About the Event
Join Spooky Paranormal Investigations for an evening paranormal investigation at The Long Shop Museum in Leiston, Suffolk.
This is a hands-on paranormal investigation rather than a theatrical ghost attraction. You’ll investigate different areas of this remarkable industrial heritage site using a range of paranormal investigation equipment and methods, with support from the SPI team throughout the evening.
SPI does not promise or guarantee paranormal activity. We do not use actors, staged scares or knowingly manufacture paranormal activity or evidence. We encourage guests to consider ordinary explanations and form their own conclusions about anything they experience.
Good to Know
Age18+
ExperienceNo previous experience required
EquipmentSPI equipment provided; your own is welcome
BringA torch, warm clothing and suitable footwear
About the Venue
The Long Shop Museum preserves part of the former Richard Garrett & Sons engineering works, which played an important role in the development of Leiston and became known for producing agricultural machinery, steam engines and other engineering products.
The surviving Long Shop was built in 1852 as a purpose-built assembly workshop for portable steam engines. Its distinctive layout includes a large central working area with upper galleries overlooking the shop floor.
Today, the museum preserves the industrial and social history of the Garrett works, the people who worked there and the machinery manufactured in Leiston.
Accessibility & Physical Access
The Long Shop Museum has accessible facilities and some level-access areas, but not every part of the SPI investigation is accessible.
The upper floor of The Long Shop can only be reached using stairs and is therefore not wheelchair accessible.
As a historic industrial site, other areas may include uneven floors, thresholds and features associated with historic buildings.
An accessible toilet is available throughout the event.
If you have mobility, accessibility or participation requirements, please contact SPI before booking. We can explain the areas expected to be used and discuss any reasonable adjustments that may be possible.
You do not normally need to provide a medical diagnosis — it is more useful to tell us about the barrier you may experience or the adjustment you require.
The museum also publishes its own Accessibility Guide 2026. Please remember that SPI’s after-hours investigation route may differ from the museum’s normal visitor route:
Areas We Investigate
Subject to venue, operational and safety requirements on the night, investigation areas are expected to include:
- The Long Shop
- The Loggia
- Richard Garrett Hall
The Long Shop has two levels.
Exact investigation areas may occasionally change. SPI will explain any restricted areas or venue-specific requirements during the event briefing.
What Happens During the Evening?
Guests will meet the SPI team, check in and receive an introduction and important safety and venue briefing.
You’ll normally be divided into smaller investigation groups and rotate through different areas during the evening.
SPI hosts will introduce different equipment, investigation methods and experiments and will support guests who have never investigated before.
There will be scheduled breaks during the evening.
Where venue rules, staffing, time and safety arrangements allow, there may also be opportunities for quieter or more independent investigation. This cannot be guaranteed and does not allow access to restricted areas.
Meeting Point, Parking & Base Area
Free parking is available in the museum’s main car park.
A member of the SPI team will meet guests outside reception for check-in.
The reception area will act as SPI’s base and break room throughout the evening.
Guests may leave coats, bags and other belongings in the base area, although personal belongings remain the responsibility of the guest.
Please arrive at the advertised time.
If you are running late, contact SPI as soon as possible. Where venue arrangements allow, we will normally try to accommodate arrivals up to approximately 15 minutes after the advertised start time, but late admission cannot be guaranteed once the investigation has begun.
Equipment, What to Bring & Refreshments
SPI provides a range of paranormal investigation equipment for guests to use and will explain how it works.
You may also bring your own paranormal investigation equipment. Please clearly identify your equipment and remain responsible for it during the event.
Please bring:
- a torch
- flat, sturdy footwear
- warm clothing and additional layers
- any personal medication or essential items you require
- your own investigation equipment if you wish
- snacks and non-alcoholic drinks if wanted
Investigation areas can become cold and unheated, particularly later in the evening and during colder weather.
SPI will provide tea and coffee.
Guests may bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, and a small SPI tuck shop may also be available.
Important Event Information
- This event is advertised as 18+. Please do not book for anyone under 18 without contacting SPI first.
- Alcohol is not permitted.
- Guests must not attend under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Follow instructions from SPI and venue staff and remain within permitted investigation areas.
- Please treat the historic buildings, machinery, exhibits and equipment with care.
- Smoking and vaping are not permitted within the museum. Anyone wishing to smoke or vape must leave the museum site and use the main-road area as directed.
- Personal photography and recording are permitted subject to venue requirements and SPI’s Photography & Filming at SPI Events Policy. Please respect guests who do not wish to be photographed or recorded.
- Mobile phones should normally be placed in flight mode during investigation sessions unless required for an essential reason. Please let your group know if this applies.
- If you need to leave the event early, please tell an SPI host so we can sign you out.
Before Booking
Please read the event information above carefully, particularly the Accessibility & Physical Access section before purchasing a ticket.
Your booking is subject to SPI's:
- Terms & Conditions
- Cancellation, Refund & Ticket Transfer Policy
- Guest Code of Conduct
- Age Requirements at SPI Events
- Accessibility at SPI Events
- Photography & Filming at SPI Events
Optional Refund Protection: XCover may offer separate third-party Refund Protection during checkout under its own terms. It does not replace SPI’s cancellation and refund policy or your statutory rights.
Questions about the event or whether it is suitable for you? Contact SPI before booking.
