not included: Food and drinks, Souvenir merchandise, Photography rights (personal use permitted). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Warm fleece or jumper (caves stay cool), Sturdy closed-toe shoes with good grip, Gloves if sensitive to cold, Camera or phone (but expect poor lighting). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: October and November (darkness/atmosphere enhanced indoors). Weekday tours less crowded than weekends. Schools holidays book fast..

Tip: Limited to 20 people per tour

Tip: Book well ahead for Halloween period

Accessibility: NOT wheelchair accessible. Narrow passages, steep stairs, and tight squeezes throughout. Requires reasonable fitness and flexibility. Not suitable for visitors with claustrophobia, mobility issues, or back problems..

Operator: City of Caves | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: 0115 947 3250

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Nottingham Castle (8 min walk)
• The Caves of Nottingham (2 min walk)
• Galleries of Justice Museum (10 min walk)

This activity is run by City of Caves.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours. Non-refundable within 48 hours. Bookings during Halloween must cancel by specific date (check website)..

Accessibility: NOT wheelchair accessible. Narrow passages, steep stairs, and tight squeezes throughout. Requires reasonable fitness and flexibility. Not suitable for visitors with claustrophobia, mobility issues, or back problems..

Best time to go: October and November (darkness/atmosphere enhanced indoors). Weekday tours less crowded than weekends. Schools holidays book fast..

Are the caves safe for people with claustrophobia?

No. The tour involves narrow passageways, confined chambers, and low ceilings in places. Several passages require crouching or squeezing. If you experience anxiety in tight spaces, this tour is not recommended. City of Caves offers traditional cave tours without theatrical elements if you prefer.

How old must children be for the ghost tour?

Minimum age is 8 years old. The theatrical elements and ghost stories may frighten younger children. Children aged 8-12 should have mature sensibilities about spooky content. The narrow passages and low ceilings also require confidence and reasonable fitness.

What's the temperature inside the caves?

Caves maintain 8-10°C (46-50°F) year-round due to groundwater proximity and depth. Bring a warm fleece, jumper, or jacket. Caves feel colder than surface air even in summer. Plan accordingly - you'll be standing still while listening to stories.