tours of shrewsbury prison

Prison Tours

Home / Prison Tours

HERITAGE TOURS AT SHREWSBURY PRISON

Guided Tour

A Prison Officer shines light on what life was like for prisoners. Bringing the prison to life through a no-holds-barred tour.

Self-Guided Tour

Explore the whole prison at your leisure, take photos and CELLfies as you soak up the atmosphere of this amazing Victorian prison.

Shrewsbury Prison is the 6th Dark Tourism Destination in the World – come and discover and hear the tales of what lurks behind the high prison walls in the dead of night.

Opening Hours

Mon-Sun: 10am-5pm

Shrewsbury Prison The Dana Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 2HP

© Copyright 2024 | Shrewsbury Prison is part of Cove Group Ltd.

Designed & Built by Reech

Shrewsbury Prison Guided Tour

• Entry ticket to Shrewsbury Prison
• Entry/Admission - Shrewsbury Prison
• Shrewsbury Prison, The Dana, Shrewsbury SY1 2HP, UK
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• We are dog friendly
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 32 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• JoLeigh37 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience Really enjoyed the experience of breaking out of an actual prison cell. Being able to look around the prison afterwords was really interesting. Would highly recommend. Read more Written April 28, 2024
• MancJRG 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Prison visit - insightful experience! A great experience to get first hand experience of a prison, with some history and educational information. We wandered round on a self guided tour, but I think you get better insight on one of the guided tours. Read more Written April 28, 2024
• williamjO9324JH 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Half a day in Prison This was a very interesting visit and a view into prison life. There was plenty to read and it was easy reading. Occaisonal subtle humour as well. Some very good history about the gaol and former inmates. Read more Written April 23, 2024
• philipac2014 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Good and bad parts to the experience The prison experience itself was so interesting. We really enjoyed roaming around the prison and soaking up the history of the place. Lots to see, read and hear. We all said how we had a great time and could have spent a lot longer exploring. Sadly, the escape room element was a let down. We were led into the room, no back story or any information to make it fun and interactive. Once the door was shut, we soon discovered that the end goal we needed to reach was broken, so we escaped within 2 minutes. The member of staff told us “oh well, you need a code, so call when you find it.” Clues were worn and not easy to read and it just felt a bit lifeless with no energy. It could have been a truly fun time but sadly didn’t hit the mark. Just a little kindness on the phone from staff would have been appreciated too. It’s difficult to get through on the phone lines to talk to someone. We were running late due to road closures. When I called, I spoke to a young lady who wasn’t helpful at all. I did feel I was being a burden asking questions only to be told if you’re not here, you’ll have to book for another day. Though when we did arrive, every other group had turned up late too. Anyone coming on a weekend, allow extra time to navigate the closed roads and to find parking. Read more Written April 22, 2024
• 241martynj 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Pretty good, but you get moved along for 'Guided tours' which ruins the whole experience It was good, however several things ruined it for us..... Firstly, it isn't obvious which way you go to get into the prison as we ended up around the side and back of the building as did a few other couples because no one put the barrier across to prevent this from happening. We then got rescued as we had no idea where we were, but the girl came across as a little rude? Secondly, and worst of all, there is a guy there that is dressed as a security guard doing the guided tours. He kept moving us on as the 'guided tour' was coming. Well, excuse me, we had paid just like everyone else. This happened a couple of times and we felt rushed all the way through. The guided tours seem to take priority over the self guided tours. The saving grace was the cakes in the restaurant at the end. They were absolutely delicious! Sadly won't recommend to anyone due to us being moved along several times. We were that disappointed that we were going to ask for our money back, but didn't bother in the end Read more Written April 21, 2024
• suscame 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Going “inside” for the first time We weren’t sure what to expect, but thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Only negative was we had trouble finding the door to get in. Other people outside told us they had struggled to find the entrance door too. We did not do a guided tour, as we wanted to just take the time we needed to digest the information and aura of the place. Enjoyed exploring all the nooks and crannies. It gave us a good idea of what the prison must have been like. We felt a bit like we were on the film set of the old TV show Porridge. I couldn’t go to the top floor due to my vertigo (my partner did) but saw everything else. The cafe did a nice coffee and cake, and there were plenty of toilets about. So glad we did this. We saw some people in the town that were disappointed that the castle was shut on Thursdays. After we spoke to them they decided to go to the prison instead. Only thing that could have enhanced the visit more would have been a few more detailed room sets. However it was excellent value for money, and we would recommend a visit to anyone hesitating over the decision. Read more Written April 19, 2024
• Passenger813323 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Self Guided Tour The staff were very welcoming and we were supplied with a map and where to start. It is simple map however some signs of where you go next on walls would help. It may be down to my map reading skills but had trouble to get out.Having said that it is a prison. Information in each section excellent Enjoyed the visit even with a large school visit present at the same time. . Maybe it would of been better with a guided. Read more Written April 18, 2024
