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Shrewsbury Prison Self-Guided Tour

4.8 (260)
Shrewsbury, GB
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Shrewsbury Prison Self-Guided Tour

4.8 (260)
Shrewsbury, GB
Share
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Discover the World's most interactive prison, Shrewsbury Prison, and embark on a self-guided tour that will engage and captivate you. Step back in time as you explore the Georgian era to the modern day behind these historic prison walls. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history and heritage of this 200-year-old institution. Enjoy the freedom to roam at your own pace, taking photos and selfies as you soak up the unique atmosphere. With a visitor guide and map in hand, use the sound boxes and information boards to uncover the secrets and stories of the prison. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a family looking for a unique day out, Shrewsbury Prison's self-guided tour promises an unforgettable experience. Come and uncover the hidden world behind bars.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 1 hours - 5 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Self Guided Experience
  • "Interactive prison tour"
  • "Immersive prison experience"
  • "Explore at your own pace"
  • "Learn the facts and history"
  • "Great day out for families"
  • All fees and taxes

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More about this experience

Introduction

Discover the captivating world of Shrewsbury Prison, the most interactive prison experience in the world. This historic site is committed to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the prison, providing visitors with an immersive journey behind bars. Built in 1793 and closed in 2013, Shrewsbury Prison holds over 200 years of intriguing history, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike.

What to Expect?

Embark on a self-guided tour that allows you to explore the entire prison at your own pace. With a duration ranging from 60 to 300 minutes, you'll have ample time to delve into the eerie atmosphere and capture memorable photos. Upon arrival, you'll be provided with a visitor guide and map to help navigate the prison grounds. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the prison by using the sound boxes scattered throughout the site. These boxes provide captivating facts and stories, adding depth to your experience. Knowledgeable staff members are also available to assist and answer any questions you may have.

Who is This For?

The Shrewsbury Prison self-guided tour caters to a wide range of visitors. Families with young children seeking a unique and educational day out will find this experience particularly enjoyable. The flexibility of exploring the prison at your own pace makes it suitable for all age groups. History enthusiasts and those with a curiosity about the justice system will be captivated by the insight into prison life from the Georgian era to modern times.

Why Book This?

Experience the thrill of stepping into a real prison and uncovering its secrets. Shrewsbury Prison offers an extraordinary opportunity to engage with history and immerse yourself in a world behind bars. With its interactive elements, including sound boxes and information boards, this tour provides a truly immersive experience that goes beyond a traditional museum visit. Whether you are a history lover or simply seeking an unusual and captivating excursion, Shrewsbury Prison has something for everyone. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure that will ignite your imagination and leave you with a deeper understanding of the penal system.

Good to Know

During your visit to Shrewsbury Prison, it is important to note that the tour is self-guided. This allows you the freedom to explore the prison as you wish, taking as much time as you need to fully absorb the atmosphere and history. The prison provides a visitor guide and map to assist you in navigating the grounds, ensuring you don't miss any important areas. With helpful staff on hand to answer questions and provide guidance, you'll have all the support you need to make the most of your visit. Prepare to be captivated as you step back in time within these atmospheric walls.

Reviews

Visitors who have experienced the Shrewsbury Prison self-guided tour have been enthralled by the authenticity and immersive nature of the experience. They commend the informative sound boxes and information boards, which bring the prison's history to life. Many visitors express how the tour surpassed their expectations, leaving them with a profound appreciation for the prison's rich heritage. The ability to explore at one's own pace allows for a truly personal and thought-provoking experience. Overall, reviews suggest that Shrewsbury Prison is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and engaging historical adventure.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Shrewsbury Prison

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 Selfies 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.

Admission Included

Reviews

(260)

4.8 (260)

williamjO9324JH

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.

241martynj

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

suscame

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.

Passenger813323

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.

Y6832WBcatherines

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!

U4477PRcarolh

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.

Hayley1950

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

JAO58

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

laurastorer86

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

Benty24

Great visit Kids loved it Easter Egg hunt was a bonus! Very interesting for adults too. Gives an interesting perspective on life in prison through the ages.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-07 09:20