A few weeks ago, we did something a little different. We took part in a junior ghost hunt at the infamous Shrewsbury Prison, deep in the heart of Shropshire. The building is rich with history and shadowed by dark tales of imprisonment, punishment, and paranormal activity.

It was the perfect setting for a spooky family adventure… or so we hoped.

Ghosts, Chaos and Cold Cells at Shrewsbury Prison

This event was hosted by a well-known paranormal group and aimed at families with children, which sounded ideal for us. My daughters have grown up hearing about mummy’s ghost hunts, haunted dolls, and spirit talker sessions, so they were ready to experience it for themselves. But the reality, as often happens in witchy and worldly matters, didn’t quite match our expectations.

The prison was packed with other families — excited children, curious parents, and a lot of stomping feet echoing down the stone corridors. We had our EMF meter, dowsing rods, and the Spirit Talker app ready to go, but the energy was just too loud. Quite literally. The sheer volume of people made it difficult to connect with the space. My daughters and I did our best to explore and soak up the eerie atmosphere, but proper investigation work was pretty much impossible.

Fleeting Moments of Magic

Even so, there were a few moments of real magic. Standing alone (briefly!) in a cold prison cell, I felt a hush fall over me. The echo of the past pressed in against the walls. For just a second, I could imagine what it must have been like to live out your days in such a place — the silence, the despair, the isolation. That sensation alone was enough to make the whole trip worthwhile.

We also got to sit behind the prison warden’s desk, which delighted the little history nerd inside me. It felt powerful, like we were slipping into the roles of those who once kept order in such a grim, forgotten world. Sadly, I couldn’t stay in that room long, as my younger daughter became uneasy in the complete darkness — something I fully respect. Ghost hunting is not for everyone, and I admire her for recognising her limits.

In contrast, my older daughter loved it. She is already asking when we can go again and where our next investigation will be. It warms my heart to see her light up with curiosity and courage — a little witchy spark of her own glowing bright in the shadows.

A Spooky Experience

While the night didn’t deliver much in terms of spirit activity, it was still an experience. One that reminded me that ghost hunting isn’t always about the ghosts. Sometimes it’s about the people you’re with, the way the past brushes against the present, and the thrill of stepping into a forgotten world, even if just for a moment.

We likely won’t do another event with this particular company — it was too chaotic, too commercialised for our taste. But that’s all part of the journey, isn’t it? Finding what works for us, learning from each experience, and moving forward with more clarity.

Next time, I think we’ll return to a smaller, more intimate venue with a proper investigation setup. And who knows — maybe then the spirits will be ready to talk.

Until then, we’ll keep listening in the quiet moments, chasing the whispers in the dark… and celebrating every spooky step on the way.

Stay witchy,
Catherine 🖤

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