• Y6832WBcatherines 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Absolutely fantastic day out with the kids. I took my five young children and they absolutely loved it! The only down fall we had was the cafe…..we waited nearly 30 minutes (me standing at the till) and wasn’t even acknowledged 🙁 so we got up and left….quite stressful with five young children all hungry and inpatient. Apart from this the actual prison tour was amazing, the kids loved it and I would definitely do again! Read more Written April 11, 2024
• U4477PRcarolh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles We had a lovely self guided visit to the prison. We chose the self guided tour because I doubt we'd have managed to keep up with a guided tour. Reason being we're both getting on a bit and hubby uses a stick and I use a walking trolley aid. We found the stair lift but couldn't manage to get it to work. Not really a problem because my walking aid would have still had to be taken up the stairs somehow. I'm not one to be beaten though so I decided that I could manage to drag my trolley up the stairs with the help of hubby lifting from below. We were offered lots of help from the lovely visitors and for that I can't thank all of them enough. We got up to the first landing in the end......which is where I wanted to go because the information up there was first class. I found the execution room to be very sad and thought provoking....and then we moved onto the narrow walkway of C-wing. This wing is said to be haunted, with one cell in particular where you are invited to enter. The "grey lady" has been reported to have been seen heading towards the execution room on very many occasions by very many people. Hubby went into this cell first and then told me to walk to the back of the cell. It did feel quite cold at the back but I put it down to the thick stone outer walls and didn't think anymore of it........but I did bless the "grey lady" and told her that I hope she's resting in peace no matter who she is or what she did. Hubby said he came out with a headache. . The only way down to the ground floor from C-wing was either down the steep set of iron grid steps or to re-trace our steps back to where we came up. I assessed the stairs and decided that I could bump my trolley down by one step at a time while holding onto the hand rail. I soon found out that the iron staircase was difficult to move my trolley wheels on and I was beginning to panic a bit because I was getting stuck and couldn't go back up.....nor down! Suddenly a young lady appeared from nowhere and came bounding up the staircase and grabbed my trolley and guided me down in a calm and collective manner. She saved my bacon and as quickly as she arrived she disappeared......and she was dressed in a grey sweatsuit! Make of it what you will but on that day she was most definitely my lady in grey and helped me when I most needed it. Ok, I saw her later with her family and I thanked her again but it was so odd how suddenly she appeared when I most needed help. If that young lady gets to read my review she'll know who she is and I thank her once more. All in all.......I can recommend a visit to this prison but be aware if you use either walking aids or chairs etc....plan ahead and check out which areas are mobility friendly. I also have to mention the car parking. We tried to park in the car park opposite the prison and not only is it very expensive but we couldn't see any disabled parking . We ended up parking on the road which was allowed because of the blue badge scheme. Read more Written April 10, 2024
• Hayley1950 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A great family day out A great experience. Jade on reception was so helpful and friendly she made our 9 yr old granddaughter feel very special The staff in the restaurant were very friendly too. We did the self guide tour which was good but signage could have been better Read more Written April 10, 2024
• A4419QZsarahl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Our guide was really lovely and so knowledgable Our guide was really lovely and so knowledgable, the escape room game was quite hard we needed a few clues, child friendly, Read more Written April 9, 2024
• JAO58 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Father and daughter day out Just nice to have a day out with my grown up, married with two cracking daughters of her own, so for something different like prison. Never been in prison and after our visit certainly wouldn't want to. Worth going if you want to show ones who play up lol Read more Written April 8, 2024
• laurastorer86 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Shame the attitude of the young girl let the place down Great to see the prison again since it has closed. (Self guided as we are ex-staff) Shame to see it is in such a state of disrepair though and worse than that was the young lady's attitude at book-in desk. She really had sass and put a downer on our visit. There is so much more they could do woth this place Read more Written April 8, 2024
• Oldgoldwolf 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Educational but sobering What a sobering experience this was seeing how prisoners were kept locked up as recently as 10 years ago. We did a self guided tour then the cell break. We weren’t very good we didn’t escape. A very illuminating visit though. Read more Written April 8, 2024
• StephenW150 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Night Behind Bars Our Tour Guide Dan was excellent and kept the group engaged and hanging on his every word. The overnight stay in the cell was a great and unique experience. Highly recommended Read more Written April 6, 2024

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Shrewsbury Prison Guided Tour

In the shadow of the imposing stone walls of Shrewsbury Prison, visitors are transported back in time on a guided tour that peels back the layers of history within its confines.

