Shrewsbury Prison
Shrewsbury, Shropshire
About Shrewsbury Prison
Shrewsbury Prison is a unique heritage-led tourist attraction located in the heart of Shropshire, just a stone’s throw from Shrewsbury Train Station. Decommissioned in 2013, this historic destination now offers a wide range of tours, activities and events, providing visitors with a truly memorable day out behind bars.
Whether you’re fascinated by history dating back to the Victorian Era, seeking a thrilling adventure, intrigued in the paranormal or simply looking for a fun-filled day out, there is something for the whole family to enjoy at Shrewsbury Prison.
Things To Do at Shrewsbury Prison:
Guided Tour: Join an officer for an immersive tour of Shrewsbury Prison, a historical site filled with 200 years of rich history and heritage. Explore every inch of this captivating prison, experience what prison life was like and hear the stories about its inmates, including the notorious and the ghostly, who are said to reside within these very prison walls.
Self-Guided Tour: Equipped with a map, you’re free to explore the whole of Shrewsbury Prison at your own pace. Whether it takes you 1 hour or 5 hours, this prison tour is perfect for families with younger children. Wander through the prison grounds while reading informative boards that reveal fascinating insights into the site’s history.
And for film and TV lovers, there’s an extra treat! Go behind the scenes of some of your favourite productions. Did you know that The Stolen Girl, Time, Joan, Holby City and many more were filmed right here at Shrewsbury Prison?
Ghost Tour: For those brave enough, embark on a hair-raising journey through One of The World’s Most Haunted Prisons! As your very own officer leads you through the eerie prison, you’ll listen to chilling ghost stories that are guaranteed to give you goosebumps.
Escape Room: Choose between two adrenaline-charged escape rooms: The Cell or The Hole. Both are set in real prison cells! With just 60 minutes on the clock, you and your team will need to work together to solve a series of clever puzzles and break free before time runs out. Looking for an extra challenge? The Hole takes the experience to the next level. Set in a dark cell, you’ll rely on nothing but a torch and your wits to escape. What are you waiting for? The clock is ticking…
Prison Break: Challenge yourself to The World’s Largest Escape Game! Issued with your orange jumpsuit and ID card, you’ll be faced with a series of puzzles and challenges, which you’ll need to solve in order to make your way to freedom and out of the imposing prison gates. But beware, there will be some helpful prisoners and some hindering officers!
Facilities: Recharge after your adventure in our onsite restaurant, located in the original prison kitchen. Enjoy a variety of hot meals, snacks and drinks. Don’t forget to stop by the prison gift shop, filled with unique Shrewsbury Prison memorabilia, perfect for remembering your time behind bars.
Season Experiences: Shrewsbury Prison offers a range of exciting seasonal experiences throughout the year. Keep an eye out to see what’s coming up this year - you won’t want to miss it!
The World’s Most Interactive Prison
Shrewsbury Prison is known as The World's Most Interactive Prison. Since 2015, this heritage led tourist attraction aims to inspire, educate and engage visitors through immersive experiences. From fascinating Guided Tours with your very own Prison Officer to adrenaline-pumping escape rooms, there is something for the whole family at Shrewsbury Prison.
The 6th Best Dark Tourism Destination In The World
Shrewsbury Prison was recognised by BBC Radio 4 as The 6th Best Dark Tourism Destination In The World to visit alongside Auschwitz, Chernobyl and 9/11 Memorial. Since 2015, this 200-year-old, decommissioned prison has transformed into a heritage-led tourist attraction. From Ghost Tours to a Night Behind Bars to Paranormal Investigations, there are so many ways visitors can uncover Shrewsbury Prison’s rich and spooky history.
TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Award 2024
Shrewsbury Prison has been recognised in the 2024 Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for eight consecutive years as a result of receiving consistently great reviews from visitors. The prison offers a wide range of tours, activities and events for all ages. From our exciting Kids Archery to our adrenaline-charged escape rooms, these activities are perfect for entertaining the younger ones. Please check our website for age requirements.
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Dog Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
- Monday, 09:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday, 09:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 09:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 09:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 09:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 09:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 09:00 - 17:00
Pricing & Tickets
- Adult (18++) : £15.00
- Child (5-17) : £10.00
- Babies and Toddlers (0-4) : Free
General Admission:
Guided Tour - Adult: £22.00
Guided Tour - Child: £14.50
Self-Guided Tour - Adult: £15.00
Self-Guided Tour - Child: £10.00
Ghost Tour - All Ages (Aged 12+): £25.00
Escape Room - All ages (Aged 8+): £50.00 for 2 people
Prison Break - All ages (Aged 12+): £69.50
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Shrewsbury Prison by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Contact Details
Transport Information
Shrewsbury Train Station (SHR) is situated directly opposite Shrewsbury Prison. If you are travelling by train, exit the station and head up the steps on the path to the left, then cross over the train tracks using the Dana bridge.
Verification
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