Nottingham Ghost Tour

It was a dark winter night on the famous Nottingham ghost walk. This particular Saturday night I was sitting in the warm and well-lit Salutation Inn. Not an unusual way to wile away the twilight hours of any given Saturday you might think.  You'd be wrong....

I was wrapped up to the eyeballs in my warmest clothes about to embark on an evening of the dark and macabre. I wouldn't describe myself as a great believer in the supernatural but, due to a morbid sense of curiosity, I decided to tag along.  So I sat, knocking back my pint, with the hope of finding some Dutch courage at the bottom of the glass.

The leaflet for this tour had said that the Guide would be `recognisable'.  I immediately started looking for a grey Ghostbusters boiler suit (what can I say, I'm an 80's child). He eventually materialised as a longhaired biker in leather jacket and cowboy boots (much like the bulk of the Salutation's customers). It seems the distinguishing mark of the Ghost Walker was his gnarled wooden staff, and the fact that a troop of people dressed in as many warm clothes as us were following him to the door.

We crossed the road to the neighbouring churchyard where the guide introduced himself.  He could have said anything standing under that tree in his black attire to get us all looking over our shoulders at the slightest sound. So he broke the tension by stroking my cheek.

After my face had lost its scarlet flush, We were led to the top of Hounds Gate.  There, we were told a chilling tale about the building that is now the Fashion Museum. I won't spoil the story, but as an aside our leader told us that celery was first grown in the very garden that is now part of World Service restaurant.

We visited about 3 other sites around the castle area and in each were told a story.  The guide has an impressive knowledge of local history; which is probably too broad for a tourist to really appreciate. Knowing your way around the city really helps you get more from these tales and, I am pleased to say, not one reference to Robin Hood was made. This was a refreshing change to anyone aware that they are sandwiched between Maid Marion Way and the statue of Robin Hood.

The tour climaxed back where we began at The Salutation Inn. This time we were, several feet underground (I loved this bit!) It became clear that the stories we had heard were all geared towards building up our fears before placing us in a haunted cave.  The cave itself is one of the typical sand stone holes but has a kind of bench carved the way around.  Down we sat and were told the story of the Highway man who appeared many times from the spot (surprise-surprise) where I was sitting.  By the end I was very relieved to get out of there.

I didn't see anything that night which changed my opinions on the supernatural, but I did thoroughly enjoy myself. The guide injects some real personality into the historical facts he relates in a way that both adults and children can enjoy.

Find out more about the Nottingham ghost tour on www.ghost-walks.co.uk