Peterhead Prison Museum

Peterhead Prison Museum Discover Scotland's Dark Past at Peterhead Prison Museum. A must visit location that inspires people, educating, engaging & immersing visitors.
(484)

Visit the Refuge Cafe, no entry ticket required! 10AM-3PM!

🔍 Guess the CellA bed, washbasin and a few personal belongings—but life is still lived within the same four walls.Compar...
07/09/2026

🔍 Guess the Cell

A bed, washbasin and a few personal belongings—but life is still lived within the same four walls.

Compared with earlier cells, this space reflects changing standards and a greater focus on basic welfare.

Which era of prison life does this cell represent?

Leave your guess in the comments. 👇

This cell does not represent Peterhead Prison. It is included for educational purposes to explore how prison life and conditions have changed over time.

Something terrifying is coming to Peterhead Prison…This Halloween, the lights go down and the prison becomes the setting...
05/09/2026

Something terrifying is coming to Peterhead Prison…

This Halloween, the lights go down and the prison becomes the setting for a series of cinematic nightmares.

Reel of Terror is a 40-minute immersive horror experience created in partnership with Red Brick Theatre, combining live performers, theatrical effects and fear waiting around every corner.

There’s no screen to protect you. No pause button. And once you enter, the only way out is through.

📅 30 October–1 November 2026
⏰ Entry from 6.30pm
🔞 Recommended for ages 16+
🎟️ £25 per person

Who would you trust to walk through it with you? Tag them below… if they’re brave enough: https://ow.ly/oi1Q50ZJzqv

OFF SCREEN. BEHIND BARS. REAL FEAR.

🔍 Guess the CellFurniture overturned. Belongings scattered. Control lost.This cell captures the aftermath of disorder be...
01/09/2026

🔍 Guess the Cell

Furniture overturned. Belongings scattered. Control lost.

This cell captures the aftermath of disorder behind bars—but what type of cell does it represent?

Leave your guess in the comments. 👇

Answer revealed soon… 🔒

This cell does not represent Peterhead Prison. It is included for educational purposes to explore prison life and conditions across different eras.

⏰ LAST CHANCE — KIDS GO FREE ENDS TOMORROW!Summer might be coming to an end, but there’s still time to squeeze in one fi...
31/08/2026

⏰ LAST CHANCE — KIDS GO FREE ENDS TOMORROW!

Summer might be coming to an end, but there’s still time to squeeze in one final family adventure behind bars! 🔐

Our Kids Go Free Summer Offer ends tomorrow, giving you one last chance to enjoy FREE Prison Entry for up to two children aged 5–15 with every paying adult, while under-fives always visit free.*

Step inside real cells, explore historic prison wings and uncover the fascinating stories hidden behind the walls. Don’t miss your final chance to save this summer.

🎟️ Book your visit for tomorrow: https://ow.ly/igy750ZBWjV+

🏴 TRAVELLING TO SCOTLAND THIS BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND?Why not add a visit to Peterhead Prison Museum to your plans and expe...
28/08/2026

🏴 TRAVELLING TO SCOTLAND THIS BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND?

Why not add a visit to Peterhead Prison Museum to your plans and experience Scotland’s Toughest Jail?

Here’s your family itinerary behind bars:

🔐 ARRIVE
Step through the gates of the former prison and begin your journey into its fascinating past.

👀 EXPLORE
Walk the original prison wings, step inside real cells and discover what life was really like for prisoners and officers.

👮 UPGRADE YOUR VISIT
Make your experience even more memorable with a Saturday Guided Tour, hearing the stories of Peterhead brought to life as you explore.

📸 CAPTURE THE MOMENT
Before your release, grab a family photo to remember your visit to Scotland’s Toughest Jail.

Plus, our Kids Go Free Summer Offer is still running! Up to two children aged 5–15 receive FREE Prison Entry with every paying adult, while under-fives always visit free.*

Make Peterhead part of your Scottish Bank Holiday adventure.

🎟️ Plan your visit today: https://ow.ly/BGkT50ZBVJQ+

🍽️ LAST CHANCE TO MAKE THE MOST OF KIDS EAT FREE THIS SUMMER!Family adventures can work up quite the appetite… especiall...
26/08/2026

🍽️ LAST CHANCE TO MAKE THE MOST OF KIDS EAT FREE THIS SUMMER!

Family adventures can work up quite the appetite… especially after a few hours behind bars! This summer, kids can eat FREE* as part of our Summer Family Offer — perfect for refuelling before heading back out to explore. And don’t forget, Kids Go Free on Prison Entry too!** 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

So you can explore real cells, uncover fascinating stories and enjoy a family day out with even more value. ⏳ But hurry — the summer offer won’t be around for much longer: https://ow.ly/fFI150ZBW7L+


🔐 EXPLORE THE REALITIES OF PRISON LIFEA prison was more than cells, locks and bars. Behind the walls was a whole communi...
24/08/2026

🔐 EXPLORE THE REALITIES OF PRISON LIFE

A prison was more than cells, locks and bars. Behind the walls was a whole community of people working very different jobs to keep the prison running.

👮 Prison Officers maintained order and supervised prisoners throughout their daily routines.

🍽️ Kitchen Staff prepared meals for hundreds of people behind the walls.

🩺 Medical Staff cared for prisoners through illness and injury.

🔧 Maintenance Teams kept the prison functioning, from plumbing and electrics to repairs around the wings.

📋 Governors & Administration oversaw the day-to-day operation of the prison and the people within it. Each role offers a different perspective on what everyday life behind bars was really like.

Which prison job would you like to discover more about? 👇

🍎 TEACHERS DON’T FORGET YOUR CAN STILL GET A 25% SUMMER DISCOUNT!**There’s still time to make the most of your exclusiv...
22/08/2026

🍎 TEACHERS DON’T FORGET YOUR CAN STILL GET A 25% SUMMER DISCOUNT!**

There’s still time to make the most of your exclusive 25% off full-price Prison Entry & Guided Tours at Peterhead Prison for visits up to and including 1 September 2026.**

Explore over 125 years of history, join a Guided Tour or explore at your own pace! And why not bring the family? Kids Go Free on Prison Entry this summer too!** 🔐

From the Archives – Why Was This Prison Built? 🔐Peterhead Prison opened on 7 August 1888 as Scotland’s first purpose-bui...
20/08/2026

From the Archives – Why Was This Prison Built? 🔐

Peterhead Prison opened on 7 August 1888 as Scotland’s first purpose-built convict prison. Before it opened, male convicts undergoing probation were held at Perth and then transferred to prisons in England. Peterhead allowed these long-term prisoners to remain in Scotland.

But not only that, it was built to provide convict labour for the construction of Peterhead’s Harbour of Refuge. Prisoners quarried granite at Stirlinghill and helped build the huge breakwaters intended to protect ships during North Sea storms.

Address

South Road
Peterhead
AB422ZX

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441779581060

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Peterhead Prison Museum posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share