Colwick & Nottingham Paranormal Trail: A Ghost Hunter’s Guide

Introduction

The rolling parklands of Colwick and the ancient streets of nearby Nottingham harbour some of England’s most compelling paranormal activity. At the heart of this spectral landscape stands Colwick Hall Hotel, a Grade II* listed Georgian mansion whose elegant façade conceals centuries of tragedy, violence, and restless spirits. The hall’s connection to the notorious 1831 Reform Bill riots—when an angry mob attacked and burned parts of the estate—has left an indelible supernatural mark on the property.

Mary Ann Musters, wife of John Musters who owned Colwick Hall during those tumultuous times, is said to have died of shock following the violent raid on her home. Her melancholy presence reportedly still wanders the corridors of the hall, making Colwick an essential destination for serious paranormal investigators. Using this historic hotel as your base, you can explore a network of haunted locations that stretch from the peaceful banks of the River Trent to the medieval heart of Nottingham.

Nearby Haunted Sites

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham

Distance from Colwick Hall: 3.5 miles (10 minutes by car)

Carved into the sandstone caves beneath Nottingham Castle, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem claims to be England’s oldest inn, dating from 1189 AD. The pub’s rock-hewn chambers echo with centuries of supernatural activity. Staff and visitors report glasses moving of their own accord, mysterious cold spots in the cave rooms, and the apparition of a Crusader knight who allegedly died here before completing his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The cursed galleon ship model in one chamber is said to bring death to anyone who cleans it—several people who attempted this have reportedly died within months.

Galleries of Justice, Nottingham

Distance from Colwick Hall: 3.8 miles (12 minutes by car)

This former courthouse and county gaol operated from the 14th century until 1991 and witnessed countless executions, imprisonments, and human suffering. Now a museum and popular ghost hunting venue, the Galleries of Justice offers regular paranormal investigation evenings. Visitors report hearing phantom footsteps in the condemned cells, seeing shadowy figures on the old execution platform, and feeling invisible hands touching them in the underground dungeons. The spirit of a young boy who died in the cells is particularly active, with investigators capturing EVP recordings of a child’s voice calling for his mother.

Wollaton Hall

Distance from Colwick Hall: 5 miles (15 minutes by car)

This spectacular Elizabethan mansion—famous as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises—has its own supernatural residents. Staff working late have encountered the ghost of a woman in white drifting through the gallery spaces, whilst the surrounding deer park is home to reports of phantom horsemen. Most intriguingly, in 1979, several children claimed to have encountered small goblin-like creatures in the woodland near the hall, an incident that remains unexplained and has attracted cryptozoological interest ever since.

St Mary’s Church, Nottingham

Distance from Colwick Hall: 3.5 miles (10 minutes by car)

The oldest church in Nottingham, dating from Saxon times, St Mary’s has long been associated with spectral activity. The churchyard, once far larger than its current boundaries, reportedly contains the restless dead who object to the urban development built over their graves. Phantom monks have been witnessed processing through the church, and visitors report overwhelming feelings of being watched from the medieval tower.

Paranormal Walking Route

The Nottingham Ghost Walk (2.5 miles, approximately 2-3 hours)

Begin your evening in the Lace Market district, where narrow streets and Victorian warehouses create an atmospheric setting. Start at St Mary’s Church on High Pavement as dusk falls—the church’s ancient stones seem to absorb the fading light.

Walk down to the Galleries of Justice on High Pavement for a scheduled ghost tour (booking essential). After your investigation, proceed down Garner’s Hill and through the Broadmarsh area toward Nottingham Castle.

From the castle grounds, descend via Mortimer’s Hole—the 300-foot tunnel through which Roger Mortimer was captured in 1330. The tunnel is said to echo with the screams of his arrest.

Your walk concludes at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem at the base of Castle Rock. Warm yourself with a drink whilst surrounded by medieval ghosts in England’s most haunted pub.

Note: Return to Colwick Hall by taxi (approximately £12-15) to conclude your ghostly evening in the comfort of the hotel’s haunted corridors.

Visitor Information

Best Times for Paranormal Activity:

• Late autumn through winter offers longer dark hours and is traditionally associated with increased supernatural encounters
• Friday and Saturday nights provide more options for organised ghost tours
• The anniversary of the 1831 riots (October) may heighten activity at Colwick Hall itself

What to Bring:

• EMF detector and digital voice recorder for EVP sessions
• Fully charged camera with flash capability
• Torch with fresh batteries (equipment drainage is commonly reported)
• Notebook for documenting experiences
• Warm clothing for outdoor investigations

Ghost Tour Operators:

• Nottingham Ghost Walks operate regular Friday evening tours through the city centre
• Galleries of Justice hosts monthly overnight paranormal investigations
• Several local paranormal groups offer guided investigations at various locations

Practical Tips:

• Book restaurant tables in advance if visiting haunted pubs on weekends
• Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets
• Some locations charge admission; check opening times during winter months

Historical Context

Nottinghamshire’s exceptional concentration of paranormal activity stems from its violent and turbulent history. The region saw significant conflict during the English Civil War, with Nottingham Castle changing hands multiple times. The industrial revolution brought social upheaval, culminating in events like the 1831 Reform Bill riots that devastated Colwick Hall and traumatised its inhabitants.

The geological composition of the area—particularly the soft Bunter sandstone underlying Nottingham—has allowed for the creation of extensive cave systems, medieval tunnels, and underground chambers. Many paranormal researchers believe that such geological features can store and replay emotional energy, creating the residual hauntings so frequently reported in this region.

The combination of ancient trade routes, medieval religious establishments, and centuries of human occupation has layered Nottinghamshire with the kind of accumulated history that seems to generate supernatural phenomena. From the legendary exploits of Robin Hood to the industrial age’s social struggles, the spirits of this region’s past remain remarkably present.

---

Use Colwick Hall Hotel as your base for exploring the haunted heritage of Colwick and Nottinghamshire.