Peterhead Prison Museum

Museum Overview

Peterhead Prison Museum is a former prison located in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. It operated between 1888 and 2013. It was designed to hold 208 prisoners, however, occupancy averaged 350 and peaked at 455 in 1911. Additional buildings were later built.

The prison has a history of poor conditions for its prisoners and it was referred to as “Scotland’s gulag, a prison of no hope”. It was reported in 2005 that electricity had only just been made available in all the cells and slopping out continued at the prison.

Today you can visually see what real prison life was like. You can step back in time and walk through 125 years of the prison’s turbulent history. You can listen to audio of officers speaking about their experiences as part of an audio tour that can accompany you on your visit.

Your sense of smell will be stimulated as you enter the laundry, shower block and hospital areas. The audio tour takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. There are no time restrictions so you can enjoy a visit at your own pace. Due to graphic content, 5 and under are not provided with headsets and ages 6 to 12 are at parental discretion.

Further Information Peterhead Prison Museum

Is there food and drink available?

There is a cafe serving food and drinks.

What are the main things to do?

One of the toughest prisons in the UK is now open to visitors with an audio tour and realistic sights and smells. There are toilets and a cafe.

What are the ticket prices?

Adults are £10 each, children 6.15 £5.50 and under 5 are free. Other pricing options including family tickets are available.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.