Inside The Folk: Night Ghost Hunt Through Gloucester's Tudor Buildings

The Folk Ghost Hunt invites curious travelers to spend a concentrated night inside three connected historic buildings on Westgate Street in Gloucester, England. Housed at 99, 101 and 103 Westgate Street—structures dating from 1506–1512 and the mid‑17th century—this five‑hour investigation blends architectural history with hands‑on paranormal techniques. Becki of Ghosts & Giggles and her small team guide groups through timber‑framed rooms, a former pin‑making annexe, and a central courtyard café that serves as the evening’s cosy base. Start at 7:30pm in the Café at The Folk Community Centre, then tour the ground and upper floors to learn the buildings’ lived histories: wattle‑and‑daub wall panels, exposed oak beams, late‑16th‑century wall paintings, and a second‑floor surface still bearing brass pin debris from 18th‑century manufacturing. Between 9pm and midnight you’ll take part in or observe experiments — Estes method, human pendulum, dowsing rods, and automatic writing — before quieter vigils into the night. The team accommodates novices and seasoned investigators, and individuals who want to explore independently. What makes The Folk special is the collision of authentic Tudor fabric with urban folklore. These Grade II listed buildings survived centuries of adaptation: shopfronts cut into carved posts, a converted annealing forge, and an adjacent cider house and pin factory that link the site to Gloucester’s craft and industrial past. St Nicholas Church opposite, now an event space, extends the footprint of curious architecture and potential activity. Expect uneven original floors and stairs; accessibility is limited and participants should be able‑bodied. Wear sturdy footwear and layers—the buildings are cool and drafty after dark. Tea and coffee are provided; authorities recommend bringing a small torch, notebook, and your own EMF or audio gear if you have it. Groups cap at 20 people and the event appeals to ages 10 and up. For photographers and history lovers the reward is tangible: detailed oak joinery, jettyed upper floors with leaded lights, and the trapped pins beneath floorboards provide atmospheric close‑ups. Ghosts & Giggles treats the site with care, balancing investigative curiosity with respect for fragile historic fabric; the Folk was purchased and restored by the City in 1933 and is now run by The Civic Trust/Community Centre. Whether you come for the adrenaline, the architecture, or the layered human stories, The Folk Ghost Hunt is a focused, responsibly run way to spend an evening inside Gloucester’s oldest rooms, hunting stories as much as sights. Bookings are limited; check availability on the event page and arrive prepared for moderate movement through narrow staircases and dim corridors. The experience is social but contemplative—expect to swap accounts, review captured evidence with the team, and leave with a deeper sense of place. Ideal for small groups, curious families, and anyone drawn to history.