- What's On
- Things to Do
- Explore
- Eat & Drink
- Where To Stay
- Shopping
- Visitor Information
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.
There are no toilet facilities in the Tolhouse Gaol
There are a lot of steps and uneven floor surfaces in this historic building.
Access for people with mobility issues and wheelchairs is very limited and would be restricted to only one area which is accessed via a separate door at street level. This would need to be pre-booked as an extra member of staff is required to assist.
The Tolhouse Goal is open during school holidays Monday to Friday and Sunday (10am to 4pm). Closed on Saturdays.
For any queries please tel. (01493) 858900 or 743930.
Adult: £5.30
Concession: £5.00*
Child (age 4-18): £4.60
Family discount adult: £4.80 (available with a paid child ticket)
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.
Discount for groups of 12 people or more. Contact either by telephone to 01493 743930 or email yarmouth.museums@norfolk.gov.uk.
By Road: From the A47 : At Vauxhall roundabout take 2nd exit. At next roundabout take 3rd exit and follow signs for Historic South Quay. Pay & display parking available nearby. There is free parking on the Quayside. The nearest railway station is Yarmouth Vauxhall, which is 1 mile away.
| Spring Summer Opening 2025 - School Holidays (6 Apr 2025 - 2 Nov 2025) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Friday | 10:00 | - 16:00 |
| Saturday | Closed | |
| Sunday | 10:00 | - 16:00 |
* The Tolhouse Gaol is open on the following dates during school holidays only.
6-22 April 2025
Sunday to Friday, 10am-4pm
4-5 May 2025
Sunday to Monday, 10am-4pm
25 May-1 June 2025
Sunday to Friday, 10am-4pm
23 July-2 September
Sunday to Friday, 10am-4pm
26 October-2 November
Sunday to Friday, 10am-4pm
Closed November to March. Closed on Saturdays.
© Visit Great Yarmouth2025. All Rights Reserved