Buckingham Old Gaol Museum
Discover Buckingham's history in a former prison, featuring a rare medieval coin and a captivating clock exhibition.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Hear the clocks chime!
Buckingham Old Gaol Museum
Best Time
Hear the clocks chime!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Buckingham's history in a former prison, featuring a rare medieval coin and a captivating clock exhibition.
"A fascinating compact building showing history through time with great displays and friendly staff."
🎯 Catch the Clock Chimes
Time your visit to hear the hourly clock chimes – a unique experience!
🚗 Parking Advice
Use the Waitrose car park nearby; it's affordable and a short walk.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 185 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Buckingham Half-Angel Coin
Exhibition Room
See one of only seven known rare gold coins from Richard III's reign, the only one on public display.
Historic Gaol Cells
Ground Floor
Step inside former prison cells, now housing fascinating exhibits on Buckingham's past.
Clock and Watchmakers Exhibition
Main Exhibition Area
Experience the ticking and chiming of historical clocks, a highlight for many visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Clock Chimes
Accessibility and Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Catch the Clock Chimes
Time your visit to hear the hourly clock chimes – a unique experience!
🚗 Parking Advice
Use the Waitrose car park nearby; it's affordable and a short walk.
⏳ Quick Visit
Allow about 45 minutes to an hour to explore this compact museum.
💰 Reasonable Entry Fee
Enjoy the history for a very reasonable £4-£5 per adult.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Catch the Clock Chimes
Time your visit to hear the hourly clock chimes – a unique experience!
🚗 Parking Advice
Use the Waitrose car park nearby; it's affordable and a short walk.
⏳ Quick Visit
Allow about 45 minutes to an hour to explore this compact museum.
💰 Reasonable Entry Fee
Enjoy the history for a very reasonable £4-£5 per adult.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Engage with the lovely, informative staff for a richer experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Buckingham Old Gaol Museum to be a charming and informative small attraction, offering a glimpse into local history and a unique clock exhibition. The reasonable entry fee and friendly staff are frequently praised, though the lack of disabled access is a notable drawback for some.
"built in 1748, originally served as a prison and was funded by Richard Grenville Temple, Lord Viscount of Cobham. Its construction, with crenellations and arrow-slits, was intended to resemble a castle, reflecting Buckingham's ambition to regain its status as the county town and host the Summer Assizes.
In the museum they have, The Buckingham half-angel coin which is a rare gold coin from the reign of Richard III, minted between 1483 and 1485. It's one of only seven known examples and is notable for being the only one on public display. The coin was discovered near Buckingham by a metal detectorist and is now housed at the Buckingham Old Gaol Museum.
Only a small museum, but for £5 we thought it was great."
Pete / Hel
"Well worth a visit. Very informative staff, great information at hand and a easy visit. Loved this town and the Old Gaol."
Paul
"The Old Gaol is located right in the middle of Buckingham. There is a nearby car park which is cheap to park in. I believe this is the only museum here in Buckingham.
Stairs involved. No disabled access.
The Old Gaol combines a museum about Buckingham. You can enter several of the gaol cells which now has exhibits.
There is information about The Salvation Army and a room dedicated to Flora Thompson, both on the ground floor.
Toilet facilities available in the basement.
This is a small attraction and shouldn't take you more than 45 mins to look around.
Also opposite the front reception is town information office."
Jan-Fei Li
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located right in the middle of Buckingham High Street. It's easily accessible by car, with the Waitrose car park being a recommended nearby option for affordable pay-and-display parking.
Yes, there is a car park by Waitrose which is a short 5-minute walk away and offers reasonable prices.
While not explicitly mentioned in the provided content, Buckingham is about an hour and a half drive from London, making it a feasible day trip for those interested in historical sites. +1 (Note: These TikToks refer to Bicester Village, but indicate travel time from London).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is open on bank holidays, and the Tourist Information Centre is also open. Specific daily hours are not detailed, but it's advisable to check locally or on their official channels.
Entry fees are very reasonable, typically around £4-£5 for adults.
Unfortunately, the museum involves stairs and does not have disabled access.
Information on advance ticket purchases is not readily available. It's generally a small attraction where tickets can likely be purchased upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore former gaol cells with exhibits, see the rare Buckingham half-angel coin, learn about local history including The Salvation Army and Flora Thompson, and enjoy the clock and watchmakers exhibition.
Most visitors find that a visit takes around 45 minutes to an hour, making it a perfect short stop.
Yes, toilet facilities are available in the basement of the building.
Yes, there is a small gift shop on-site where you can purchase souvenirs.
Yes, the museum is looking for volunteers. You can pop in between 11 am and 1 pm for a chat about opportunities.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly stated, photography is generally permitted in most museums for personal use, unless otherwise indicated by signage. It's always best to check on arrival.
The historic gaol cells, the exterior of the castle-like building, and the clock exhibition offer unique photographic moments.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit