Derby Gaol
A restored 18th-century town gaol beneath Friar Gate in Derby, visited on guided tours and known for its ghost walks and night vigils.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Derby Gaol was built in 1756 beneath the buildings at 50 and 51 Friar Gate and served as the town's prison until the 19th century. Gallows stand outside the entrance as a reminder of its past. The Friar Gate gaol was authorised by an Act of Parliament of 1756, and executions were carried out at the site.
The cell blocks were originally thought to be two separate buildings, and some of the facilities may have extended under neighbouring properties. Marks found during restoration give clues to how individual cells were used; for example, markings inside the door of the debtors' cell record money that was owed.
The building was bought by its present owner in 1997 and much of the gaol has since been restored to its former condition. It now operates as a small private museum. Visitors enter from the Friar Gate side and take guided tours, and the gaol also hosts ghost walks, lock-ins and overnight hire for paranormal investigations and similar events.
Highlights
- Restored cell blocks of an 18th-century town gaol
- Debtors' cell with original markings on the door
- Gallows outside the entrance
- Guided tours and ghost walks starting at the gaol
- Night vigils and overnight hire
Permanent exhibition
- The restored gaol – Restored cell blocks of the 1756 gaol beneath Friar Gate, including the debtors’ cell, with gallows outside the entrance.
- Founded
- 1992
- Operated by
- Privately owned (Richard Felix)
Admission & discounts
| Groups (10+ people) | £10 per personPrivate weekday tours for parties of 10 or more |
|---|---|
| Night vigil (overnight event, includes a pie and mushy peas) | £45Per person; covers the 1756 gaol on Friar Gate and Vernon Street Prison. Bar facilities are available. |
No general admission price is published. Ghost walks and lock-ins are booked separately and their prices were not listed.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The website gives no information on access; the cells lie below street level, so visitors should ask before travelling.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
The website says parking is free after 6pm.
Amenities & dining
Bar facilities are available during night vigils.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Entry is from the Friar Gate side, underneath numbers 50–51. Visits are by guided tour; confirm times by phone. Free parking is mentioned for after 6pm. |
