Shrewsbury Prison’s self-guided tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the intriguing history of this former correctional facility. At £45 per person, the tour provides access to both indoor and outdoor areas, allowing guests to explore at their own pace. Highlights include the executioner’s bedroom and engaging "cellfie" points, complemented by an informative audio guide. The venue’s wheelchair accessibility and onsite dining options ensure a welcoming and convenient experience. With flexible reservation policies, this tour promises a captivating journey through the prison’s past that may leave you eager to uncover more.
Good To Know
- Self-guided tour of the Victorian-era Shrewsbury Prison, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible reservation options.
- Explore indoor and outdoor areas, including the healthcare facility, segregation area, and the executioner’s bedroom for a unique historical experience.
- Enjoy audio guides in English and engage in photo opportunities at designated "Cellfie" points throughout the venue.
- The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and families, with staff assistance and an on-site museum featuring prison artifacts and memorabilia.
- On-site dining options, including a "Lifers Burger" inspired by the prison’s history, cater to various dietary needs for a complete visitor experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
What does a self-guided tour of Shrewsbury Prison entail? For K£452 per person, visitors can explore the historic 19th-century prison at their own pace.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve a spot without immediate payment. The experience is valid for 1 day, with availability for different starting times.
Guests will learn about the prison’s evolution from the Georgian era to the present day, with access to various indoor and outdoor areas. The venue is suitable for all ages, offering a unique opportunity to take in the facility’s past.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Shrewsbury.
Experience Highlights
Visitors can explore a real Victorian prison at their leisure, seeing the captivating history of Shrewsbury Prison.
From the Georgian era to modern day, the vast indoor and outdoor venue offers a range of experiences suitable for all ages.
Visitors can:
- Discover "cellfie" points, including pillories and height board mugshot opportunities, capturing unique and memorable moments.
- Explore the prison’s healthcare facility, where the medical needs of prisoners were attended to.
- Visit the segregation area, where isolated prisoners were held.
- Step into the executioner’s bedroom, where Albert Pierrepoint, the renowned executioner, once slept.
The tour provides a comprehensive and engaging experience, allowing visitors to explore the intriguing history of this historic prison.
Tour Features and Accessibility
The Shrewsbury Prison tour provides a range of accessible features to ensure all visitors can fully enjoy the experience.
Visitors are provided with a helpful guide and map to navigate the expansive venue. An audio guide in English is also included, allowing guests to learn about the prison’s history and intriguing details at their own pace.
The prison is wheelchair accessible, with staff on hand to provide assistance and information as needed.
Whether you’re seeking an engaging solo experience or a family-friendly activity, the Shrewsbury Prison tour offers an accessible and enriching exploration of this unique historical site.
Key Locations Within the Prison
Within the prison, visitors can explore a range of key locations that offer insight into the daily lives and experiences of its former inmates.
These include the reception area where prisoners were processed, the two prison wings containing nearly 200 cells, the healthcare facility that attended to the medical needs of inmates, and the visits area where prisoners could meet with outside visitors.
Other notable spaces include the exercise yards, the segregation area for isolated prisoners, the executioner’s bedroom where Albert Pierrepoint slept, and the condemned man’s cell where prisoners spent their final days before execution.
More Great Tours NearbyOnsite Museum and Memorabilia
Along With the tour experience, Shrewsbury Prison offers an onsite museum featuring a collection of artifacts from before the prison’s decommissioning. Visitors can explore the museum and learn more about the prison’s history and the lives of its former inmates. The museum showcases a variety of items, including:
| Artifact | Description |
|---|---|
| Prisoner Records | Archived records and documents |
| Inmate Art | Paintings and drawings created by prisoners |
| Historical Uniforms | Clothing worn by guards and staff |
| Execution Equipment | Tools and instruments used for executions |
The museum provides a deeper understanding of the prison’s past and offers a unique insight into the lives of those who lived and worked within its walls.
Dining and Refreshment Options
Shrewsbury Prison features an on-site restaurant that offers visitors a range of dining and refreshment options.
The restaurant serves homemade cakes, fresh coffee, and full meals, including the intriguing "Lifers Burger."
Visitors can choose from:
- A selection of hot and cold beverages, including tea, coffee, and soft drinks.
- A variety of homemade cakes and pastries, perfect for a mid-tour snack.
- A full menu of hearty meals, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.
- The signature "Lifers Burger," a unique culinary experience inspired by the prison’s history.
With these amenities, visitors can refuel and recharge during their exploration of the historic Shrewsbury Prison.
Arrival and Visitor Information
Visitors arrive at the main entrance of Shrewsbury Prison, where they’re greeted by a large welcome sign.
At the visitor centre, staff provide maps and activity booklets to help guide the self-guided tour. The prison is wheelchair accessible, and staff are available to offer assistance and information throughout the experience.
Visitors can explore the vast indoor and outdoor venue at their leisure, taking in the historical features and numerous "cellfie" photo opportunities.
The tour includes an audio guide in English, allowing visitors to learn about the prison’s history from the Georgian era to the modern day.
With free cancellation and the option to reserve a spot without immediate payment, the Shrewsbury Prison tour offers a flexible and immersive experience for all ages.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
Rounding out the Shrewsbury Prison tour experience, customers have left overwhelmingly positive feedback, with an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 6 reviews.
Visitors have highlighted their engagement and keen interest in the tour, praising the immersive experience of exploring a real Victorian prison.
Key highlights of the customer experience include:
- Learning the prison’s history from the Georgian era to the modern day
- Finding unique "cellfie" photo opportunities throughout the vast indoor and outdoor venue
- Appreciating the accessibility features, including a wheelchair-friendly layout and English audio guides
- Enjoying the onsite amenities like the museum, gift shop, and restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Visitors Allowed to Enter Prisoner Cells?
Visitors are allowed to enter and explore the prisoner cells during the self-guided tour. The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to step inside the cells and gain insight into the daily lives of inmates.
Can I Take Photographs Inside the Prison?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs throughout the prison, except in any restricted areas. Visitors should check with staff for any specific guidelines or limitations on photography during their self-guided tour.
Is There a Time Limit for the Self-Guided Tour?
The self-guided tour doesn’t have a set time limit. Visitors can explore the prison at their own pace, taking as much or as little time as they’d like to fully experience the highlights and facilities.
Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?
Pets are not allowed on the self-guided tour. The prison’s policy states that only service animals assisting visitors with disabilities are permitted. This measure helps maintain the safety and experience of all guests.
Is There Any Dress Code for Visiting the Prison?
There’s no strict dress code for visiting the prison, but comfortable, practical clothing is recommended. Visitors should avoid wearing anything too revealing or offensive, as the tour takes place in a serious historical setting.
Sum Up
Shrewsbury Prison’s self-guided tour offers a unique historical experience. Visitors can explore the prison’s most intriguing areas at their own pace, from the executioner’s bedroom to engaging "cellfie" points. With a wheelchair-accessible venue, onsite dining, and flexible policies, the tour provides a welcoming and hassle-free way to explore this captivating piece of local history.
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