Peterhead Prison
Peterhead Prison Museum
View on Google MapsPhoto: Peterhead Prison Museum
About Peterhead Prison
Step inside Scotland's most notorious former jail to discover 130 years of harsh prison life through original cells, exercise yards and fascinating exhibitions suitable for all ages and abilities.
What's nearby
- The Slammer Recording Studio next door
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Free street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Facilities
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
Had an excellent tour with David today! He was so informative and answered all of my questions. Very interesting tour and worth the trip!
· via Google
Fab museum. Really friendly staff and the kids loved the headsets with information. They said it was much better than trying to read everything 😂. We loved Beautiful Ben in the kitchen, some of the mannequins where amazing
· via Google
Visiting Peterhead Prison Museum with my partner turned out to be one of those experiences that really surprised us in a good way. We went in not knowing exactly what to expect, but it quickly became clear this wasn’t your typical museum visit. What makes it stand out is how authentic it feels. You’re not just looking at displays behind glass, you’re actually walking through the prison itself, seeing the cells, corridors, and everyday spaces up close. It gives you a much clearer sense of what life would have been like, both for inmates and the officers who worked there. The storytelling is really well done too. There’s a good mix of facts, personal stories, and historical context, which kept us both engaged the whole way through. My partner and I found ourselves stopping to chat about different parts as we went along, which always feels like a sign of a good place to visit. It’s clear the museum has been put together with care. Nothing feels overdone or forced, and that helps the experience feel genuine rather than overly touristy. You can take your time exploring and really absorb the history at your own pace...
· via Google
The prison tour was really good, you were able to see the living conditions of the prisoners and the jobs they used to work around the prison. There were some hard things to see in terms of their punishments and surprising that this continued through into the 2010’s + before the prison closed down
· via Google
Visitors say this museum offers a very interesting and informative self-guided audio tour that provides an authentic insight into prison life and history. They also highlight the friendly and knowledgeable staff, including former prison officers who share personal stories. Guests mention the cafe serves good food, including soup and pastries, and is dog-friendly.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- South Road, Peterhead, AB42 2ZX Get directions
- Category
- Sightseeing & Attractions
- Guest rating
- 4.8 / 5 (2,117 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Suggested visit
- 1-2 hours
- Setting
- Indoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Peterhead