Shrewsbury Prison

Step into authentic Victorian prison walls for immersive escape challenges and paranormal exploration.

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Shrewsbury Prison

Shrewsbury Prison is a Victorian-era dark tourism attraction and heritage museum housed within a decommissioned prison in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. The site offers immersive experiences including guided tours, escape rooms, and the world's largest escape game, Prison Break. Visitors can explore the historic prison cells, interact with costumed actors portraying officers and inmates, and participate in puzzle-solving challenges. The facility also features an on-site restaurant and is renowned as one of the most haunted prisons in the world, with ghost tours available.

A brief summary to Shrewsbury Prison

The Dana, Shrewsbury, SY1 2HP, GB
+441743343100
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
Mid ranged
Mixed
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

Wear comfortable clothing and trainers; you'll navigate stairs, corridors, and potentially tight spaces. Prison-issue jumpsuits are provided but worn over your own clothes.
Arrive early for check-in and safety briefings, especially for Prison Break experiences. The full 2.5-hour duration includes processing time before the 60-minute escape attempt.
Book online in advance; Prison Break runs on limited dates (typically 1st and 3rd weekends monthly), and sessions fill quickly during peak seasons.
Photography is encouraged at designated CELfie points throughout the prison, making it ideal for documenting your experience and sharing on social media.
If mobility is a concern, contact the facility directly before booking; while most areas are accessible, Victorian stairs between landings may present difficulties.

Getting There

Local Bus Service

Shrewsbury town centre is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the prison. Local buses operate frequent services from the town centre to nearby stops; journey time is typically 10–15 minutes depending on route and traffic. Bus fares range from £1.50–£3.00 per journey. Check local Shropshire transport schedules for current routes serving The Dana area.
Taxi or Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-share services operate throughout Shrewsbury. From the town centre, journey time is approximately 5–10 minutes, with typical fares ranging from £8–£15 depending on exact pickup location and time of day. Services are available 24/7, though peak-time surcharges may apply during evenings and weekends.
Private Vehicle with Public Parking

The prison does not provide dedicated on-site parking. Multiple public car parks are located within walking distance (approximately 5–10 minutes) in Shrewsbury town centre. Parking costs vary by location and duration, typically ranging from £1–£4 per hour or £5–£8 for all-day parking. Street parking is also available in surrounding residential areas, subject to local restrictions.
Walking from Town Centre

Shrewsbury town centre is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the prison, requiring a 20–25 minute walk. The route involves navigating town streets and some residential areas. The walk is relatively flat with standard urban pavements, suitable for most fitness levels, though luggage or mobility aids may make the journey less convenient.

Shrewsbury Prison location weather suitability

Any Weather
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Shrewsbury Prison

A Victorian Prison Transformed into Dark Tourism

Shrewsbury Prison stands as one of the United Kingdom's most distinctive heritage attractions, occupying a sprawling four-acre site within the historic walls of a decommissioned Victorian-era correctional facility. Built during the 19th century, the prison operated for generations before being reimagined as an immersive visitor destination. Today, it represents a unique convergence of authentic architectural heritage and contemporary experiential entertainment, drawing visitors who seek both historical insight and adrenaline-fueled adventure. The prison's transformation from a functioning correctional institution to a multi-faceted attraction preserves the authentic character of its original purpose while introducing modern interactive experiences. The Victorian architecture remains largely intact, with genuine cell blocks, corridors, and institutional spaces providing an undeniably genuine backdrop for all activities.

Immersive Escape Experiences and Puzzle Challenges

The site's primary draw is Prison Break, marketed as the world's largest escape game. This 2.5-hour immersive experience accommodates up to 250 participants simultaneously across the prison grounds. Upon arrival, participants are processed as inmates, issued orange jumpsuits and identification numbers, and inducted into a fully interactive scenario. The experience unfolds across the actual prison wings, requiring teams to solve puzzles, locate hidden clues, interact with costumed actors portraying officers and inmates, and navigate multiple escape routes within a 60-minute gameplay window. Beyond Prison Break, the facility offers two additional escape room experiences: The Cell and The Hole. The Cell is a 60-minute, fully immersive puzzle-based game set within a genuine prison cell, where participants work alongside an actual prison officer. The Hole presents an alternative challenge set in a pitch-black prison cell, relying on instinct and problem-solving rather than visual cues. Both experiences maintain the authentic prison setting while delivering distinct psychological and tactical challenges.