As the echoes of past footsteps reverberate through the corridors, the stories of those incarcerated within its walls come to life, painting a vivid picture of the harsh realities faced by prisoners.

But what secrets lie hidden within these ancient halls, waiting to be uncovered by curious minds?

• Explore 200 years of Shrewsbury Prison’s history with an ex-officer guide.
• Gain in-depth knowledge of crime, punishment , and capital punishment .
• Immerse in the eerie yet captivating atmosphere of the prison.
• Experience a small-group tour with accessibility for all visitors.

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Birmingham Civil Rights Tour- Riding & Walking
• The Birmingham Ghost Walk – Hotels Churches and Riots Tour
• Historical Highlights of Birmingham
• Discovering Birmingham 2 Hour Walking Tour to the Jewellery Quarter

Tour Overview

Set out on a unique and captivating journey through Shrewsbury Prison with an ex-prison officer as your guide for a fascinating insight into the institution’s 200-year history, tales of crime , and the chilling realities of capital punishment .

Visitors will explore the historical insights and prison life experiences within the walls of this renowned facility. From gripping crime stories to understanding the harsh realities of capital punishment, the tour provides a comprehensive view of the darker side of society.

As guests walk in the footsteps of ex-convicts, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and struggles faced within these walls. This immersive experience promises to be both educational and eye-opening, shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of the justice system.

Included in the Shrewsbury Prison guided tour package is the assistance of an expert guide and the entry ticket to the historical prison facility.

The expert guide will provide historical insights into the prison’s 200-year history, offering visitors a glimpse into the tales of crime and capital punishment that took place within its walls. Through engaging storytelling, visitors will learn about the infamous inmates and daring escapes that have marked the prison’s past.

Crime stories will come to life as visitors follow in the footsteps of ex-convicts, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and harsh realities faced by prisoners. This inclusion ensures that visitors have a comprehensive and immersive experience during their tour of Shrewsbury Prison.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Visitors participating in the Shrewsbury Prison guided tour will meet their expert guide at the designated meeting point located at Shrewsbury Prison, The Dana , Shrewsbury SY1 2HP , UK.

Here are some helpful tips to enhance your visit:

Parking Options: Visitors can utilize the on-site parking facilities available at Shrewsbury Prison.

Local Dining Recommendations: After the tour, explore nearby dining options like The Peach Tree and The Armoury. Enjoy a meal and discuss the intriguing insights gained during the tour.

Meeting Point Convenience: The meeting point is easily accessible by public transportation, ensuring a hassle-free start to the tour.

Tour Last Words: The tour will conclude back at the meeting point, providing a convenient ending to your prison exploration.

Expectations and Additional Information

When preparing for the Shrewsbury Prison guided tour, guests can expect to explore a world rich with historical narratives and immersive experiences. The visitor experience at Shrewsbury Prison is unparalleled, offering a unique opportunity to uncover the secrets of its 200-year history.

Throughout the tour, you will gain fascinating historical insights into the tales of crime, punishment, and the lives of past inmates. The atmosphere within the prison walls provides a haunting yet captivating backdrop for learning about the facility’s dark past.

With admission tickets included, guests can look forward to a well-organized visit that promises to be both educational and engaging. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the past, this tour offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

Logistics and Accessibility

As visitors step into the world of Shrewsbury Prison’s guided tour, they’ll find seamless accessibility for all, including wheelchair users , service animals , and those relying on strollers. The prison tour ensures inclusive experiences for every guest, making it convenient for everyone to explore the historical site comfortably.

Here are some key points to note:

• Accessibility improvements have been made to allow wheelchair users easy navigation.
• Service animals are warmly welcomed to accompany visitors throughout the tour.
• The meeting point is conveniently accessible via public transportation, ensuring a hassle-free arrival.
• The tour is designed to accommodate a maximum of 32 travelers, maintaining an intimate and engaging experience for all participants.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Shrewsbury Prison Self-Guided Tour
• From Canals and Victorians to Todays City: Birmingham Walking Tour
• Survival Escape Room Game in Birmingham
• Haunted Birmingham Outdoor Escape Game
• Birmingham Gangs Nighttime Historical Walking Tour With Pub Stops
• Shrewsbury Prison Escape Room – The Hole

Common questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Shrewsbury Prison Guided Tour?

