Posterngate by Torchlight
Do you dare to visit the Roman remains in the dark? Immerse yourself in the eerie atmosphere with the archaeology illuminated by torchlight.
Join the ghostly Investigate Learning team on a special Halloween tour of the Posterngate and Southern Wall which lay hidden below ground. This tour contains all our usual historical facts and information - but dimly lit.
Halloween costumes and torches are encouraged!
The Posterngate site was uncovered during excavations in the 1970s. It was a small gateway that gave access to Roman Lincoln from the river. It is widely thought that the route was used by merchants and traders when Lincoln’s waterside was a bustling port. Today, all that remains is the gap in the impressive Southern Wall and the original flagstones of the entrance.
The tour begins at Lincoln Museum, followed by a short walk down to Saltergate where the remains lie behind an unassuming door in a vacant building. We will spend around 30 minutes below ground where we will tell you about the history of the site and highlight the interesting features that can be seen before giving you a chance to look around and read the display boards (bring a torch!).
Places are limited, please book in advance
Thursday 30th October 2025
1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm
£7 per person (under 5s are free)
What to expect:
The meeting place is in the entrance lobby at Lincoln Museum. The costumed guides will greet you here and check your booking. Please note that the archaeology displays at Lincoln Museum are currently closed for redevelopment, however, Muse Coffee Bar is open 11am-3pm for refreshments and light meals.
When all the attendees are gathered, the guides will lead the way to the Posterngate site. The walk is downhill and usually takes 10 minutes. There are two roads with pelican crossings and two small roads to cross. If you would prefer to avoid this walk please let us know in advance and we can arrange to meet you directly at the Posterngate site.
The Posterngate remains are below ground and only accessible by a flight of 17 steps. The steps are concrete and evenly spaced with a handrail. The floor for visitors is concrete and level. You will not be able to walk on the Roman floor during your visit. There are no barriers along the edge of the concrete floor and there is a small drop down to the uneven Roman floor so please take care not to fall off the edge.
This event is designed to be darker than normal and the overhead lights will not be on. There is no natural light underground. There will be battery operated lights and lanterns providing atmospheric light and illuminating the steps and ruins. You are welcome to bring your own torch.
There is very little background noise and the number of people on the tour is limited to 20 so it is not crowded or noisy.
The remains of the Roman wall are around 6 feet high. Natural minerals are present on the surface of the limestone and whilst these are not dangerous we advise you not to touch the walls.
The guide will stand on the Roman floor whilst they explain the site’s history and features and there will be time for you to explore the space (keeping to the concrete areas). There are boards with pictures and information about Lincoln’s history which you can spend time looking at.
You can stay for as long as you want and the guides are happy to answer questions and chat. You can take photographs for personal use. You do not have to stay until the end of the tour.
The tour ends at Posterngate. If you wish to walk back to the museum with the guides this is ok.
The guides will have costumes and makeup that is mildly spooky. They will not be in character or trying to scare participants. There is a life sized mannequin of a Roman soldier and a metal bust depicting an Anglo-Saxon lady on display.
Here at Lincoln Museum and Usher Gallery, we welcome all participants; if you still aren’t sure whether this event is accessible for you or someone you care for, please email us at investigate-learning@lincolnshire.gov.uk and we can discuss your access requirements.
Ticket options
Do you dare to visit the Roman remains in the dark? Immerse yourself in the eerie atmosphere with the archaeology illuminated by torchlight.
Join the ghostly Investigate Learning team on a special Halloween tour of the Posterngate and Southern Wall which lay hidden below ground. This tour contains all our usual historical facts and information - but dimly lit.
Halloween costumes and torches are encouraged!
The Posterngate site was uncovered during excavations in the 1970s. It was a small gateway that gave access to Roman Lincoln from the river. It is widely thought that the route was used by merchants and traders when Lincoln’s waterside was a bustling port. Today, all that remains is the gap in the impressive Southern Wall and the original flagstones of the entrance.
The tour begins at Lincoln Museum, followed by a short walk down to Saltergate where the remains lie behind an unassuming door in a vacant building. We will spend around 30 minutes below ground where we will tell you about the history of the site and highlight the interesting features that can be seen before giving you a chance to look around and read the display boards (bring a torch!).
Places are limited, please book in advance
Thursday 30th October 2025
1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm
£7 per person (under 5s are free)
What to expect:
The meeting place is in the entrance lobby at Lincoln Museum. The costumed guides will greet you here and check your booking. Please note that the archaeology displays at Lincoln Museum are currently closed for redevelopment, however, Muse Coffee Bar is open 11am-3pm for refreshments and light meals.
When all the attendees are gathered, the guides will lead the way to the Posterngate site. The walk is downhill and usually takes 10 minutes. There are two roads with pelican crossings and two small roads to cross. If you would prefer to avoid this walk please let us know in advance and we can arrange to meet you directly at the Posterngate site.
The Posterngate remains are below ground and only accessible by a flight of 17 steps. The steps are concrete and evenly spaced with a handrail. The floor for visitors is concrete and level. You will not be able to walk on the Roman floor during your visit. There are no barriers along the edge of the concrete floor and there is a small drop down to the uneven Roman floor so please take care not to fall off the edge.
This event is designed to be darker than normal and the overhead lights will not be on. There is no natural light underground. There will be battery operated lights and lanterns providing atmospheric light and illuminating the steps and ruins. You are welcome to bring your own torch.
There is very little background noise and the number of people on the tour is limited to 20 so it is not crowded or noisy.
The remains of the Roman wall are around 6 feet high. Natural minerals are present on the surface of the limestone and whilst these are not dangerous we advise you not to touch the walls.
The guide will stand on the Roman floor whilst they explain the site’s history and features and there will be time for you to explore the space (keeping to the concrete areas). There are boards with pictures and information about Lincoln’s history which you can spend time looking at.
You can stay for as long as you want and the guides are happy to answer questions and chat. You can take photographs for personal use. You do not have to stay until the end of the tour.
The tour ends at Posterngate. If you wish to walk back to the museum with the guides this is ok.
The guides will have costumes and makeup that is mildly spooky. They will not be in character or trying to scare participants. There is a life sized mannequin of a Roman soldier and a metal bust depicting an Anglo-Saxon lady on display.
Here at Lincoln Museum and Usher Gallery, we welcome all participants; if you still aren’t sure whether this event is accessible for you or someone you care for, please email us at investigate-learning@lincolnshire.gov.uk and we can discuss your access requirements.
Our payments are processed using : Barclays