Guided Tours and Historical Exploration

For visitors seeking a more contemplative experience, guided tours conducted by former or costumed prison officers provide comprehensive historical narratives. These tours illuminate what daily life entailed for prisoners, officers, and visitors during the prison's operational years. The self-guided tour option allows independent exploration at one's own pace, with interpretive materials and signage throughout the grounds. Designated "CELfie" points are positioned throughout the facility for photography, enabling visitors to document their experience within the historic environment.

Supernatural Reputation and Ghost Tours

Shrewsbury Prison has earned international recognition as one of the world's most haunted prisons, attracting paranormal enthusiasts and curious visitors. The facility offers specialized ghost tours conducted during evening hours, exploring the reported supernatural phenomena and historical accounts associated with the site. For those seeking an extreme experience, the "Night Behind Bars" overnight event provides an 18-hour immersive stay within the prison, available exclusively to adults aged 18 and over.

Facilities and Visitor Amenities

The on-site restaurant serves hot and cold food, beverages, and snacks, with accessibility features including a fully accessible dining area and disabled toilet facilities. The vast majority of the four-acre site remains accessible to visitors, though the Victorian architecture includes traditional stairs between landings that may present challenges for those with limited mobility. Well-behaved dogs are permitted throughout the grounds. Public car parks are available nearby, though the prison itself does not provide dedicated parking.

Seasonal Operations and Special Offerings

The facility operates daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Prison Break experiences typically run on the 1st and 3rd weekends of each month, with sessions at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. Escape room experiences operate on weekends and holidays at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM, with a duration of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Seasonal promotions, including festive discounts and teacher appreciation offers, are regularly available.

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Unmissable attractions to see

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Shrewsbury Castle

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Montgomery Waters

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Experience the vibrant football spirit and modern comforts of Montgomery Waters Meadow, home to Shrewsbury Town FC in historic Shropshire.

The Darwin Centre

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Shrewsbury Abbey

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House Clearance Emporium

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The Quarry

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Lord Hill's Column

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Nightclubs & after hour spots

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Havana Republic

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Shrewsbury Prison

A brief summary to Shrewsbury Prison

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Local Bus Service

Taxi or Ride-Share

Private Vehicle with Public Parking

Walking from Town Centre

Shrewsbury Prison location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Shrewsbury Prison

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Shrewsbury Prison

A Victorian Prison Transformed into Dark Tourism

Immersive Escape Experiences and Puzzle Challenges

Guided Tours and Historical Exploration

Supernatural Reputation and Ghost Tours

Facilities and Visitor Amenities

Seasonal Operations and Special Offerings

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Ffridd Faldwyn, Montgomery

Plas Newydd Historic House & Gardens Llangollen

National Trust - Wightwick Manor and Gardens

Llangollen Bridge

Castell Dinas Brân

Xplore! Science Discovery Centre

Capel Y Groes (Chapel Cross)

Stafford Castle

Llangollen Motor Museum

St Mary’s Church, Nantwich

Cae-Llywd Bunker

Bantock House

Abaty Glyn Y Groes / Valle Crucis Abbey

Horseshoe Falls

World's End

Unmissable attractions to see

Laura's Tower

Shrewsbury Castle

Montgomery Waters

The Darwin Centre

Shrewsbury Abbey

Labyrinth Brings Harry Potter to Shrewsbury

House Clearance Emporium

Albert & Co Frankville

The Quarry

Lord Hill's Column

Haughmond Abbey

National Trust - Attingham Park

National Trust - Attingham Park Estate: Cronkhill

Wroxeter Roman City

Acton Burnell Castle

Essential places to dine

Royalist Restaurant

The Peach Tree

Chambers Restaurant

House of the Rising Sun

La Lanterna at the Old Vestry

Bombos

Lion + Pheasant Hotel

The Hayward Restaurant

La Dolce Vita

The Restaurant at Theatre Severn

Hickory's Smokehouse Shrewsbury

The Loopy Shrew

The Walrus Restaurant and Bar

The Exchange Pub & Restaurant

The Cote Kitchen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Parade Shops

Shrewsbury Duck Store

Vinegar Hill

The Enchanted Labyrinth Ltd

White Orchard

Maggie Mae's Vintage

Vinterior

TFA POP SHOP SHREWSBURY

Ella Cru

La Vie