Age restrictions vary by tour, but typically children under a certain age are not permitted due to the tour duration and content. It’s advisable to check with the tour provider for specific age guidelines.

Can Visitors Take Photos During the Tour?

Visitors can take photos during the tour, but they should adhere to the photography policy and tour etiquette. Respectful snapping is encouraged, ensuring a memorable experience for all. Capture the history and atmosphere with your lens.

Is There a Gift Shop at Shrewsbury Prison Where Visitors Can Purchase Souvenirs?

Yes, there is a gift shop at Shrewsbury Prison where visitors can purchase souvenirs. The shop offers a variety of items such as books, memorabilia , and unique gifts related to the prison’s history, providing a memorable experience for visitors.

Are There Any Special Requirements for Visitors to Wear Certain Clothing or Footwear During the Tour?

Visitors to Shrewsbury Prison should adhere to special requirements regarding appropriate attire and comfortable footwear . While there isn’t a strict dress code , following visitor guidelines ensures an enjoyable tour experience without clothing restrictions .

Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing Food or Drinks Into Shrewsbury Prison During the Guided Tour?

Food restrictions and drink restrictions are imperative during the tour. Visitors must refrain from bringing any outside food or drinks into Shrewsbury Prison. This policy ensures the safety and security of all participants and maintains the integrity of the experience.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Walking Tour: Civil Rights History -The Church, Children & Community
• Birmingham to Heathrow Airport Private Taxi Transfers
• Taste of Shrewsbury Food and Drink Tour With Guide
• Guided Tour of Street Art in Birmingham
• Birmingham Self-Guided Audio Tour
• Birmingham Private Walking Tour With a Professional Guide
• Pride History of Birmingham Tour
• Learn To Cook Indonesian – Native Indonesian Instructor
• Private Birmingham City Walking Tour
• Birmingham Airport to City Taxi Service
• From Birmingham Stonehenge and Bath Day Tour

Join us on a captivating journey through the intriguing past of Shrewsbury Prison with our unique guided tour. Walk in the footsteps of former inmates, uncovering tales of crime and punishment along the way.

With expert guides, seamless logistics , and wheelchair accessibility , this immersive experience promises to be both memorable and educational.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the 200-year history of this historic institution – book your tour today!

Similar Posts

Rome Mythology Private Tour for Families

Enjoy the captivating world of Roman mythology with the exclusive ‘Rome Mythology Private Tour for Families.’ Unveil the ancient tales…

French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour

Wandering through the French Quarter is like flipping through the pages of a living history book, each corner revealing a…

WALKING DINNER DELFT 3 Courses Incl. 3 Drinks and a Lot of Fun

Step into a culinary adventure where each bite is a brushstroke on the canvas of Delft’s gastronomic landscape with the…

Underground Catania

Deep beneath the bustling streets of Catania lies a hidden world waiting to be explored. Unbeknownst to many, this underground…

From Delhi : Private Day Trip to Haridwar and Rishikesh

Set out on a transformative journey from Delhi to the mystical realms of Haridwar and Rishikesh, where the sacred Ganges…

Trip to CAPTAIN NIKOLAS, Departing From Maceió by Edvantur

Set out on a journey to CAPTAIN NIKOLAS with Edvantur departing from Maceió, where travelers can discover a hidden gem…

Interactive Virtual Magazine

• Magazine Contacts
• Follow @Coach_ToursUK

Login or Register FREE Account

Forgot Password?

Shrewsbury Prison Tour

• Tour Details
• jailhousetours.com
• 01743 343100
• England, West & South West

Originally built in 1793 Shrewsbury Prison has stories from public executions and ghostly sightings to prison life and restorative justice & rehabilitation. Since 2015 Jailhouse Tours have operated the prison as a heritage led tourism attraction.

Guided and self-guided tours enable visitors to take in the history of this fascinating building as well as learning about prison life. Other tours and activities include interactive history days, Georgian tunnel tours, ghost tours, night tours, paranormal investigations, overnight sleepovers and escape rooms, educational tours and corporate events.

Whether you’re interested in the history of the building, criminal justice system, prison life or just want to know if a prison wing is ‘really like it looks on the tv’ then Shrewsbury Prison is a ‘must visit’ – walk in the footsteps of history.

