UK / East / Norfolk
The Tolhouse Gaol
The Tolhouse, Tolhouse Street Great Yarmouth, NR30 2SH
Discover the darker side of England’s history through crime and punishment.
Step inside Tolhouse Gaol, once home to pirates, robbers, murderers, and those accused of witchcraft.
One of Britain’s oldest prisons, this formidable building has a turbulent past. Originally built as a merchant’s house over 800 years ago, it later became a courtroom, a town gaol with a notorious dungeon, and even a police station.
Explore the grim reality of life behind its thick stone walls and uncover the fate of thieves, smugglers, witches, and pirates when punishment often meant execution.
Through immersive displays and hands-on activities, Tolhouse Gaol offers a haunting journey into England’s long and brutal history of crime and punishment.
Visit WebsiteOpening Times
Open on select dates during the school holidays 2025
6 April - 22 April
Sun - Fri 10.00 - 16.00
25 May - 1 June
Sun - Fri 10.00 - 16.00
23 July - 2 Sept
Sun - Fri 10.00 - 16.00
26 Oct - 2 Nov
Sun - Fri 10.00 - 16.00
Prices
Adult
£5.30
Concession
£5.00*
Child (age 4-18)
£4.60
Family discount adult (available with a paid child ticket)
£4.80
Child under 4
FREE
Twilight ticket (one hour before closing)
£1.50
Free admission with a Norfolk Museums Pass
*Concessions: Over 65s, students and disabled people. Disabled people can bring one companion in free of charge.
Other things to do nearby
BeWILDerwood Norfolk Presents The Easter Bunny Adventure
Be part of a brand-new Easter adventure at BeWILDerwood! Choose a team and help save easter!
View event
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
Set in 170 acres of breathtaking woodland, grassland and lakes, our award-winning nature reserve in Norfolk is dedicated to the conservation of endangered deer, antelope and birds.
View attraction
Norwich Theatre, Stage Two
Stage Two opened in 2016 and is the newest member of the Norwich Theatre family of venues.
View attraction
Norwich Theatre Playhouse
Celebrating its 25th anniversary as a theatre in 2020, Playhouse is a relaxed, intimate 300-seat riverside venue a 10-minute walk from the Theatre Royal.
View attraction
Norwich Theatre Royal
Opened for the first time in 1758, Theatre Royal has been a staple of the arts and culture of Norwich for centuries.
View attraction
RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
The museum is an award-winning, volunteer run, visitor attraction that offers a fascinating and informative day out for the family.
View attraction
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
View attraction
Latest News
April is here!
April is here, bringing longer days, warmer weather, and plenty of exciting opportunities for fun for all the family. Whether you’re looking for an egg-cellent Easter hunt, a breathtaking theatrical escape, or simply a chance to soak up the beauty of spring in full bloom, our guide to the best attractions and theatres across the […]
Spring is in the air!
Spring is in the air, and March is the perfect time to shake off the winter blues with exciting days out! Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, outdoor adventures, or fascinating attractions to explore, we’ve got something for everyone. From beautiful gardens bursting into bloom to thrilling theme parks reopening for the season, there’s plenty […]
Top 5 places in the UK to birdwatch
The UK is home to some fantastically colourful, elusive and rare species. To celebrate their numerous species, we have put together a list of top 5 places in the UK to birdwatch.