Shrewsbury Prison
Did you know that Shrewsbury Prison in Shropshire is a tourist attraction? Adults and older children can even participate in escape room-type games here and try and break out of prison, they also have a more family-friendly version. You can explore the prison on a guided or a self-guided tour and families are welcome here. You can tour the empty cells and exercise yard of this 18th-century jail that closed in 2013.
Things to do at Shrewsbury Prison
On the self-guided tour, you can explore the prison at your own pace. You will be given a visitor guide and a map before you set off. There are sound boxes dotted around that help you learn more about interesting facts and the history of the prison. There are also information boards.
At the prison, you can look around two prison wings that consist of nearly 200 cells and healthcare. You can see where prisoners met with people from outside and their two exercise yards where prisoners would go for daily exercise. You can even see the segregation area where prisoners were isolated from everyone else. There is even a condemned man’s cell where a prisoner would have spent his last days before being hanged.
If you want to learn even more then you can book one of their guided tours that are usually available every day. There is archery for kids and The Cell Escape room that is suitable for those aged 8 and over. You have an hour to escape your cell and the man that you really don’t want to be spending time with. If your kids are age 12 or over you can also take part in ICombat Laser Games, spend the night behind bars and they often have ghost tours.
Prison Break is a fully immersive experience for ages 12 and over only. The experience lasts for 2.5 hours and it will test your wits and skill. There are puzzles, hidden clues, helpful prisoners and hindering offices all waiting to test and see if you have what it takes to break out of a real prison. You will wear prison-issued jumpsuits and meet real prison officers in real cells in a real prison.
Important Information Shrewsbury Prison
Is there food and drink available?
There is a restaurant serving hot and cold food and drinks.
What are the main things to do?
Explore a recently decommissioned prison on self-guided or guided tours, plus escape room-type games, icombat, kid’s archery and more. There are toilets and a restaurant.
What are the ticket prices?
Prison Break £60 per person. Guided tours are £22 for adults and £14.50 for a child. A self-guided tour costs in advance £15 for an adult and £10 for a child. Other pricing options are available.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.
Is there parking?
There is parking nearby, charges may apply.
When are they open?
Shrewsbury Prison is open almost all year round. For up-to-date opening times please visit their website.
Dog friendly?
All well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Are they accessible?
