WHERE: True Crime Museum, Palace Court, White Rock, Hastings TN34 1JP
WHEN: Saturday 1st November 2025
TIME:7pm-1am
PRICE: £47 per person
DEPOSIT OPTION: £20 per person
👻Over 18s Only
👻Refreshments provided
👻Full use of our equipment
👻Small group sizes
👻Free time for you to investigate
The True Crime Museum in Hastings offers a uniquely visceral journey through the shadowy realms of criminal history. Nestled within a maze of seafront caves behind the Palace Court building at White Rock, the museum opened its doors in August 2014—conceived by curator Joel Griggs, who turned a lifelong fascination with crime into a creative enterprise after discovering the abandoned caves .
Origins of the Location
Originally part of the Palace Court Hotel (built 1885), the caves were excavated to house electric generators and a lift serving the luxurious hotel—among the earliest electrically lit buildings on Britain’s south coast . After the hotel closed in 1917 and the site passed through various incarnations—including military billeting, upscale apartments, and bohemian meeting-houses—the caves took on spiritual, theatrical, and even druidic uses before eventually falling to ruin .
A Museum with Macabre Marvels
Joel Griggs, supported by a £12,000 Start‑Up loan, began assembling a collection of chilling artifacts—many inherited from his father’s connections in law enforcement. Among the highlight exhibits are acid vats used by the “Acid Bath Murderer” John George Haigh, the actual lethal‑injection death‑bed, love letters from serial killer Richard Ramirez, Ted Kaczynski’s belongings, and undergarments worn by Rose West . Visitors can also explore thematic rooms like the “Cinema Cave,” where infamous offenders’ confessions echo through the stone walls .
Growth and Impact
Marking its tenth anniversary in July 2024, the museum has grown from a passion project into a significant tourist attraction, operating seven days a week and generating local employment . Over the years, it has introduced interactive attractions like crime‑scene dioramas, police bike photo‑ops, forensic‑science “crime labs,” and seasonal events such as Crime Walks, guest lectures, and family detective activities .
Atmosphere, Education, and Controversy
Set within thick‑walled sandstone caves, the museum’s atmosphere is deliberately brooding, enhanced by dramatic lighting and chilling audio experiences . While some may find its content gruesome or unsettling, the museum aims to approach true‑crime stories with thoughtfulness and education rather than sensationalism . It works with local police and victim‑support groups to highlight the real‑world impacts of crime, particularly through school visits and group tours .
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In sum, the True Crime Museum stands as a fascinating blend of historical location, sensational artifacts, and educational ambitions. From its origins as a derelict cave system behind a Victorian hotel to a vibrant hub of dark tourism, it has captured local attention and sparked wider interest as a one‑of‑a‑kind cultural landmark in Hastings
HISTORY
🏛️ Origins in Abandoned Caves:
Located behind Palace Court at White Rock, the museum occupies a network of Victorian-era caves originally excavated in 1885 to house generators and a lift for the Palace Court Hotel. After serving various roles—including a druidic meeting place and storage—the spaces fell into disuse until Joel Griggs discovered them in 2014 .
🎯 Passion Project Turned Public Attraction:
Joel, a lifelong true-crime enthusiast, launched the museum in August 2014 with a modest £12 000 Start-Up loan. He began assembling artifacts—often obtained via his father’s police connections—from notorious figures like the “Acid Bath Murderer” John Haigh, Ted Kaczynski, and U.S. serial killer Richard Ramirez .
🔍 Unique Exhibits and Atmosphere:
The museum’s subterranean layout enhances its macabre ambience. Highlights include a genuine lethal-injection chair, Haigh’s acid vats, death masks, confession audio in the “Cinema Cave,” and forensic-style hands-on crime labs. Themed events—such as crime walks and guest-speaker evenings—add interactive engagement .
🎉 A Growing Landmark:
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in July 2024, the museum has become a local attraction operating year-round. It offers expanded exhibits like Rose West’s undergarment and an Essex Boys murder diorama, plus photo ops such as riding a police motorbike. Its presence has generated jobs in Hastings and broadened its educational outreach with school trips and police collaboration .
In just a decade, the True Crime Museum has evolved from a cave discovery into a distinctive, educational, and slightly chilling cultural destination on Hastings’ seafront—delighting crime buffs and curious visitors alike.
REPORTED ACTIVITY
Footsteps have been heard when no one else is in the room.
Shadow figures have been seen particularly around the Death Chamber and Death Bath exhibits.
You may also like the following events from Paranormal Presence Investigations:
- Next month, 13th September, 08:00 pm, Leap Castle Ghost Hunt. PRIVATE EVENT, INVITE ONLY in Offaly
- Next month, 20th September, 08:00 pm, Dolls House Sleepover Ghost Hunt in Sheerness
- Next month, 27th September, 08:00 pm, Margam Castle Ghost Hunt in Kenfig Hill
Also check out other
Meetups in Hastings,
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Hastings,
Business events in Hastings.
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