Tolhouse Gaol
One of Britain’s oldest prison buildings in Great Yarmouth, telling the story of crime and punishment through displays and hands-on activities.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Tolhouse in Great Yarmouth is a Grade I listed building thought to date from around 1150, when it was built by merchants. From the 13th century it served as a toll house for the town’s herring catches, and a gaol was permitted there in 1261. Over the centuries it was also used as a courtroom, a council meeting place and, later, a police station.
The gaol held smugglers and pirates, and in 1645 it was used during the witch trials led by Matthew Hopkins. Criticism of conditions grew in the 19th century, and the gaol closed in 1878. The building was bombed during the Second World War and was restored between 1960 and 1961.
Today it is run as a museum by the Norfolk Museums Service. Displays and hands-on activities explore crime and punishment in the town, and the former cells and the basement dungeon are part of the story. The museum is closed at present because of unforeseen building works.
Highlights
- One of Britain’s oldest surviving prison buildings
- Grade I listed building from around 1150
- Displays on crime and punishment in Great Yarmouth
- Hands-on activities for young visitors
- Former courtroom and gaol cells
Permanent exhibition
- Crime and punishment in Great Yarmouth – Immersive displays in the former courtroom and gaol cells explain how crime was punished in the town over several centuries.
- Operated by
- Norfolk Museums Service
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £5.30 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £5Over 65s, students and disabled people |
| Children & teens | £4.60free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 18; children under 4 are free. |
| Seniors | £5Concession for over 65s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | £5companion free · Disabled people can bring one companion in free of charge. |
| Students & apprentices | £5Concession rate. |
| Families | £4.80Family discount price per adult when bought with a paid child ticket. |
| Twilight ticket (last hour before closing) | £1.50 |
Free for Norfolk Museums Pass holders and National Art Pass holders. Booking online in advance is cheaper, from £5.04 for adults and £4.32 for children. Groups of 12 or more receive a discount.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: not available
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The building has many steps and uneven floors. Access for wheelchair and mobility users is very limited and covers one area only, reached by a separate street-level door; it must be booked in advance because an extra member of staff is needed to help. There are no toilets on site. Assistance dogs are welcome, but other dogs are not allowed.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £4.80 · Family discount price per adult when bought with a paid child ticket. |
- Hands-on stations
Children are welcome, and interactive, hands-on activities suit younger visitors.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Yarmouth Vauxhall railway station
The nearest railway station is Yarmouth Vauxhall, about 1 mile away.
By car
Parking available
Pay-and-display parking is available nearby, and there is free parking on the Quayside.
From the A47, take the 2nd exit at the Vauxhall roundabout and the 3rd exit at the next roundabout, following the signs for Historic South Quay.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
There is a gift shop. There are no toilet facilities on site.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
The building can be hired for private events such as paranormal investigations and filming.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The museum welcomes school trips and educational visits, and mini coach parties are accepted. |
Museums nearby
Great Yarmouth Row Houses
Elizabethan House Museum
Time and Tide Museum
Caister Castle
Blitz and Pieces
Somerleyton Hall
All 7 museums in Great Yarmouth All museums in East of England