Get Directions

This site uses some unobtrusive cookies to store information on your computer, these are in place to ensure that you receive the best possible experience when using the Coach Tours UK website.

Shrewsbury Prison

Plan your visit

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

• (0.11 mi) Station Hotel
• (0.10 mi) The Vaults
• (0.11 mi) The Albion Vaults
• (0.15 mi) St Nicholas Boutique Hotel & Spa
• (0.17 mi) The Albert Hotel
• (0.12 mi) Brooklyn Craft
• (0.11 mi) The Shrewsbury Coffeehouse
• (0.10 mi) Bird & Beer
• (0.10 mi) Glouglou Wine Bar & Shop
• (0.12 mi) Castle Thai

Shrewsbury Prison Ticket Portal

• Home Visit our homepage
• My Account Manage your details
• FAQs Got a question?
• Call us 01743 343100
• Email us [email protected]
• Visit our website http://shrewsburyprison.com

Self-Guided Tour

Explore at your own pace.....

If you’re looking for a day out with a difference, you’re in the right place. Explore the whole prison at your leisure, take photos and CELLfies as you soak up the atmosphere of this amazing Victorian prison. An ideal day out for families with young children who would like to investigate at their own pace.

You will be given a visitor guide and map, as you explore around the prison use the sound boxes to learn the facts and history of the prison. The information boards add a fascinating background detail to your visit with staff always available to point you in the right direction and answer any questions you may have.

Tickets & Entry

Visitors can visit at any time between 10am and 5pm, 7 days a week.

Tickets are valid for entry from 10am – 4pm 

• Wrap up warm its cold in the prison
• There is no time limit on Self Guided tour, you can wander the prison until closing time.
• Children are allowed on all tours 
• Shrewsbury Prison restaurant is open 10am - 5pm
• We regret we are unable to provide wheelchair access

Ticket options

• Self-Guided Tour - Adult Self-Guided Tour - Adult £15.00 0 30 max
• Self-Guided Tour - Child Self-Guided Tour - Child £10.00 0 30 max
• Self-Guided Tour - Senior Self-Guided Tour - Senior £13.00 0 30 max
• Self-Guided Tour - Student Self-Guided Tour - Student £13.00 0 30 max
• Self-Guided Tour - Disabled Self-Guided Tour - Disabled £13.00 0 30 max
• Self-Guided Tour - Blue Light Card Self-Guided Tour - Blue Light Card £13.00 0 30 max

Ticket covers 2 adults and 2 children

Ticket covers 2 adults and 3 children

You've selected 0 items

• Call us : 01743 343100
• View company information
• Registered Company Name : Shrewsbury Prison Ltd
• Registered Company Number : 09661411

Our payments are processed using : Payyo

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Accessibility Statement

I'm having trouble with my purchase!

Tell me more about DigiTickets!

Our website uses necessary cookies to complete your checkout.

We would also like to set optional cookies for analytics to help make improvements to the website and for marketing purposes. These will be set only if you accept below.

For more information please see our Cookie Policy within our Privacy Policy .

Accessibility options

Colour variations, enlarging images.

When viewing a Venue, all of the thumbnails can be enlarged by clicking on them. On mobile devices you can also zoom in further using touch gestures (pinch with two fingers to zoom in and out).

Map Options

Jailhouse tour, shrewsbury prison, shropshire.

Accessibility

Owing to the venue's historic construction, there is step-access to the prison's upper floor areas for visitors and to a number of areas on its ground floor. This includes in the vestibule corridor on entering the main Prison Building at the start of tour from the Prison Gatehouse and ticket office. Therefore wheelchair access on the ground floor may only be feasible with some manual assistance by a companion and not feasible at all in areas of the building which have more steps; see  https://www.shrewsburyprison.com/plan-your-day/accessibility/

Shrewsbury Prison museum's Ladies, Gents and Disabled Toilet facilities are to be found at a number of locations at ground floor level. 

There is also a fully disabled-accessible Restaurant are located on ground floor. 

Brief description

'Shrewsbury Prison' museum offers a variety of guided and self-guided tours and other interactive events, of  the former working prison known as 'The Dana' in Shrewsbury. The prison was built in 1793 by William Blackburn who was influenced in the design of this and many other prisons he built by the famous prison reformer, John Howard.  As a working prison, Shrewsbury Prison was operative for over 200 years until its closure in 2013. 

