Believed to have been built on a mass grave, this former hospital is one of the most chilling locations we’ve ever investigated.

Built in 1873 as a military barracks known as Gilesgate Militia Barracks, the building also served as a smallpox isolation hospital for Durham in 1884. It was also used to house dead bodies for a period.

For decades it has been the focal point for social activities in the area, with locals regularly experiencing all sorts of strange occurrences in the building.

The amount of paranormal activity here over the years has drawn paranormal enthusiasts from all over the north east to conduct various experiments, with one particular group swearing never to return.

As well as the strange sounds of dragging coming from the mortuary, people have witnessed the full-bodied apparition of a disfigured soldier that tragically died here in an explosion in the late 1800s.

His wounds are described as horrific, and any sight of him would send people screaming in terror to the exit.

As well as the soldier, there’s reportedly a lady in white that roams the hall, believed to be looking for her love, who was stationed here.

People also report howling, disembodied voices, unexplainable bangs, doors slamming on their own, sudden temperature fluctuations, light anomalies and more.

Take part in a host of vigils and experiments as we try to make contact with the active spirits that call this old building home. We have this historic building for an entire night of paranormal investigating, plus you have the option to sleep here too.

You will join our friendly, experienced team taking part in various experiments and seances, as well as having complete access to our range of paranormal equipment throughout the evening.

Haunted Rooms events are real paranormal investigations, we leave out the fluff, we do not have actors, and we don’t fake activity.

Our team can’t wait to welcome you to this incredible building and to share a night of ghost hunting that you’ll remember forever.

Spots will fill up quickly for this one, so hurry and book now!

Deposits are available for just £20.

What's Included

• Group Vigils including table tipping, Séance, and more,
• Lone Vigils,
• Use of Paranormal Equipment,
• Psychic Medium, (*availability permitting – we do endeavour to have a psychic medium at every event, however sometimes circumstances can prevail),
• Snacks and refreshments provided.
• Optional sleepover – we have access to this location until 6AM, so you can choose to sleep here or investigate for as long as you like. If sleeping, your own sleeping bags/bedding and beds will be required.

Access & Parking

Event Location: Vane Tempest Hall, Maynard’s Row, DH1 1QF

Time: 8:00 PM – 6:00 AM (Arrive from earliest 7:30 PM)

Parking: The venue has its own designated car park to the rear of the building in the courtyard.

Accessibility: The location is somewhat suitable for those with mobility issues, with some stairs involved. Unfortunately, the building is not wheelchair friendly.

Please Note: All guests must be 18 years or older. Not suitable for those who are heavily pregnant. Guests are strongly advised to wear comfortable shoes and warm layered clothing on colder nights.

What to Bring

You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, though we will be providing paranormal equipment to use.

The investigation will be in darkness so please bring a torch with you.

Although snacks and drinks are provided, you’re welcome to bring your own. There are also facilities to make both hot and cold drinks, which are provided also.

And of course, bring your phone/camera with you, the more pictures we have the better chance we have of capturing something!

Other than that, just yourself and an open mind!

What to Expect

On your ghost hunt with Haunted Rooms, you will have full exclusive access to the most haunted areas of this historic building. Together with our friendly team of investigators, you will join others on structured vigils, where you’ll have the chance to use some paranormal equipment and join in on group vigils such as Ouija board sessions, and seance.

Our event starts at 8.00 pm but you can arrive at the earliest 7.30 pm. Structured investigations will end around 12 am, at which point you will have the opportunity to investigate this location on your own using the techniques and information you have been provided with.

The event is an optional sleepover event, if you choose to sleep you will need to bring your own sleeping bags/bedding and beds with you.

You will have the chance to look around the hall before the event to familiarise yourself with its layout. Shortly before the event kicks off, we’ll run you through a quick induction and safety briefing, followed by a short talk and introduction from our team. You’ll then split into smaller groups with your family and/or friends if you’ve come together, and we’ll begin our vigils for the night!

If you have your own paranormal equipment we encourage you to bring it, if not we can provide them free of charge. Snacks, refreshments, and treats will be provided at intervals throughout the night, and we’ll have facilities to make hot and cold drinks too.

We do endeavour to have mediums and sensitives with us for every event, although circumstances out of our control can sometimes prevent this. Anybody that has sensitive abilities we encourage you to come forward, as it only increases the energy and enjoyment for all in attendance.

To get the most from the evening we encourage you to try your hand at as many things as you can, and if you’re feeling particularly brave you should give a lone vigil a try, as well as joining in with our table tipping experiments as we try to commune with the spirits and ghosts of the building.

Please dress weather appropriately, with extra layers of clothing if it’s cold, plus comfortable shoes and a torch if you need one.

Hotels Near Vane Tempest Hall

Located in the small historic town of Gilesgate, there aren’t many affordable options nearby for accommodation.

See below for recommended accommodation:

Booking.com