The museum has a wide variety of fascinating artefacts and memorabilia  of what life was like for in-mates and prison staff at the former prison, from Victorian times  onwards. It's guided tours are led by ex-prison officers. Visitors are able to explore much of the prison buildings including 'A' Wing which housed male prisoners and 'C' Wing which housed female prisoners. The tours take in the former prisoners' cells, the Reception where prisoners first arrived, the Governor's Office, Prison Healthcare Centre, Exercise Yards,  Prison Chapel, the Prison Visiting Block, Isolation Rooms and  the Execution Room which was in use until execution of prisoners was ended in Great Britain..

The museum offers visitors: self-guided tours, general guided tours, a range of other themed guided tours and a variety of other special, interactive/ participatory events - for further details including of age restrictions on the themed tours and special events, see link: What's On . 

 Ticket prices for self-guided and general guided tour (as at April 2021): 

Self-Guided tours (Timed tickets - duration 2 hours)  (Ticket price includes Map and visitor information leaflet). 

• Adults - £10 
• Children - £7 

General Guided tours  (Timed tickets - duration 2 hours) Ticket price includes for Tour Guide ). 

• Adults - £18 
• Children - £12.50

Shrewsbury Prison The Dana Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 2HP

Email link on Shrewsbury Prison museum website:  Contact - Shrewsbury Prison

01743 343100

https://www.shrewsburyprison.com/

By Road: Shrewsbury Prison museum is in Shrewsbury Town Centre, on Howard Street just off the A5191. The museum has a small car park opposite the prison ( SAT NAV:  SY1 2HP ). Additional parking can be found at Shrewsbury Train Station car park (pay & display) 50 metres/yards away from the prison entrance on Howard Street ( SAT NAV:  SY1 2LF ).

Opening Times

Usual Opening Times  - Open daily  10am - 5pm by  pre-booked  timed-tickets: website link to make bookings:  Tickets - Shrewsbury Prison   (excluding Christmas Day , Boxing Day and New Year's Day).  As at April 2021: Self-guided tours are available 10am - 5pm; general guided tours:  at 2pm daily Monday-Friday, at 11am and 2pm Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. 

The venue has been closed under National Government COVID-19 Regulations, but is due to re-open with some tours from mid-May 2021 and other events and other facilities subject to Government COVID-19 Regulations being lifted. . 

Visitors are advised to always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information on opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change.

By Train:  Shrewsbury Station is approximately 0.3 miles by road from Shrewsbury Prison museum. The Station has step-free access to all platforms - there is lift access available to platforms 3 - 7 inclusive (The lift to Platform 3 is accessible from the front of the station. The lift to Platforms 4 to 7 is situated at the end of the subway beyond the ticket barriers). The station is manned daily during opening hours  with the following facilities available: 

• Ladies, Gents and Disabled toilets - the disabled toilets (accessible by national 'Radar key') are located on platform 4A. 
• Refreshment facilities
• Wheelchairs .

No waiting room and no baby-changing facilities are available. 

Pedestrian routes from Shrewsbury Station to the museum: 

• The shortest pedestrian route from the Station to the museum (approx 2-3 minutes walk) is via a footbridge to Howard Street over the railway line adjacent to the station entrance - however this has stepped access-only to the path leading to the footbridge - this route is not accessible to Wheelchairs.
• Alternative pedestrian route  ( approximately 0.3 miles) - from the Station entrance , turn right onto the  A5191 main road bridge over the railway line leading to Castle  Foregates Street, then turn right into Howard Street on which Shrewsbury Prison museum is situated. (Caution: Howard Street is long and steeply sloped).

A taxi rank i s available outside the Station and journey by taxi to the museum ( 0.3 miles) may be more suitable for infirm or mobility-impaired visitors. 

Shrewsbury Prison museum is approximately 0.2 miles from Shrewsbury Bus Station. Bus services no. 2,24,25 and 64 stop near Shrewsbury Prison  (nearest bus stops: Shrewsbury Railway Station and near to the junction of Howard Street and Castle Foregate). 

• Restaurant - serving hot drinks, snacks and hot meals. Children's menu also available. 
• Children's 'Play-barn' set in the former Prison Gymnasium/Sports Hall. 

Nearest Venues

Shrewsbury Buttermarket (Entertainment Venue), Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Shrewsbury Train Station, Shropshire

109 metres*

Shrewsbury Castle, Shropshire

126 metres*

Shropshire Library - Shrewsbury, Shropshire

225 metres*

St Mary the Virgin Church, Shrewsbury

405 metres*

St Alkmund's Church, Shrewsbury

537 metres*

*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.